Another Vote on the Extension of Governor Lamont’s Executive Powers
Yesterday, the House of Representatives was called into special session to approve yet another extension of the civil preparedness and public health declarations of emergency, this time through February 15th, 2022.
I voted no on this resolution because there is no legitimate reason why Governor Lamont needs to continue the executive powers granted under these declarations. While COVID-19 is still something we must navigate, it is no longer an emergency. Local officials should have their say, the legislature should return to its equal position as a branch of our government and the voices of the people who elect us deserve to be heard.
This time, Republicans proposed an amendment that would require a public hearing scheduled 72 hours before further executive orders are issued. Unfortunately, the amendment was not even voted on and tossed aside without debate.
It is very frustrating that the legislature is able to meet to discuss this issue, but multiple calls from myself, my colleagues and the public for a special session to discuss the dangerous and escalating uptick in juvenile crime we have experienced this summer have been ignored. It seems as though nothing will happen until our new session starts in February. Read more below.