Four of Governor Ned Lamont's remaining pandemic-related executive orders have been extended by the state Senate.  The emergency bill now awaits approval by the House. 

The Senate voted 19-13 on Tuesday to prolong orders until June 30 that deal with physical distancing in certain congregate settings; making the patient vaccination database available to medical providers; using temporary nurses aides to help alleviate staffing shortages; and providing more time to send out rental assistance payments to people facing eviction who’ve already applied to the state’s UniteCT program.

Newtown state Senator Tony Hwang spoke out in opposition to the extension.  While he supports the concepts raised, Hwang says lawmakers could codify these executive orders into law.  He called for a committee discussion, full vetting and input from all stakeholders on these policy decisions.  Hwang says the concepts are important in this endemic phase of COVID, but called it frustrating to not be able to contribute to these issues.  Hwang says it doesn't make sense to bypass the voice of the people considering that the legislature rescinded the executive powers.