By Terrie Wood, Posted on January 26, 2021
Governor Lamont first declared a civil preparedness emergency and a public health emergency on March 10 of last year. The declarations gave him broad emergency powers to help the state respond to an unprecedented pandemic. These powers were originally set to expire after six months (September 9, 2020), but they were extended for an additional five months, now set to expire on February 9, 2021.
As we approach the one-year mark since the crisis began, the governor has once again extended the state of emergency to April 20, 2021. With the legislature now back in session, several members of the House and Senate have shared concerns about extending the governor’s executive powers beyond the current expiration date.
Today, House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora and Senate Republican Leader Kevin Kelly released a statement and held a press conference explaining their opposition to the governor’s request.