Posted on February 19, 2021
As Ranking Member of the legislature’s Government Administration and Elections Committee (GAE), I want to make you aware that the committee will hold its first public hearing of this legislative session on MONDAY, February 22, 2021 starting at 10:30 a.m.
During the public hearing on Monday, February 22, the GAE Committee will discuss two possible Connecticut constitutional amendments, along with extending the emergency-ordered election changes to cover the May municipal elections and any special elections that may occur during the first half of 2021.
Effective government operates in a way that uses common sense, is transparent, upholds the constitution, and keeps integrity within our elections. I am passionate about holding state government and legislative leaders to these standards because I believe that Connecticut residents deserve nothing less. In my role as Ranking Member of the GAE Committee, I will continue to advocate for taxpayers, I will ask tough questions about the inner workings of state government, and I will seek answers on behalf of my constituents and the people of this state.
Maintaining integrity within our election process is of the utmost importance. A year has passed, and Governor Lamont continues to run the state without any input from the legislature, despite the legislature conducting business virtually. Similarly, Majority Party Democrats who control the House and Senate are providing notice of upcoming public hearings only five days in advance, not leaving much time to get the word out or prepare testimony. Nonetheless, I will continue to keep you informed regarding bill proposals and public hearings.
I encourage you to sign up to testify via Zoom or submit electronic testimony via email so that you can have your voice heard on these matters or any other topics before the legislature this session.
Below you will find bill proposals currently on the agenda:
*H.J. No. 58 (COMM) RESOLUTION PROPOSING A STATE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO ALLOW NO-EXCUSE ABSENTEE VOTING.
*H.J. No. 59 (COMM) RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE STATE CONSTITUTION TO ALLOW FOR EARLY VOTING.
*S.B. No. 901 (RAISED) AN ACT EXTENDING TO JUNE 30, 2021, CHANGES IMPLEMENTED FOR THE 2020 STATE ELECTION AS A RESULT OF COVID-19.
*H.B. No. 6464 (RAISED) AN ACT EXTENDING TO MAY 31, 2021, SEVERAL CHANGES IMPLEMENTED FOR THE 2020 STATE ELECTION AS A RESULT OF COVID-19.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE:
1. Register to Speak at the Meeting
Individuals who wish to testify via Zoom must register using the Online Testimony Registration Form. The registration form must contain the name of the person who will be testifying. A unique email address must be provided for each person registered to speak. Registration will close on Sunday, February 21, 2021 at 3:00 P.M.
Speaker order of approved registrants will be listed in a randomized order and posted on the Government Administration and Elections Committee website on February 21, 2021 at 6:00 P.M. under Public Hearing Testimony.
2. Submit Written Testimony
Email written testimony in Word or PDF format to GAETestimony@cga.ct.gov. Testimony should include your name, town, and the related bill number(s).
3. Watch the Hearing
The public hearing can be viewed via YouTube Live. In addition, the public hearing may be recorded and broadcast live on CT-N.com.
There are plenty of resources available to you on the CGA Website; here are some of the more frequently used links to help you stay better connected:
Broadcast Media- Including CT-N Live Streams & Committee Feed Live Streams
A Guide for Reaching State Legislators and Testifying at Hearings
As always, please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns pertaining to state government. I can be reached by email at Gale.Mastrofrancesco@housegop.ct.gov or by phone at (800) 842-1423. You can also follow my legislative activity by visiting my website at www.repmastrofrancesco.com or my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/repgale.