Connecticut’s state agencies need to stop offering six-figure separation and non-disparagement agreements to former employees without third-party oversight, according to a report to the General Assembly by state auditors John Geragosian and Robert Kane.
The University of Connecticut paid one dozen employees large settlements - many over $100,000 - to get them to resign and keep quiet about their time in state government, according to state auditors. Other agencies participated in the practice, too, although less frequently. The Auditors of Public Accounts faulted the practice because the agreements lacked oversight from the governor or attorney general as required by law and keeps potential whistleblowers from speaking out.