December 12, 2011

GOV. MALLOY: ADDITIONAL NAMES FORWARDED AS INVESTIGATION INTO EMERGENCY FEDERAL FOOD AID PROGRAM CONTINUES

Explains Available Options to Provide Anonymous, Whistleblower Tips

(HARTFORD, CT) - Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that the Department of Social Services and the Office of Labor Relations has notified several state agencies of an additional nine employees who are suspected of filing false and misleading applications under the D-SNAP program as the state continues its ongoing investigation. In addition, the 15 employees whose names were submitted to agencies last week have been given letters notifying them of the date for their individual administrative hearings.

"We have a zero tolerance policy for the misuse or abuse of government programs in this administration," Governor Malloy said. "While the addition of nine administrative hearings is troubling, I want the residents of Connecticut to know that this is an ongoing investigation, and I am determined to leave no stone unturned. In addition to losing their jobs, anyone caught defrauding our government will be referred immediately to the proper authorities. The days of looking the other way are over."

The Governor also outlined the process by which state employees can provide tips of fraud and abuse of public funds while remaining anonymous.

"Since we first announced the administration's investigation into the federal emergency food assistance program last week, my office has been contacted by state employees who want to report unethical practices but wish to do so anonymously," Governor Malloy explained. "The Office of the Auditors of Public Accounts, which is operated under the management of the state legislature, has a whistleblower unit designed to protect the identities of anyone who makes such a report. I strongly urge any Connecticut resident who is aware of misuse or misappropriation of public funds and wants to remain anonymous to contact that office, understanding that their identities will be protected."

Tips can be submitted either in writing or by telephone to:

State of Connecticut Auditors of Public Accounts
210 Capitol Avenue
Hartford, CT 06106
Toll free: (800) 797-1702
Locally: (860) 240-5305
Website: http://www.cga.ct.gov/apa

The Governor is urging anyone with knowledge of corruption, unethical practices, or abuse to come forward so that it can be investigated. Additional information on rights and protections for whistleblowers can be found on the Office of the Attorney General's website .

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For Immediate Release: December 12, 2011

Contact: Andrew Doba

Andrew.Doba@ct.gov

860-524-7308 (office)
860-770-8090 (cell)

Twitter: @GovMalloyOffice

Facebook: Office of Governor Dannel P. Malloy