Why I Voted Against Extending Emergency Powers

July 14, 2021

Today I voted against extending Governor Lamont's emergency powers which are set to expire on July 20. I applaud the Governor and his administration for successfully navigating Connecticut through the pandemic, but the 11 orders raised as a reason for extending executive powers can and should be addressed by the legislature.

As of today, 24 states have ended their emergency declarations including New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Maine, and Pennsylvania. Some argue that an emergency declaration is necessary to continue federal funding however several states that have ended their emergency declarations received permission from the President to access those federal dollars.

I was elected to be the voice of the people of the 2nd District. After receiving countless constituent emails and phone calls in opposition to an extension, I agree we must remain vigilant in the fight against COVID-19, but it is time to turn this dark page in our history.

The resolution passed the House 73-56 and the Senate 19-15.