Rep. Haines Votes Against Governor’s Extension of Powers Following Constituent Update
HARTFORD – State Rep. Irene Haines (R- East Haddam) voted against a measure September 27th that would extend Governor Lamont’s executive powers through February 15th, 2022. The measure passed the House of Representatives 80-60. The Senate is also expected to approve the measure in their session on September 28th.
During the House debate, Republicans offered an amendment that would require a public hearing 72 hours before issuing additional executive orders. However, the concept was struck down without debate. Read more here.
On September 25th, Rep. Haines hosted an event in East Haddam with about a dozen constituents who met with her to discuss state issues on their mind. With the vote already announced, many had opinions on whether another extension was necessary.
“I was overwhelmed by the response of the constituents I met before the vote,” Rep. Haines said. “They all said the same thing- ‘why is this continuing?’ No one could believe he was seeking another extension, or the fact that this will make almost two years of unilateral control. I heard the same from folks who have emailed in. I am always grateful for constituent feedback. I look forward to hosting more meetings soon and getting more emails and messages.”
This is the sixth extension of the governor’s powers since the pandemic began. Thanks to Republican legislation that was turned into a Special Act this session (Special Act 21-5) with support from Rep. Haines, legislative approval for such extensions has been required since May.