Rep. Kennedy May 23 Editorial: “An Alternative to Legislation”

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

The weather is heating up and so are the busiest weeks of our legislative session as we get closer to finalizing the state budget and decide the fate of roughly 500 total proposed bills. Some of the most popular topics addressed so far include animal rights, public safety, and elections, to name a few. Amidst my daily responsibilities in Hartford, I have recently found myself pondering one important question: “Is legislation the only solution?”

In recent weeks, the General Assembly has discussed and voted on several bills that I believe have good intentions with missing mechanisms. Whenever I see bills that may need a little work, my colleagues and I propose amendments which either add or subtract concepts from a bill to make it more attractive for the interests of both sides. Unfortunately, as one state senator stated only a month ago, when Republican amendments come up, they are routinely voted down.

So, what’s the alternative if it’s common practice to vote our amendments down? My solution: collective responsibility and accountability. For instance, as the Ranking Member of the Transportation Committee, it is my job to support legislation that promotes safer driving measures and the general efficiency of transportation. But more importantly, I am also called to lead by example as an elected official, promoting safe driving by practicing it in my own life.

We can see how social solutions can benefit more than legislative solutions in our attempt to lower traffic accidents and fatalities associated with intoxicated and distracted driving. Although proposed S.B. 1082 offers a legislative solution to drunk driving by effectively lowering the Blood Alcohol Content legal limit to .05, the reality is that it will disincentivize the food industry from serving liquor, hurting them financially. Furthermore, it will create a need for increased police patrol during a time where we have a decreased number of law enforcement officers.

Concerning distracted and wrong-way driving, the House successfully passed H.B. 6746 which would install lights, rumble strips, and signage throughout the state to deter wrong-way driving, but ultimately, the change can only come from practicing awareness when driving. If we practice more collective awareness, educate the public and our youth on the dangers of distracted and intoxicated driving, we can do so much more to train our future generations and make safe driving a natural part of our daily lives.

I stand by my colleagues who propose legislation that serves to make our roads safer and especially makes sure that all of Connecticut’s residents can return home safely, but like my parents taught me, sometimes the ends don’t always justify the means. Oftentimes, legislation can include incomplete and unnecessary means that distracts from a bill’s intentions and makes it more challenging to achieve its end goal.

That’s why I believe that it is our duty to lead by example and exercise personal accountability alongside our commitment to legislative solutions. In the interests of all Connecticut families and residents, it’s time we remind members of our state legislature to respect the office and once again be a positive influence in both the State Capitol and at home.

Let’s remember that making a difference involves all of us collaborating despite background or party affiliation. Through my goal of emphasizing personal responsibility, I look forward to weaving trust and confidence back into our communities so that we can come together to make Connecticut a safer, more affordable state and promote the quality of life.

As always, I encourage you to contact me with your questions, ideas, and concerns about this and any other state issue. Please never hesitate to email me at Kathy.Kennedy@housegop.ct.gov or call my office at 860-240-8700 and visit RepKennedy.com for more frequent updates!