Rep. Howard Votes to Restore Balance of Power in Hartford

HARTFORD – State Representative Greg Howard (R-43) joined caucus members in voting against a measure to further extend Governor Lamont’s executive powers and continue his current executive orders until May 20, 2021. The measure passed the House of Representatives 90-50.

The Republican proposal would require that leaders from both parties in the House and Senate, in consultation with the governor, undertake a thorough review of all the outstanding executive orders that Lamont has put in place over the last year. The sweeping powers expire April 20 and the Republicans would extend them only to May 1. Between now and then, the Republican plan calls for the leaders to report back to both chambers by April 15 on their findings regarding the current executive orders. Votes in both chambers must take place by April 21 in order to extend or ratify new orders under the GOP legislation.

Rep. Howard supported and spoke on the House floor on the amendment, which failed along party lines. Read the details of the plan here: http://cthousegop.com/rebalance

“It’s time for the legislative branch and the people we represent, to weigh in on these important decisions,” said Rep. Howard. “We need to restore the balance of power in our government and allow this equal branch of government – the legislature – to do what it is supposed to: represent the people. I am disappointed in today’s vote and hope that we will be able to come together in the next thirty days to finally reclaim our status as an equal branch of government.”

A year after the state was essentially shut down because of the virus that has produced more than 300,000 positive cases, the majority party is still content to leave the management of Connecticut’s economy, healthcare systems, education and daily life solely to Gov. Lamont without any checks or balances imposed by elected lawmakers, Republicans said during today’s debate. The bill passed the House and will move on to the State Senate.

To learn more or to track this legislation visit www.cga.ct.gov.