Episode Information

Governor Rell’s proposed budget would close or reorganize several agencies that serve as “advocates” or “watchdogs”.

Among the proposals, Rell would shut down the Office of Healthcare Advocate, merge the Office of Child Advocate into the Attorney General’s office, place the Council on Environmental Quality into the DEP, and close commissions that serve minority interests.

Rell’s budget chief says these agencies provide “duplicative” services that we can’t afford during a budget deficit.

Today, Where We Live, we’ll talk to national ombudsman expert Dean Gottehrer about the value of organizations that hold government accountable, and if other states are looking to cut back on state advocates.