Press Releases
12/07/2016
Gov. Malloy Statement on the Nomination of Andrew Puzder as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today released the following statement regarding reports that President-elect Donald Trump intends to nominate Andrew Puzder as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor:“The nomination of Andrew Puzder as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor is an insult to hard-working Americans. Mr. Puzder’s anti-worker positions are deeply concerning, especially his opposition to raising the minimum wage, paid sick leave, and recent efforts to expand overtime protections – all of which strengthen and grow the working class. Further, Mr. Puzder’s dismissive response to criticism of his companies’ advertisements raises doubt about his ability to lead an agency that enforces discrimination policies nationwide.
“Again, with the selection of an individual who staunchly supports the repeal of the Affordable Care Act, President-elect Trump is signaling a clear intention to dismantle the healthcare reform law that has benefitted hundreds of thousands of people in Connecticut and millions across the nation. In spite of campaign promises to the contrary, this move to place Mr. Puzder at the helm of the Department of Labor will undermine the very policies that protect and support working men and women.”
Connecticut is proud of its record supporting workers. Under the Malloy administration, Connecticut was the first state in the nation to a pass a paid sick leave law, which guarantees workers the opportunity to earn sick time, and the first state to pass a $10.10 minimum wage. Connecticut has also led the way in successful implementation of the Affordable Care Act, beginning with the nation’s first expansion of Medicaid to cover low-income adults without minor children in 2010. Today, our health insurance exchange enrolls over 100,000 residents in private qualified health plans, and our Medicaid program enrolls over 750,000, including 205,000 in expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act.
- Twitter: @GovMalloyOffice
- Facebook: Office of Governor Dannel P. Malloy