Connecticut Lawmakers Extend Lamont's COVID-19 Emergency Powers

CONNECTICUT — In special sessions Monday and Tuesday, state lawmakers voted to keep Connecticut under a COVID-19 pandemic emergency, and extend the governor's emergency powers for the sixth time, through Feb. 15.

Notable among Gov. Ned Lamont's orders now slated for extension are those requiring masks for children and staff while in schools, and a vaccine mandate for vaccines for teachers, school bus drivers and nursing home workers.

The extension was approved 80-60 by the House on Monday, and by an 18-15 vote in the Senate on Tuesday. Democrats hold a 23-13 edge in the Senate and a 97-54 majority in the House.

During a news conference Tuesday, Lamont was asked why the extension of pandemic powers was needed as infection and hospitalization rates continue to drop in the state. The governor placed the blame on the latest coronavirus variant.

"There's something called 'delta,' that hit hard, forcing a lot of changes and rules coming from the federal government, new vaccines out there for boosters," Lamont said. "Probably going to have something for kids, so we have to be able to react."

Not every Democrat voted in lockstep with the governor. Among the 10 Democratic members of the House who voted against the extension was Raghib Allie-Brennan, who represents the 2nd District.

"As was the case in July, my position is not a reflection of Governor Lamont. I believe he has guided our state through this crisis responsibly. My vote on this matter is about re-establishing the balance of power between the three equal branches of government as guaranteed by the Constitution," said Allie-Brennan in a statement.

Chief Deputy Senate Republican Leader Craig Miner, representing the 30th District, said, "The unanswered question remains: what is the standard for us to define an end to this emergency and a return to some form of normal? I believe there will be variants of this virus for the rest of my life and the definition of 'normal' has changed. We've shown that either through vaccination or otherwise, we can all manage our own health and risk. The full legislature is unable to serve as the voice of those whom we represent as a co-equal branch of government. It's time for this, at least, to return to normal."

Lamont said he didn't think another extension would be needed after this one, and predicted a return to normal "...when you continue to see the infection rate go down, when you see us through this flu season, when you see ... a higher proportion of our population, meaning young people, vaccinated, you'll know we are in good shape."