Nuccio Votes Against Extension of Governor’s Emergency Powers
HARTFORD — Before the House gaveled into session on Thursday afternoon, State Representative Tammy Nuccio joined her House Republican colleagues in unveiling their plan to restore the legislature as a co-equal branch of the state government. Later, the House considered the extension of the governor’s emergency powers – the third such time that Democratic leaders have voted for unilateral control over the state over the past year.
“This state government was not built to function under one-man-rule. It’s astounding to me that not one member of the majority party has to date recognized such and objected during this process. I find it hard to believe any of us ran for office promising to be a rubber-stamp. I can assure you that’s not what my constituents call on me to do,” said Rep. Nuccio, who voted against the extension.
Since January, the legislature has conducted meetings, hearings and votes remotely. The State Capitol and Legislative Office Building remain closed to the public with no timeline for when visitors will be allowed to return. But bills and amendments continue to be introduced and debated, including several House Republican proposals designed to address the fallout of the pandemic.
“We aren’t in a new position here, we’ve delayed having a real debate on the limits of emergency powers twice before. The Governor extends, the majority says we need the time to unravel the executive orders and then we go about doing everything except that. We’ve proven we can come to agreement on many of these orders, we did just that yesterday with the bill extending outdoor dining. I ask that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle focus on doing their jobs and legislating for the good of all our residents,” Rep. Nuccio said.
Republicans offered an amendment to clarify the extent of the governor’s unilateral powers and begin the process of setting necessary executive orders into law. Democrats in the chamber voted unanimously against the amendment and to extend the governor’s powers until May 20th, only weeks before the scheduled end of the 2021 session.
###