HARTFORD, Conn. — Lawmakers voted to approve the extension of Governor Lamont's emergency powers Wednesday afternoon.
This is the sixth time his powers have been extended, a controversial topic among party lines and the public. His powers will be extended until September 30.
Republicans and some members of the public argue there is no need since the state is returning to normal with low infection rates.
"We've successfully passed a resolution granting the governor 70 days," said Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney.
The Senate came down with a final vote of 19 to 15 and voted in favor of the extension.
The governor's reason for the extension is to continue to keep the state safe from COVID-19, especially with the new Delta variant.
"They'll continue the emergency powers in a very discreet set of EO's specifically related to imminent things like public health so it's a narrow continuation going forward," said Governor Lamont.
Democrats, however, said the extension will keep the money flowing from federal funding to help people with shelter and food.
They also added the governor could have requested a six-month extension but instead chose 70 days.
The big question is what happens when that expires?
"Well, he can come back in September before the expiration of this new order and request an extension again if he believes the conditions existing say a week or two before the expiration on the 30th justifies continuation of another or not," added Looney.
Republicans, on the other hand, called this an abuse of power.
Senate Republican Leader Kevin Kelly said Connecticut needs to return to its three branches of government. He pointed out a map during the news conference to show the numerous states that are no longer under emergency orders.
"These powers were not created for this scenario. they were created for emergency conditions where civil preparedness is needed. I think we're far beyond that," said Kelly.
His feelings were echoed outside of the Capitol.
A Plainville resident sat outside next to a big banner to send a message about an emergency that she believes no longer exists.
"I think we've seen the statistics. They're getting better. This is something we're going to have to learn to live with day by day and again, not let the governor by himself make the rules," said Cherie Juhnke.
The governor issued a detailed letter to explain his reasoning for the extension.
Besides the federal funding, one of his biggest reasons is to protect children under 12 who are not eligible to get a vaccine as well as protect those who have not been vaccinated in general.
The Democrats said the public wants the emergency orders to end, they urged everyone to get vaccinated.
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