Yesterday, the House had the first of three session days this week, which included a vote on HJR 58, a resolution proposing a state constitutional amendment to allow no-excuse absentee voting. That measure passed, but I was disappointed that it passed only by a simple majority, and not the supermajority necessary to place it on your ballot in 2022. Because of that, the legislature will have to consider the measure again in 2023 before we can accomplish our aim, which is to ask the voters whether they would like to be able to use absentee ballots unconditionally, as many states have successfully done for years.
We also passed two measures relating to Governor Lamont’s authority to govern under emergency powers: House Bill No. HB-6686 and House Bill No. 5653.
Connecticut’s nimble response to the pandemic has been a successful strategy. Underpinning that response are the emergency powers, which allow the governor to respond instantaneously to crisis in a way that the legislature (a deliberative body) is not built to do.
The first measure extends the Governor's emergency authorization until July 20th, ensuring that Connecticut remains eligible for emergency federal funds, and can continue the important public health orders such as the indoor mask requirement, PPE procurement, and flexibility on vaccine rollout, which could include 12 to 15-year-olds and booster shots in the near future.
The second measure, a bipartisan Special Act, sets checks on the executive’s emergency powers:
- Full legislature will vote on any extensions to Gov's emergency powers;
- Legislative leaders have veto power to overturn any executive order
- Expert commission, including experts in public health and emergency preparedness, will look at how to reform the underlying statutes (re public health, civil preparedness, etc.) on emergency powers.
The House will return to session later this morning, and I expect to start bringing out some bills from the Public Safety & Security Committee – stay tuned! If you want to watch live, session will be streamed on CT-N.
Here’s a list of today’s topics:
- Bills passed during Tuesday's Session. Click here.
- Applications now open for Connecticut College Corps Program. Click here.
- Telehealth Services Bill Signed into Law. Click here.
For several additional graphs and tables containing more data, including a list of cases in every municipality, visit ct.gov/coronavirus and click the link that is labeled, “Data Tracker.”
| Specific Updates for Our Community |
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| Town |
Total Cases |
Total Deaths |
Number of Tests |
Number of Positive Tests |
| Canaan |
13 |
0 |
845 |
18 |
| Cornwall |
48 |
0 |
2,293 |
59 |
| Goshen |
158 |
1 |
5,448 |
193 |
| Kent |
163 |
0 |
12,685 |
195 |
| Norfolk |
67 |
0 |
2,426 |
77 |
| North Canaan |
209 |
8 |
10,610 |
238 |
| Salisbury |
141 |
0 |
12,578 |
170 |
| Sharon |
111 |
1 |
5,491 |
149 |
| Torrington |
3,479 |
140 |
93,055 |
4,278 |
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House Session on Tuesday, May 11
In addition to HJR 58 and the emergency powers legislation, we passed a number of other bills during session. Below is a brief summary of each bill that was passed:
HB 6531- The Right to Counsel in Eviction Cases
Less than 7% of tenants in Connecticut have legal representation in eviction cases. To contrast, 80% of landlords are represented. At a moment when so much is at stake, tenants need support navigating the highly technical and fast-moving pace of eviction cases. HB 6531 provides tenants with fairness and equity by guaranteeing they can obtain legal representation. If passed, CT will be only the 2nd state to enact this legislation to protect tenants.
HB 6665 -Removal of the Race Designation on Marriage Licenses
Race-based deed restrictions and the declaration of race upon an application for a marriage license remain a lingering reminder of the historical wrongs of our past. These covenants resulted in racial segregation and economic isolation that plague our society and moral conscience today – and it's time to remove them from our state. With the passage of HB 6665, we take a step towards removing two relics of systemic racism and move towards a more equitable future.
HB 6380 -Disclosure of Salary Range for Vacant Position
Women continue to earn less than their male counterparts in the workplace and face a significant disadvantage in salary negotiations. With the passage of HB 6380, the House is working to move the state one step closer to achieving an end to the gender wage gap and provide an equal opportunity for fair negotiations through offering salary range transparency for vacant positions.
Application for Connecticut College Corps Program is Now Open
Governor Ned Lamont has announced that applications are now being accepted for the recently created Connecticut College Corps, which aims to recruit college students interested in working at summer enrichment programs as part of the governor’s plan to provide K-12 students and families with engaging enrichment and learning experiences in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Under the initiative, the state will partner with local colleges and universities to recruit 500 higher education students to participate in summer programs for children. Participants will receive training on social-emotional health, equity, diversity, and academic training to support the summer programs. The application will be open until Friday, May 21.
To learn more or to apply, visit https://bit.ly/3uQXcst
Governor Lamont signs legislation extending telehealth services for another two years
Earlier this week Governor Lamont signed into law legislation that extends for another two years the relaxed telehealth services provisions previously enacted through an emergency executive order due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Telehealth services are those that enable healthcare providers to interact with patients, including those with Medicaid coverage, by using electronic methods, such as videoconferencing and telephones, without needing to meet in person.
The extended services include:
- Allows expanded types of providers and licensed professions to provide telehealth services, such as dentists, behavioral analysists, music therapists, art therapists, physician assistance, physical therapist assistance, and occupational therapy assistants;
- Permits the use of telehealth services by audio-only without requiring video; and
- Permits licensed providers in other states to provide telehealth services to Connecticut residents as long as they have the minimum professional liability insurance coverage.
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Providing information to Connecticut residents
For the most up-to-date information from the State of Connecticut on COVID-19, residents are encouraged to visit ct.gov/coronavirus. Residents can also subscribe to text message alerts from the state by texting the keyword COVIDCT to 888-777.
Individuals who have general questions that are not answered on the website can call 2-1-1 for assistance. The hotline is available 24 hours a day and has multilingual assistance. Anyone who is out-of-state or requires a toll-free number can connect to Connecticut 2-1-1 by dialing 1-800-203-1234. This is intended to be used by individuals who are not experiencing symptoms but may have general questions related to COVID-19. Anyone who is experiencing symptoms are strongly urged to contact their medical provider. |
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