Connecticut Attorney General William Tong says his office would be better equipped to defend immigrant workers if state lawmakers expand it to include a civil rights division.
Tong says state law requires all workers be paid and have their rights respected, whether or not they are documented.
“And if you are not paid what you are due, that’s stealing. It’s criminal and it’s wrong.”
He says Connecticut could do a more effective job holding employers accountable.
“What we don’t have yet in this state is the full set of tools that they have in New York and in other states, the full toolbox to go after all of this misconduct.”
Tong appeared at an immigrant workers’ rights forum with lawmakers in Hamden on Wednesday night.
They heard from several workers who complained of wage theft and abuse.
A bill to create a civil rights division at the Connecticut Attorney General’s office passed the House last session but died in the Senate.
Tong would like it reintroduced next session.