State Representative Lanoue Begins the 2021 Legislative Session

Yesterday, the 2021 legislative session began with State Representatives and State Senators being sworn in to begin our next term. I am honored to have earned the trust of the people of Griswold, Lisbon, Plainfield, Sterling and Voluntown for another two years as their representative. I will continue to advocate for them through these uncertain times and focus on our families and small business owners. Every day over these next two years, I look forward to fighting for the people of the 45th.

The House voted on the adoption of the Joint Legislative Rules for this session. I voted no! One of the most important aspects of my job, which I have made a priority and emphasized over the last two years, is transparency in government. I have worked very hard to turn the keys of government back to the people I represent. This includes strongly encouraging residents to come to Hartford to lobby for legislation most important to them and to testify in front of members of the legislature.

Currently, the legislative rules regarding strike-all amendments and placeholder bills radically undermine a citizen’s role in government and the legislative process. The inclusion of these “dummy bills” gives the legislature too much power and range to write law without first listening to the general public and giving our constituents the opportunity to properly vet legislation. We are here only to serve the public; I take this very seriously and we as a body need to make sure that we are here to do right by the people of Connecticut.

Southeast CT House Republicans Take Oath to Serve

HARTFORD – Gathered near the North steps of the State Capitol building in Hartford’s Bushnell Park under a partially cloudy sky, the Southeast Connecticut Republican delegation of the House of Representatives joined their colleagues and took the oath of office to serve Connecticut for the 2021-2022 legislative session.

“It is a true honor to be representing the residents of Waterford and Montville again for my fourth term in Hartford. As ranking member on Education, I am looking forward to working with my colleagues to optimize learning opportunities for all of our students,” Rep. McCarty (R-38) said. “Additionally, I will remain committed to advocating for better policy for mental health issues, seniors, and businesses.”

“I’m honored to represent the 42nd district of Ledyard, Montville and Preston, and look forward to getting back in to the Capitol and working on common sense policies that truly reflect the voices of the people of our state,” Rep. France (R-42) said.  “Despite last year’s unexpected challenges due to the pandemic, I am hopeful that the legislature will be able to work together to provide greater certainty and bring much-needed stability to workers and business owners.”

“This session we need to concentrate on the most pressing issue facing our constituents; COVID recovery. This includes continuing our public health efforts – especially for our seniors and nursing home residents who have suffered the most-, addressing challenges such as domestic violence which increased during the pandemic response, and putting renewed emphasis on our economic health,” Rep. Holly Cheeseman (R-37) said. “Connecticut residents cannot afford slow recovery. As the Ranking Member of the Finance Committee, I will advocate for policies to help employers and employees to weather the crisis and grow in the future.”

“I am both honored and excited to represent the towns of Stonington and North Stonington during this critical time in our state and nation’s history,” Rep. Greg Howard (R-43) said. “We are facing challenges due to the pandemic this year, and I am committed to hit the ground running in Hartford to advocate for each of my constituents and their concerns.”

“It is truly an honor and privilege to represent the people of Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, and Westbrook for another two years,” Rep. Devin Carney (R-23) said. “Connecticut faces many unique challenges as we continue to navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic and our states recovery. I look forward to working alongside my colleagues to provide positive solutions while navigating our state’s comeback.”

“I am honored to have earned the trust of the people of Griswold, Lisbon, Plainfield, Sterling and Voluntown for another two years as their representative,” Rep. Lanoue (R-45) said. “I will continue to advocate for them over these uncertain times and focus on our families and small business owners. Everyday over these next two years, I look forward to fighting for the people of the 45th.”

The outdoor ceremony was deemed necessary due to ongoing concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and the ability for members and staff to social distance in the House Chamber. Following the swearing in, legislators moved inside to their individual legislative offices to participate in online meetings and votes regarding the formal rules of the session and to handle other duties.

This session, when the General Assembly meets it will be, by most appearances, in a virtual setting.  This means that committee hearings, floor votes, town halls, and office hours will be mostly conducted through Zoom, with lawmakers observing social distancing.

Today’s ceremony kicked off the start of the legislature’s “long session” which runs from January 6 through June 9. Connecticut’s legislature is part-time, with regular sessions held from January to June in odd-numbered years, and from February to May in even-numbered years. The “long session” is used to establish a state budget and introduce bills of a general nature. In the even-year “short session” the legislature can only consider bills directly related to state budget, revenue and financial matters, as well as committee bills or resolutions, and those matters certified to be of an emergency nature.