Executive Authority Extended, Most Orders Expire
Governor Ned Lamont’s executive powers under the public health emergency, which have been highly controversial were extended for the fifth time in July after a party line vote by the Connecticut General Assembly. Following the votes by the House and Senate, Governor Lamont signed Executive Order 13, extending the duration of several previously issued orders through September 30, 2021 while allowing the remaining 27 orders to expire. Lamont sought an extension for 11 executive orders that he says are necessary to keep the state safe during the ongoing pandemic. One of the key aspects, he said, is to keep millions of dollars in federal funding flowing into the state for food stamps, housing for the homeless, rent relief, and emergency needs. With the spikes of the Delta variant Covid cases, there is a possibility for yet another extension as the September 30th date approaches.
Governor Lamont’s Executive Orders
Review the updated list of executive orders here.
Marijuana
As of July 1st, it is now legal for adults in Connecticut to possess and consume small amounts of marijuana. The new law, which took effect this month, allows individuals aged 21 and older to possess or consume up to 1.5 ounces (42.5 grams) of “cannabis plant material” and up to 5 ounces (141.7 grams) in a locked container in a home or in the trunk or locked glove box in the person’s vehicle. Additionally, the bill changes state law to allow the government to tax and regulate the commercialization of cannabis products. Governor Lamont hopes that the new law will “eliminate the dangerous, unregulated market and support a new and equitable sector of our economy that will create jobs” as the first recreational dispensaries are expected to open in Connecticut mid next year.
Greenwich Special Election
In 2018, Senator Alex Kasser (D) from Greenwich shocked political pundits across the state by defeating Sen. Scott Frantz (R), winning a seat in the Connecticut Senate that had been held by Republicans since Herbert Hoover occupied the White House nearly 90 years earlier. On June 22 of this year, Senator Kasser announced her decision to step down from this seat, citing her stress from her ongoing divorce. A special election has been scheduled for August 17 by Governor Ned Lamont to fill the vacancy where Republicans are hopeful they can win back their long held seat. Kasser has endorsed the Democrat, Alexis Gevanter, an attorney and gun violence prevention advocate. Republicans have nominated venture capitalist Ryan Fazio, who narrowly lost to Kasser in 2020. John Blankley, a moderate democrat who ran against Frantz in 2016, may be playing the role of spoiler by attempting to petition on to the ballot as a third option.
Stamford Municipal Elections
Campaigns for local elections are in full swing as candidates from both sides of the aisle gear up for election season this November. Of note, State Rep. Caroline Simmons defeated incumbent Stamford Mayor David R. Martin at a Democratic convention, setting up a spirited primary in September. Simmons, who has served in the state legislature for the past six years, won a close contest, 21-19, in a rare Sunday convention. The candidates have vowed to face off in a primary, which will also be held Sept. 14. The September primary winner is expected to face Bobby Valentine, a Stamford native who is best known as the manager of the New York Mets, who will be running as a petitioning candidate.
