Christine Conley

I know it may seem confusing to extend the emergency when the legislature is back in session. However, it is important to note that we in the legislature are collaborating with the executive branch. Together, we will continue to safeguard access to quality healthcare, ensure high-quality education for all students, and rebuild our state economy. 

 The Governor's office isn't circumventing the checks and balances system. We are in constant communication with the executive branch as they handle the on-the-ground pandemic response. The vast majority of executive actions are done with legislative input and have allowed residents to continue to receive state and municipal services. If there are Executive Orders that we disagree with, we have the ability to pass a law overriding them.

Finally, without an ongoing emergency declaration, our state cannot access certain federal funds. Some parts of the latest federal stimulus bill require the state to have an active emergency declaration in order to receive funding.

It also has a positive impact locally - because of the extension, voters in the City of Groton are able to vote absentee in the upcoming March primary and in the city election in May. Additionally, the Submarines Veterans Club will not be charged additional permit fees.

The simple fact is that addressing the COVID-19 pandemic is bigger than any one branch of government. While our state has done a great job in combatting the pandemic, we’re not out of the woods yet. It will take a collaborative effort between the legislative and executive branch to bring us out of this global crisis, and together, we can start the rebuilding process.