State Capitol Update for the Week of August 3
August 7, 2020We have been hit with yet another serious set of challenges this week, with massive power and connectivity outages caused by Tropical Storm Isaias hitting our area hard: as of this morning, five towns in the district were still more than 80% without power.
COVID Update 8.4
August 4, 2020My desk at home looks onto our patio and garden, where my husband and I have just finished taking down the umbrellas and moving the potted plants and a few folding chairs into safer spots in preparation for the high winds and heavy rain that may be coming our way courtesy of Tropical Storm Isaias.
State Capitol Update Week of July 27
July 31, 2020July’s special legislative sessions have now adjourned, with the House and Senate having passed all four bills under consideration, expanding access to absentee ballots for the November election, capping insulin and related costs, making telehealth more widely available, and increasing police accountability and transparency. These bills are now on their way to the Governor, who has indicated he will sign them.
COVID Update 7.28
July 28, 2020This morning the Senate begins deliberation on the four bills that the House passed last week in special session. Three of those bills (re capping insulin costs, extending telehealth services, and making absentee ballots available in the November 3 general election) passed with no more than 5 votes in opposition, but the fourth, on police accountability, was much closer, with the final bill passing by 86 to 58.
Why I Voted to Support the Police Accountability Bill
July 28, 2020A look behind the scenes of one of the toughest votes I've taken.
State Capitol update for the week of July 20
July 24, 2020Starting yesterday at 11:00 am, the House held a historic, socially-distanced special session, including many firsts. It was certainly a first for a lot of new technology put in place so that we could conduct business.
COVID Update 7.21
July 21, 2020There is a lot happening in state government this week. Leading into special session, which we expect to begin on Thursday morning, July 23, there are a number of “listening sessions” and informational hearings. The first of those took place last Friday, when the Judiciary Committee held a twelve-hour long listening session (via Zoom) on “An Act Concerning Police Accountability” (otherwise known as AACPA, or LCO No. 3471). I listened to the entire hearing (shout out to my family for bringing meals and snacks to me at regular intervals) and found it invaluable.
State Capitol Update for the Week of July 13
July 17, 2020We have now agreed with the Governor to take up four bills during a special session next week: increasing police accountability, making sure we have a safe and secure election in November, capping the cost of insulin, and increasing access to telehealth services.