Not so fast. Bond Commission should know if Board of Regents is negotiating Cheng exit before approving $30 million for CSCU.

The State Bond Commission gathers for its monthly meeting today to approve $680,737,480 million in General Obligation bonds. Included on the agenda is $30 million for the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) for deferred maintenance.

The allocation comes at a tricky time for the 85,000-student system. The Board of Regents has, in its often obscure way, expressed its dissatisfaction with Chancellor Terrence Cheng, particularly his misuse of expenses funds. The regents, which too often conduct the people’s business out of public view, are said to be in negotiations with Cheng for a separation agreement. Members of the Bond Commission ought to know Friday who will be overseeing that $30 million for the sprawling system of 17 campuses.

Commission meetings usually involve little discussion of agenda items, but if Cheng is negotiating his parachute, Governor Ned Lamont, who chairs the bond meetings, will know. It is a simple question that requires a candid reply.

The CSCU bond allocation prompted a letter to Lamont last week. Four of the Senate Republican’s 11 members asked Lamont why his administration is providing $30 million to CSCU when it has more than $600 million in reserves.

Here is their letter:

Published April 11, 2025.