By Themis Klarides
State Rep., R-114
Themis Klarides
On Sept. 4 a special legislative committee assigned to review executive orders issued by Gov. Ned Lamont missed an opportunity to examine in detail the effects of the emergency declarations during the pandemic. Along strict party lines, the so-called committee of 10 – legislative leaders from both parties and the highest ranking members of the Public Health Committee – voted 6-4 to go forward with all the executive orders that have been in place since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March.
Republicans on the committee simply wanted the legislature to review the effects that these orders have had on public health, the state’s economy and everyday social activities before extending them for another five months into next February. By granting the governor’s request for the extension, the committee effectively bound the next legislature to these public policies.
As a member of the committee I argued that all the regulations and restrictions currently in place would not go away when the first round of orders were scheduled to sunset on Sept. 9.
The safeguards against potentially dangerous activities such as large public indoor gatherings would have remained in effect. By not granting the governor’s request for an additional five-month extension the legislature could have begun the process of reviewing the best practices and policies as we move forward in dealing with the virus.
Connecticut is not in the same place today as we were back in March when the virus took hold and forced the shut down of thousands of businesses, schools and most aspects of state government. We have made progress in the last six months as we have learned to deal with the disease, and we need to account for our current reality in that policy.
Public health must still be our first concern. Connecticut is currently in phase two of a multi-stage reopening process. But we have no indication when we will reach the third phase that would ease the restrictions on such things as restaurants and public gatherings.
Our businesses need to be able to plan for the short term and over the longer horizon if they are to survive and function at the same level prior to this public health crisis. The legislature is expected to reconvene in a special session later this month to address a variety of issues, perhaps including budget adjustments. Public health policies should also be on our agenda.