Joint Statement of Senate President Looney and House Speaker Ritter re: reauthorizing emergency powers during pandemic

“We have agreed to extend the Governor's emergency declaration until April 20th.

Our sole focus continues to be safeguarding all Connecticut residents during this historic pandemic. Addressing the pandemic is larger than any one branch of government - Governor Lamont has worked with legislators to keep us all safe, respond to developments from Washington, and keep our economy going. A pandemic team with an unapparelled level of expertise has been assembled by the Governor’s office and prematurely revoking emergency authority would disrupt Connecticut's ability to respond to COVID and distribute the vaccine.

When we are talking about quick public health decisions – vaccines, masks, crowd restrictions – we believe executive action is the proper path. But any action that seeks to spend taxpayer dollars, must go through the legislature. We have had very fruitful conversations with the Governor and his staff and we believe that we are all looking to work together for Connecticut.”

-Senate President Martin Looney (D-New Haven)
-Speaker of the House Matt Ritter (D-Hartford)