Sen. Berthel Supports Voice of Constituents, Opposes Sixth Extension of Gov. Lamont’s Emergency Executive Powers

State Senator Eric Berthel (R-32) today issued the following statement on the Senate’s passage of a Democratic resolution extending Gov. Ned Lamont’s COVID emergency executive powers through February 15, 2022. This is the sixth time that these powers have been extended, which will now total nearly two years of state government under the emergency executive authority of Governor Lamont.

“It is time to move on. Our state boasts the highest vaccination rate in the nation, a fact of which Governor Lamont continues to be vocal. Meanwhile, the state is kicking off a $1.4 million fall season marketing campaign, enticing out-of-state residents to visit Connecticut’s local attractions, hotels, restaurants and other public places. These conflicting messages defy logic. If we are truly in a public health emergency, the legislature has proven to be capable of convening in short order to debate and vote on policies relative to public health or otherwise,” said Senator Berthel.

“These debates and decisions must be made in the ‘People’s House’ by their elected representatives; not by unilateral edicts from a Governor and select individuals. Today, I voted ‘no’ on this measure, as I have done each time it has come before the legislature. I will continue to use my seat to support the ideals of co-equal branches of government, which allow the collective voices of those in the 32^nd District to be heard.”

The resolution, which passed the House on Monday, cleared the Senate 18-15 with three absent.