Statement from House Republican Leader Candelora on Gov. Lamont’s Signing of Bill Eliminating Religious Exemption

House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora on Wednesday issued the following statement regarding Gov. Lamont’s signing of legislation eliminating the religious exemption from mandatory school vaccinations:

“The Governor signed into law the bill eliminating the religious exemption within hours of its passage late Tuesday—a move made easier by Democrats in an empty state senate chamber suspending their rules. I can’t recall seeing anything quite like this during my time in Hartford. They’ve circumvented the spirit of the process that’s meant to shine a light on our work, providing the clearest evidence yet that virtual government has eroded transparency. With many important issues left to debate before the session ends, Democrats must reconsider their insistence on keeping the people’s building closed and recommit themselves to the rules that provide for good government—particularly if they extend the governor’s emergency powers again.”