Porter Re-appointed Labor Chair

November 18, 2020

House Speaker-designate Matt Ritter (D-Hartford) and House Majority Leader Jason Rojas (D-East Hartford) have reappointed State Rep. Robyn Porter (D-Hamden, New Haven) as Labor & Public Employees Committee House Chair. Porter will begin her fifth year as Labor chair when the General Assembly convenes in January.

"With no end in sight, the pandemic will continue to put a strain on workers and employers in Connecticut, and in this challenging time I can think of no better legislator to lead the committee than Robyn," Speaker-designate Ritter said. "Robyn has proven her leadership skills since taking the helm in 2017 and I look forward to working with her on critical policies."

Majority Leader Rojas said, "Rep. Porter has been a champion for workers and workplace protections. The pandemic has disproportionately impacted frontline health and service/retail workers and as we grapple with a surge in cases we need experienced leadership like Rep. Porter can provide. Her perspective will be essential as we navigate a challenging 2021 legislative session."

Rep. Porter has been a champion of legislation for fair wages, reasonable work spaces for employees, reforms to the state’s criminal justice system, and increased protections for victims of domestic violence. The pandemic's impact on labor as well as equal pay, workers' compensation and getting Paid Family Medical Leave up and running are her priorities in 2021.

"I am grateful for Matt's support and look forward to prioritizing and advancing critical COVID-related legislation in 2021," said Porter. "Our essential workers, restaurant and hotel employees - and all those whose jobs put them and their families’ health at-risk - should have our support. This is why I will work diligently with labor, business, and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to protect and improve the sustainability of our workforce. In doing so, we will ensure an equitable, economic recovery that values all of our essential workers by supplying their essential needs – a win-win for us ALL."