2022 Legislative Session: What to Watch For
February 7, 2022

The 2022 Legislative Session is here. This year is a “short” session, where we convene on February 9 and gavel-out on May 4. In this short session, there are key items that I wanted to bring to your attention. I will continue to provide updates on these matters throughout the session and please continue to reach out to my office to voice your questions and concerns. It is again an honor to serve as Your Voice in Hartford.
MAJOR ISSUES
Extension of Governor’s Mandates/Executive Authority
Governor Lamont recently wrote to legislative leaders to request the extension of 11 existing executive orders that include measures that he deems necessary to protect the public from Covid-19. These measures include mask mandates for certain persons and mask mandates for children in the classroom. It is unclear whether the Majority leadership will seek to combine these measures into one bill or vote individually on each one. Because each mandate is unique and impacts different areas of our lives, we as a legislature should take the latter approach and treat each as a separate measure.
CT Crime Epidemic
The unprecedented crime wave in Connecticut is not a myth, as critics say. Families across our district know this to be true as we’ve seen car thefts and robberies almost constantly.
In 2021, I met with local police chiefs, law enforcement professionals and community leaders to get their feedback on solutions to curb this crime and restore safety in our backyard. As a member of the Public Safety & Security Committee and Judiciary Committee, I and my Senate Republican colleagues introduced measures that take a holistic approach to stop the lawless actions of criminals, including youth offenders. These measures are A Better Way to a Safer CT and can be viewed here. They include enhanced consequences for serious crimes as well as ways to put young people on a path to a career instead of crime.
Tax Relief Proposals
There is a projected General Fund surplus of $915.6 million in the current fiscal year along with a state Rainy Day Fund in the billions. I and my Senate Republican colleagues have a plan for a series of tax breaks for Connecticut residents that will save families money immediately, and not a year down the road as the Governor is proposing. Read more on our plan for an Affordable Connecticut here.
Pandemic Recovery
As the COVID-19 pandemic enters its third year, many businesses continue to be affected by negative impacts on the workforce. These lingering impacts include labor shortages and childcare needs for workers.
WHAT I’M WORKING ON
Workforce Development
As mentioned above, there is not a shortage of jobs in our area but a shortage of workers. I plan to work with colleagues to bring career opportunities to young people who wish to enter the workforce after high school instead of college. These opportunities range from apprentice/internship opportunities to co-op programs. In return, these programs can help local businesses that need staffing to provide needed services in the district while also putting young people on a successful career track.
Veterans
As a ranking member of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I will be offering legislation that increases Veterans’ access to voting overseas and other ways to help these heroes find good jobs after their service ends. It is very important that we help these men and women, and their families, who have sacrificed so much for us.
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