Today's Special Session

September 27, 2021

Today, my colleagues and I met for a special session. The House voted in favor of extending the Governor's emergency powers. I want to address some of the misconceptions about this extension. Opponents have argued that the emergency powers allow Governor Lamont to unilaterally control the state and circumvents legislative responsibilities that should be conducted by the General Assembly. This is not the case as we are not in session now and the regular business of the legislature occurred under the governor's executive privileges.
 

We passed many good pieces of legislation, including a bill that will bring $1.25 million to East Windsor for park projects and a culvert repair as well as $100 Million for homeowners impacted by crumbling concrete. 

Extending the Governor's emergency powers deals with more than the few EOs that generate controversy. It allows the following:

  • Emergency provision of congregate housing
  • Authorizes office of policy and management to distribute coronavirus relief funds
  • Allows the office of the early child to issue operational rules
  • Provides for "out of network" immunization coverage
  • Allows vaccination sites in-state locations (commuter lots)
  • Modifies state contracting statutes to facilitate emergency procurement of PPE and mitigation tools
  • Offers tenant protections and landlord support
  • Permits local municipal leaders the authority to make local mask mandates
  • Establishment of temporary aide nursing program
  • Allows for additional SNAP money distributed to eligible families

Although we have made tremendous strides, the pandemic is not over yet. Extending the governor's emergency powers ensures that Connecticut will be able to address any issue immediately, which will be essential to continue with no cost testing and providing vaccines to children who want it as they become eligible.

Perhaps, most importantly, it is also supported by members of the community - the majority of constituents  who reached out to my office on this issue were in favor of extending. 

For those still worried about a single branch rule, there is legislation that gives the bipartisan group of legislative leaders the ability to veto any order.  Our leadership has made it clear that if anyone in that group objects to any order, they will convene the group to discuss and vote- so far, no meetings have yet been called.

I hope you'll continue to reach out to me in regards to any thing you need from me.