For many of my colleagues, bipartisanship is a point of pride. We often tout that a good majority of our bills pass with bipartisan support. We enjoy a long tradition of working together to find consensus, and it is through cooperation and compromise that the best legislation is crafted.
But as we begin President Donald Trump’s second term, I am deeply concerned with what we have already seen. I worry the ramifications will run far and wide for the residents of our state, and I fear that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle have lost sight of our shared duty: our responsibility is to the people we represent, not our party.
Last week we saw chaos unfold as news came down from Washington about massive, potentially unlawful, federal funding freezes. We are hearing of federal agents showing up in Connecticut communities to deport individuals who have been working, paying taxes and seeking lawful citizenship. We have learned of the firing of inspectors general who are independent agents assigned to protect against fraud, abuse and wasteful spending. It all felt haphazard and more importantly, it left many of our constituents scared.
While the legality and full implications of the freeze and other orders are still being determined, they have sent shockwaves throughout our communities. People across Connecticut were unable to access Medicaid or Head Start payment portals preventing necessary funding to provide services. Workers on federally funded projects are uncertain of their next paychecks, patients dealing with debilitating diseases have had the future of their treatments called into question. Farmers who fought hard for reimbursement for devastating losses are back at square one, unsure of what’s to come. Households with various immigration statuses are staying home from school, medical appointments or community activities because they fear their family will be targeted. These are not abstract issues—these are real people in our state facing real fears.
Regardless of whether you agree with the President’s intention, the process (or lack-there-of) by which he implemented this order has created uncertainty, chaos and fear. The implications are far reaching, and I am incredibly disappointed that instead of continuing our longstanding history of bipartisanship and defending our constituents, my Republican colleagues have put party over people, downplaying and mocking the fear playing out across our state.
I am disturbed by the polarization and division we are witnessing just days into this new term. While uncertainty remains, I urge my colleagues —on both sides of the aisle— to put the people of Connecticut first. We were elected to defend the interests of our constituents, and that must remain our priority. Together, we can work to pass a balanced budget, protect essential services, and ensure that our state continues to function for all its residents, regardless of their political affiliation.
It is disheartening to read reports dismissing the concerns of our constituents as “alarmist” or “ridiculous.” If we cannot agree on protecting the basic needs of our residents —things like food, housing, work, healthcare, and transportation— then what does that mean for Connecticut’s future? If we cannot recognize the devastating impact that federal funding cuts will have on our state’s budget, then what are we doing here?
We’ve reached a critical moment. My colleagues have a choice to make: Do we continue down the path of division, or do we come together to fight for Connecticut’s future?
Our beautiful state deserves a robust economy, a strong future for our children, and a government that works for every resident. If that isn’t the core mission of every representative, then what is?
Christine Cohen, a Democrat, is the Deputy President Pro Tempore of the Connecticut State Senate. She represents 12th Senate District: Branford, Durham, East Haven, Guilford, Killingworth, Madison and Middlefield.