February 11, 2022

Rep. Irene Haines Votes No on Executive Order Extension

This article was archived from the previous WordPress site. Formatting and media should be close, but may not match the original post perfectly.

HARTFORD – During a House Session on February 10^th, State Representative Irene Haines (R-34) voted against extending the civil preparedness and public health emergencies, and the extension of executive orders issued by Governor Lamont.

The first item, HJ 1 ‘Resolution Declaring the Continuation of the Public Health and Civil Preparedness Emergencies in the State,’ renewed the state of emergency until June 30^th. Connecticut has been governed under a state of emergency since March 10^th 2020 when Governor Lamont first issued the declarations.

“We have been elected to bring the voice of the people to Hartford,” said Rep. Haines. “After two years, it’s time to end the state of emergency and bring the voice of the people back in the mix and restore the way government should work with checks and balances.”

The resolution was passed by 89-56 with 3 Democrats joining Republicans in opposition.

The second bill, HB 5047 ‘An Act Concerning the Extension of Certain Executive Orders and Department of Public Health Authority and Covid-19 Relief Days,’ extended a number of orders that were set to expire for the duration of the civil preparedness and public health emergencies.

Rep. Haines, “We have countless stories from parents about their children’s learning loss and distress caused by the mask mandates in schools. Parents should be able to make the right choice for their children.”

Republicans offered amendments on the bill, one would have allowed parental choice regarding school mask mandates. Ultimately, the bill was passed by 86-62 with 9 Democrats joining Republicans in opposition.

Both the HJ 1 and HB 5047 await action in the State Senate. Both bills can be tracked on the General Assembly website at www.cga.ct.gov.

Representative Irene Haines Co-Sponsors New Law Signed by Governor to Expand Benefits for Families of Fallen First Responders

HARTFORD – State Representative Irene Haines (R-34) is proud to announce the passage of a new bipartisan law that expands important benefits for the families of Connecticut’s first responders who lose their lives in the line of duty. Senate Bill 1239, which Representative Haines co-sponsored and strongly supported, renames the Fallen Officer Fund to the […]

June 27, 2025

2025 Legislative Session Wrap-Up

The 2025 legislative session has officially come to a close, and I’m proud of the work I’ve done to represent the people of East Haddam, East Hampton, and Salem at the State Capitol. This session, I remained focused on the values and priorities that matter most to our communities—local control, fiscal responsibility, and public safety. […]

June 17, 2025