Fasano Statement on SCSU Spending $124K on Biden Speech

July 11, 2019

Senate Republican Leader Len Fasano (R-North Haven) released the following statement in response to reports that Joe Biden was paid $124,515 for a 2018 appearance at Southern Connecticut State University.

 

“It’s disappointing to see such excessive spending by the SCSU Foundation at the same time the school is raising tuition and asking for more from students and taxpayers. Connecticut colleges and universities have been vocal about their budget issues and have turned to students time and again to ask for more. This year, the state college and university system received more state funding to help cover fringe benefit costs, at the same time they approved a 5% tuition hike. As tuition rises and state expenses grow, it’s infuriating to see such flagrant spending on any speaker, no matter their political affiliation. Those same dollars, donated by alumni to support the core function of the university, could be better spent directly helping students. There is a pattern of Connecticut higher education institutions mismanaging funds that are supposed to help our students. This damages public trust, and sends the wrong message to the students who are being asked to shoulder higher costs year after year.”