Sen. Harding Statement on Proposal to Muzzle CT Watchdog Panel

July 9, 2024

Sen. Republican Leader Stephen Harding issued the following statement regarding a gubernatorial appointee proposing that Connecticut’s contracting watchdog panel not publicly discuss its work — which includes investigations of Executive Branch agencies — without clearing it with him.

“The proposal is absurd. Stifling speech is antithetical to good governance and transparency. Connecticut has had several significant and glaring issues with contracting irregularities and improprieties. Federal indictments have been issued. Any proposal to gag the members of this important watchdog panel should be immediately rejected. Attempts to now ‘walk back’ and explain away this ill-advised proposal should be viewed with considerable skepticism. The question that must be answered is: How can taxpayers be assured that these attempts to silence speech will not persist? They deserve answers and full transparency.”