| May 1, 2020 -- With the state shutdown due to the COVID-19 crisis, the 2020 Connecticut Legislative session has been on hold with nothing happening at the Capitol. The Legislative session must adjourn on May 6th by state statute. The Governor has closed down much of the state and many businesses until at least May 20th as well as limiting assemblies of more than 5 non-family members. Governor Lamont has been running much of the state using executive orders. Opening up the Capitol to lawmakers and hundreds of people for the remainder of the session is just too risky for the health of all. This means that all remaining bills that were presented this year will die in committee. Committee meetings, hearings and convening of the general assembly have not been able to occur. Any key issues that the lawmakers wish to consider will have to be done with a special session. Due to the ongoing circumstances, it may be very difficult to set a special session this year. The legislative leaders tried to set up a special session to tackle the addition of tolls before the regular session started this year and was unable to come up with an agreement to present for a vote.
Hopefully we can settle into our new normal in a few months and get back to actively pursuing our programs and projects.
Meanwhile it is not too early to start thinking of any resolutions that you wish to send on to State Grange. I realize that many Granges are not meeting on a regular schedule right now but you can start writing your concerns into resolutions to have them ready for when you meet again. Don’t forget that you can do ZOOM meetings now. When the Legislative session convenes next year, it will be right after an election cycle and the legislators will be anxious to catch up on issues that were left behind this year.
Stay safe and well everyone.
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