PROUDLY SERVING THE 18TH DISTRICT
State Senator Heather Somers
Senior Deputy Republican Leader
Heather Somers, elected in 2016, represents Connecticut’s 18th district. She is a Chief Deputy Senate Republican Leader and serves as Ranking Member of the Public Health Committee and the Appropriations Committee. Heather has been recognized as a champion of important initiatives in health care, tourism, mental health, senior housing and elder care. She is also a former councilwoman and mayor in her native Groton.
"Together, we can bridge divides and build a brighter future for all Connecticut families."
Great to catch up with friends and colleagues after testifying on a bill I introduced in the Judiciary Committee! Always great to see my favorite Representative from Stonington, State Rep. Greg Howard — the best partner to represent Stonington and North Stonington!
Mark your calendars for two upcoming events in Groton!
Coffee & Conversations
Join State Senator Heather Somers for a casual and informative discussion on energy costs, affordability, veterans’ issues, healthcare, public safety, and more.
New Time: Saturday, April 5th | 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Bill Memorial Library – 240 Monument Street, Groton
(Open to the public)
Earth Day Clean Up with Beer’d Brewing Co
Celebrate Earth Day by helping us clean up Thomas Road in Groton and play Trash Bingo for prizes!
Saturday, April 12th | 10 – 11:30 AM
Beer’d Brewing Co – Silo Taproom
225 Leonard Drive, Groton
(All ages welcome – hang out at the Taproom before and after!)
If you have any questions, contact Mariah Murphy at Mariah.Murphy@cga.ct.gov.
This week, Connecticut Senate Republican Caucus and Connecticut House Republicans took a stand against the culture of ethical lapses in state government, calling out the Lamont administration and legislative Democrats for their role in fostering a troubling pattern of scandals and mismanagement.
Senate Republican Leader Stephen Harding and House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora highlighted several key controversies, including reckless spending in the CSCU system, the cancellation of a crucial audit within the Department of Social Services, and concerns about the fairness of Social Equity Council grants. They argue these incidents show a disturbing trend of mismanagement, misuse of taxpayer dollars, and a lack of transparency at the highest levels of state government.
Republicans are calling for immediate action to restore trust and integrity in Connecticut’s government, urging an expansion of the state’s Inspector General’s powers. This expanded authority would allow the Inspector General to investigate fraud, waste, and abuse of state resources, oversee auditors’ reports, and ensure no official—regardless of political affiliation—is above scrutiny.
Key proposed reforms include:
-Expanding the Inspector General’s role to investigate fraud, waste, and abuse in state agencies
-Reviewing audits and investigating findings of misconduct
-Accepting complaints from whistleblowers and referrals from state agencies
-Reporting to the General Assembly annually
-Seeking civil recovery of misused funds
Republicans argue that Connecticut residents deserve a government that operates with integrity and accountability, and that the silence from Governor Lamont and legislative Democrats is emboldening unethical behavior.