PROTO CALLS FOR INVESTIGATION OF TESTING SHORTAGE

Following the news yesterday about the Covid At-Home test kit and mask deal that never was, Connecticut Republican Party Chairman Ben Proto has some pointed questions for the state government.

Here is Proto’s statement on the issue:

This state has been held hostage by one man’s enhanced executive powers and lack of foresight on the Covid testing demand. This shortage has put everyone's health and safety in jeopardy. 

Connecticut needs the legislature to act as a co-equal branch of government.  Our elected representatives MUST be looking out for the public's best interest. It's time they stepped up and did their job. 

Attorney General Tong and Interim State Comptroller Natalie Braswell need to hold the governor accountable, even if it challenges their partisan loyalties. There needs to be a full investigation of how this shortage happened and what is actually being done to fix it.

Connecticut Republicans call on the Attorney General and the State Legislature to demand the following answers:

• Why is there only one supplier for Connecticut?

• Was there ever a contract in place with the vendor? Was there a subsequent breach of contract and then price gouging? (If so, where is AG Tong on this issue?)

• What is the plan to replace SEMA4 in supplying and administering their testing sites? 

• Do we have any Connecticut companies capable of manufacturing/distributing tests and N-95 masks?

Even with all these questions, one thing remains abundantly clear: Governor Lamont's emergency authorities have reached their expiration date. This lapse in leadership has left Connecticut without any resources to try to mitigate the rampant spread of the coronavirus. This state deserves answers, solutions and a fully functioning government.
 

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