CT Senate GOP: Misuse of Low-Income Energy $$ Points to Need for CT Nonprofit Reforms

For Immediate Release 

Sen. Stephen Harding, Sen. Rob Sampson and Sen. Jason Perillo issued the following statement regarding Waterbury-based nonprofit agency New Opportunities Inc. acknowledging impermissibly using federal funds intended for low-income energy assistance to cover its operational expenses for the second time in the past decade.   (https://www.ctinsider.com/connecticut/article/new-opportunities-ct-liheap-home-heating-help-21257374.php)

“This is the latest in a long line of examples of what happens under one-party Democrat rule:

Accountability is ignored, taxpayer dollars are abused, scandals result, and struggling Connecticut families don’t get the help they need.

Republicans have repeatedly highlighted how Connecticut government’s ‘candy store’ is open.

Through the ‘candy store’, millions of taxpayers’ dollars get sent to nonprofits with little vetting and virtually no oversight.

Republican lawmakers have offered solutions to tighten oversight of public funding of the state’s nonprofits and close the ‘candy store’ permanently.

Now that this latest scandal has been brought to light, we urge majority Democrats and Gov. Lamont to join us in our reform efforts.

We do appreciate that DSS and OPM are serious about demanding accountability regarding this particular matter involving vital human services and heating assistance for vulnerable Connecticut residents.”