Rep. Zupkus Expresses Concerns Over Limitations of Public Health Public Hearing

HARTFORD – Wednesday, Republican House and Senate Members of the Public Health Committee including State Representative Lezlye Zupkus (R-89) held a virtual news conference in response to a shortened public hearing that took place Tuesday on two immunization related bill proposals to eliminate the state’s religious exemption.

Zupkus and the members cited three specific reasons for hosting the press conference.

1. Unhappiness that such a controversial and contentious issue was chosen to be discussed during a pandemic, rather than at a time when members of the general public could testify in person.
2. Belief that any bill proposal brought in front of the committee should focus on the pandemic and other COVID-19 related issues.
3. Lack of live testimony from the Department of Public Health, Connecticut State Department of Education, Governor Lamont, and prominent legislative leaders who have spoken publicly about these proposals.

“Thousands of school aged children and their families will be impacted by this legislation, and so many of those voices were not properly heard because of the 24-hour limit imposed by the Committee Chairs. Over 1500 people were turned away, which is a slight to our democratic process,” said Rep. Zupkus. “Our constituents have a right to speak on every issue, and denying them that right goes against everything we are committed to doing in Hartford. We as legislators are more than capable of late nights and long hearings, and it was unacceptable for this hearing to be cut short, especially given the implications for those the legislation will effect.”

You can view the press conference by clicking here or on the image above.