Senator Heather Somers Reacts to Limited Testimony in Public Health Committee Hearing

“Democracy does not end at 12:15AM”—Senator Somers
(View Sen. Somers Full Comments Here)

HARTFORD, CT—Today, State Senator Heather Somers (R—Stonington) voiced strong frustration with the leadership of the legislature’s Public Health Committee after a motion was made and approved to end the public hearing comment period at 12:15 a.m. The motion passed on an 18–11 party-line vote.

Sen. Somers said the decision purposely prevents additional members of the public from sharing testimony on legislation under consideration.

“This is a gross overreach by the majority Democrats here in Hartford,” Somers said. “The message from the Public Health Committee seems to be: ‘Hurry up and speak so we can leave,’ only to then turn around and vote on bills that will directly affect people’s medical decisions.”

Sen. Somers emphasized the importance of public participation in the legislative process, particularly on issues related to healthcare policy.

“When people feel that their voices are being cut short or ignored, it undermines trust in government,” Somers said. “If people lose their First Amendment rights, they lose their ability to be heard. And when the people who send us here can no longer be heard, government stops working for the people and with the people, and begins ruling over them.”