Replies(3) A bill that would allow free phone calls to Connecticut inmates is being bashed by a state senator, but it also has vast support with 35 co-sponsors. (Tim Jensen/Patch) VERNON, CT — State Sen. Daniel Champagne, the assistant state Senate Republican leader who also happens to be member of the legislative Judiciary Committee, an ex-cop and the current mayor of Vernon, lashed out this week at a measure that requires the Connecticut Department of Correction to provide telephone services for prison inmates. The bill's premise is, "to provide cost-free telecommunications for incarcerated persons." The bill also allows the DOC commissioner to supplement phone services with other means of communication, like video and email, at no cost to the inmate or other party involved on the call, Champagne said.