May 3, 2005

House, Senate Republicans Support State Police Raises

HARTFORD – House and Senate Republican leaders today urged Democrats to quickly approve the proposed state police contract and send a clear signal to the troopers and their families that they have the full support of the legislature.

The contract resolution now before the Appropriations Committee is scheduled for a public hearing on Friday. The Republicans said it is important to let the state police know that their elected officials value their efforts to protect state residents.

“The state police are the cornerstone of our public safety system and the first line of defense when it comes to terrorism. This is a fair contract that was negotiated through collective bargaining and ought to be quickly approved without any hesitation on the part of the legislature,’’ said House Leader Rep. Robert M. Ward of North Branford.

Senate Leader Louis DeLuca of Woodbury said, “Senate Leader Louis DeLuca of Woodbury said, “We’ve seen a lot of foot dragging in the legislature this year, but this contract should be taken care of quickly and without delay.  Our state police are a vital asset in maintaining Connecticut’s public safety, and they deserve to have the legislature treat their contract as a top priority.”

Ward said that he will ask House Democratic leaders to waste no time on technical procedures that could delay legislative approval of the contract.

The contact is set to become effective July 1 and will run three years.