Sen. Sampson Opposes Democrats’ $500 Million ‘Slush Fund,’ Offers Amendment to Return Money to Taxpayers

Senior Deputy Senate Republican Leader Rob Sampson (R-Wolcott) today voted against legislative Democrats’ latest proposal to create a $500 million taxpayer-funded slush fund under the guise of emergency relief tied to the now-ended federal shutdown.

“Let’s be clear: nobody in this building wants people to go hungry or cold,” said Sen. Sampson. “But this bill isn’t about emergency relief. It’s about Democrats exploiting a federal shutdown to grow state government and perpetuate their obstructionist agenda against the president.

“The federal government reopened last night. There’s no longer a shutdown. If Democrats intended to use this half of a billion dollars for their stated purpose, they would agree that it’s no longer necessary. If we’re serious about helping people, we should be talking about returning this money to the taxpayers who need it most and not handing it over to the governor with nominal legislative oversight by a like-minded majority.

“My Democrat colleagues revealed their true intentions during today’s senate debate. Democrats repeatedly invoked President Trump and unrelated federal policies from months ago, confirming that this measure was more about making a political statement and obstructing the Republican majority agenda in Washington –not about addressing any real emergency,” he said.

Sen. Sampson offered an amendment to instead return the $500 million directly to Connecticut taxpayers, which would provide between $300 to $400 dollars in individual relief. The amendment was defeated on a party-line vote.

“This is a dangerous precedent—creating massive funds with no transparency, no accountability, and no actual emergency,” said Sen. Sampson. “It is amazing that Senate Democrats could say ‘no’ to returning money to struggling taxpayers, money that is much needed in a state with the third highest electric rates, third highest taxes, and the highest debt per person. The people of Connecticut deserve better.”

Background on HB 8003:

• Withdraws $500 million intended for the state employee and teacher pension systems to fund entitlement programs like SNAP, WIC, and LIHEAP as the federal government now resumes its funding operations.
• Grants spending authority for related programs and needs to the governor through Feb. 4, 2026.
• Strips the full legislature of budgetary oversight during that period—only six legislative leaders have any check via a majority vote of disapproval.