At midnight on June 3rd, 2009, my first regular legislative session officially came to a close, special session post June 3rd aside! The day was made more memorable because at 12:15 am, Minority Leader Larry Cafero announced to 150 of my closest colleagues that I was celebrating another 29th birthday!
Legislatively, it was filled both with excitement and disappointment as my first bill I ever brought out passed both Houses of the Legislature and a recycling bill I worked on for five months died in the upper house due to a personal feud between Senators.
The success was the passage of the Pet Lemon Law, which I brought out to the floor of the House of Representatives. I was a co-sponsor along with Democratic Representatives, Diana Urban, Annie Hornish, and Bryan Hurlburt. My Republican colleague, Rep. Larry Cafero, was also a co-sponsor. This endeavor showed me the value of reaching across the aisle and working with my friends in the majority party. As they worked their side, I discussed the bill and its content with my friends and fellow Republicans. In this particular case, without collaboration, the bill may not have even made it to the Senate floor for debate let alone passage as there were questions on both sides that may have led to lengthy floor debate, a real dangerous thing to have happen to a bill on the last day of session as the 12:00 midnight finish is always on the minds of everyone. A long discussion can lead party leaders to Pass Temporarily (PT) the bill as they have other bills in the wings, thus killing the bill for at least another year. I will always remember the honor that my opposition party colleagues gave me in supporting my bringing out the bill that will, upon Governor Rell’s signature, become law.
The recycling bill was an effort that I worked on with Democratic Representatives Beth Bye, a former classmate of mine at Greenwich Catholic and St. Mary’s H.S, and Linda Schofield. These two representatives worked as hard as anyone I saw this year at the Capitol. Their thoroughness and willingness to consider all stake holders in the proposed legislation showed me the proper way to do things in government. I am grateful to them for allowing me to join their legislative efforts.
Nearly a half year of committee and sub-committee meetings, public hearings, and work on bills for constituents came to a halt on the day known as Sine Die (Latin for “without any future date being designated”). It was amazing to me to see first hand the legislative process in action. To be a part of it made the experience even more special.
While I am disappointed that the supermajority party did not chose to deal with the budget crisis in regular session, I do look forward to next January and the opportunity to work again on bills that I believe will benefit the citizens of Connecticut.
Yes, in an era of partisan politics, bi-partisan efforts still do exist. I know because I lived it this past week.
Fred Camillo, State Representative 151st District.
