February 2, 2021

Thank You for Attending our Virtual Town Hall

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Last Thursday we hosted our first “virtual” town hall meeting for the 2021 legislative session. We would like to thank all those who were able to join us and share their thoughts. As your Representatives in the General Assembly, it’s important from us to hear from you.

We started out our conversation with a question about Connecticut’s vaccine distribution efforts. Our state is currently in “Phase 1b” which will eventually include those age 65 and older, those age 64-16 with preexisting conditions, and certain frontline essential workers. Scheduling for this phase started with residents age 75 and older, vaccine clinics are operating around the state. For more information about distribution, or how to schedule appointments please visit, www.ct.gov/covidvaccine.

We also discussed the extension of Governor Lamont’s emergency powers until April 20^th. House and Senate Republicans offered an alternative proposal to extend his powers until March 1^st and require a legislative vote for 30-day extensions. We also suggested allowing for 10 days’ notice for changes to business regulations and lifting the capacity restrictions for houses of worship if social distancing protocols are followed.

Another topic of concern was state revenues and proposed tax increases. Proposals to legalize sports betting are currently making their way through the legislative process, and there are a raft of tax proposals on everything from real estate to sugar.

While the Legislative Office Building and Capitol will remain closed to the public, there are still ways for public participation and public testimony. Our caucus has created a website to help constituents navigate the “virtual” session, www.cthousegop.com/virtual-guide.

As always, please feel free to reach out to us regarding state issues or if you need assistance working with state government at 860-240-8700 or via email Robin.Green@housegop.ct.gov, Irene.Haines@housegop.ct.gov.

Sincerely,

State Representative Robin Green

Andover, Bolton, Hebron, and Marlborough

State Representative Irene Haines

East Haddam, East Hampton, and Colchester

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