Connecticut Senate Democrats approved using $500 million of state surplus money to backstop federal cuts to safety net programs in a special session on Thursday.

Senate Republicans opposed the move. The federal government shutdown is over, so the money would now be a slush fund for Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont, argued GOP Minority Leader Stephen Harding (R-Brookfield).

“This is the taxpayer’s money, not the government’s money to play around with,” Harding said.

“ And I’m ashamed that after what happened last night when the government reopened, we all of a sudden turn around and play a scheme on individuals that truly need the money,” he said.

“Turn it back to the people, don't put it in a slush fund,” he urged the majority Democrats.

The Democrats, including Senate President Martin Loon

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