By Charles Ferraro
State Rep., R-117
Charles Ferraro
Today our communities are connected more than ever. This means it is also paramount we demand transparency and accountability of our elected officials.
During the 2022 legislative session, I will look to make these principles of transparency and accountability a priority. We must be open and honest with the residents and taxpayers of Connecticut. This also applies across the board, to state government agencies and service providers alike.
Just last week, the Connecticut Department of Children and Families released an audit report for 2021. The report sent to the General Assembly was concerning on many governmental levels, some having to do with their internal operations, and others focused on financial malfeasance. Their report displayed instances of noncompliance with state law, a lack of oversight, and departmental deficiencies that must be addressed.
Particularly, the report noted that 79 percent of case narratives were not entered into the system within the required five days and 26 percent of appeal cases for neglect did not receive internal review within the required 30 days. Not only does this show a need for heightened transparency, but it directly affects the lives of our state’s most vulnerable children and families.
This is another example why I, along with the House Republicans, will again introduce legislation to require legislative committees of cognizance to hold public hearings in response to these reports. It is not only a concern of lawmakers that these deficiencies are accounted for, but for parents and families across Connecticut as well. This latest audit report should get an automatic public hearing by the legislature, and someone at the agency should be held accountable.
I am additionally making it a legislative priority of my own to increase accountability for energy providers, especially in the solar industry. As a member of the Energy and Technology Committee, I will address the fact that there is no disclosure on statements or bills to show what a customer is exactly receiving or giving back to the utility company. At a time when the cost of energy is constantly rising, many people across Connecticut are searching for more economical or sustainable alternatives. If our utility providers are not being fully transparent with customers, residents will continue to suffer through increasing prices with no hope of a viable substitute.
Please continue to reach out to me at Charles.Ferraro@housegop.ct.gov with your questions and concerns regarding state issues.