State lawmakers are seeking answers about a deal that would keep Terrence Cheng, the ousted head of Connecticut State Colleges and Universities, on the payroll as a "strategic advisor" with a $442,000 salary.

Senate Republicans question what Cheng's role will entail, with Senate Minority Leader Stephen Harding asking, "Who gets hired for a $440,000 a year job... and doesn't have a task?"

Cheng agreed to step down as chancellor after audits uncovered lavish spending on his state credit card.

Gov. Ned Lamont noted that while Cheng is no longer in office, others in similar situations remain active, saying, "Terrence Cheng has stepped aside; he's no longer in office. All these guys doing it in Washington are still doing it every day."