Senator Tony Hwang Appointed To Public Health Committee Leadership Role

State Senator Tony Hwang (R-28) after winning re-election to his 4th term as state senator was appointed Senate Ranking Leader in the critical Public Health Committee in the Connecticut General Assembly. 

The Public Health Committee is one of the joint standing committees of the Connecticut General Assembly. It has cognizance of all programs and matters relating to the Department of Public Health; the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services and the Department of Developmental Services; the Office of Health Care Access; and all other matters relating to health, including emergency medical services, all licensing boards within the Department of Public Health, nursing homes, pure food and drugs, and controlled substances, including the treatment of substance abuse.

Senator Hwang offers the following statement on his assignment:

“This upcoming Connecticut General Assembly session will be a pivotal one for  developing public health policies to support and protect Connecticut residents and businesses impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Over nine months into the pandemic we are facing a second surge of infections and now more than ever there is a critical need for the legislative branch to get back to work to navigate our state through the challenges that lie ahead.

“An important task the Public Health Committee will undertake will be to offer guidance and assist the Governor’s office in overseeing the logistics and prioritization on the Covid-19 vaccine distribution. As the co-chair of the state’s bipartisan BioScience Caucus I have been following the national and neighboring state’s strategies. Most recently, I participated in a call with the State of Maine’s Department of Public Health, healthcare/medical providers and Pfizer Inc., to make sure we have all available information and ideas as we craft a plan that best suits Connecticut.   

“I am prepared and ready to engage Governor Lamont’s administration and Democratic committee chairs in constructive dialogue and bring every voice and perspective into the discussion. I have demonstrated experience in this exact role throughout my tenure in the legislature and I am excited to continue these efforts to make sure we come out of the current Covid-19 pandemic safer, more responsive and better prepared for any future challenges we may face.

“As the ranking senator on the Public Health committee, I will have a front row seat on the policies crafted to sustain a safe state moving forward from this pandemic, including the efficient distribution of safe and effective vaccines. 

“Additionally, I will have the distinct honor of being a member of the body that determines the state’s public health emergency status and re-considers and/or evaluates the Governor’s executive powers we have experienced over the past year. I pledge to help move Governor Lamont away from the executive order powers and instead toward a better balance between intervention versus interference when handling a state lockdown or reopening processes. It is paramount that government decisions be made based on medical facts and data.

“This upcoming year’s legislative session must be focused on solutions instead of partisanship. I will push to move away from one party rule policies that are unsustainable and unproductive when working toward a better future for Connecticut.”

Senator Tony Hwang as Deputy Senate Republican Leader is currently the ranking leader on the Public Safety and Security, Higher Education and Employment and Housing Committees. Hwang is also a member of the Transportation Committee.  Hwang also serves as the co-chair of the bipartisan BioScience Caucus.  Hwang was appointed to Governor Lamont’s Workforce Council on recommendations for supporting economic development. Hwang is a member of Connecticut’s Commission on Women, Children and Seniors (CWCS) 2Gen Advisory Council addressing intergenerational poverty.