July 1, 2024
Simmons: “Over the past few months, a series of Supreme Court decisions have profoundly shaken the foundation of our democracy, emphasizing the critical need for vigilant and proactive local leadership.
On June 28, the Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling that significantly curtails the ability of federal agencies to interpret laws in areas they are tasked to enforce. This decision is set to reshape the landscape of environmental, healthcare, and various other regulations across the nation, potentially slowing down progress on urgent issues facing our communities.
On the same day, the Court also narrowed the scope of a key federal obstruction law, which throws into question the cases of hundreds of January 6th defendants—disregarding one of the worst attacks on our democracy in recent history.
And just last Monday, in a historic decision, a divided Supreme Court ruled that former presidents can never be prosecuted for actions relating to the core powers of their office. This marks an alarming shift in executive power—and is dangerous for the rule of law.
These decisions collectively signal a troubling direction, where the protective reach of our judiciary may no longer suffice to safeguard democracy.
Decisions like these underscore the indispensable role of our state and local governments to uphold democratic values. We must elect leaders who are committed not just to upholding our values, but also to actively advancing legislation that protects and enhances them.
The upcoming election for Connecticut's 36th state senate seat is not just a local concern—it's a battleground for our rights and the health and future of our country. Now more than ever, it's necessary that we bring dedicated, forward-thinking leadership to our state legislature to ensure our community's welfare and democracy's resilience.”