Senator Perillo Statement on Resignation of DDS Commissioner Jordan Scheff

HARTFORD, CT—Senator Jason Perillo (R—Shelton), Ranking Member on the Human Services and Children’s Committees, responded to the news of DDS Commission Jordan Scheff planning to resign in June.

“I would like to thank Commissioner Scheff for his years of service to the Department of Developmental Services (DDS). However, his departure highlights a growing problem in state government: troubling reports about state agencies too often result in nothing more than a change in leadership, while the underlying issues remain unresolved. Too frequently, those promoted or appointed to leadership positions continue to fail were needed most.

At DDS alone, there were more than 4,200 abuse allegations and 15 deaths reported in a single year. That is completely unacceptable, especially when it involves those who need help most in our communities.

We have seen corruption and management concerns arise at DCF, PURA, CSCU, DAS, OPM, and other agencies. This points to a broader systemic problem. These leaders are gubernatorial appointees, and it is time for those appointments to receive greater oversight and scrutiny. We must do more to protect children, members of the IDD community, seniors, and all of our state’s most vulnerable residents.

I would like to wish Mr. Scheff well as he continues his career. This needs to be another lesson to the Governor and Legislature: how many departments will we allow to fail or be riddled with corruption issues before we make changes? The administration needs to be far more attentive.”

Photo: Ken Dixon/Hearst Connecticut Media