**Meghan Portfolio contributed to this article**
If it seems like there has been a new executive order from Gov. Ned Lamont every day, you might not be too far off – it’s closer to every other day.
Since the public emergency declaration 78 days ago on March 10, Lamont has issued 49 executive orders affecting schools, tax collection, regulations, public health and the way municipalities handle their business.
As of May 22, Lamont had issued the sixth highest number of executive orders, according to a review of executive orders in all fifty states compiled by the National Council of State Legislatures.
In counting, we excluded the initial public emergency declaration, and counted extensions of previous actions. Different states count executive actions differently and don’t necessarily call them “executive orders.”
Obviously, the scope of the executive actions range from large to small and the number of actions or orders doesn’t, in itself, capture the extent of what is contained in those orders.
In Connecticut, for example, one executive order can contain multiple orders affecting different sectors of government and the economy. The closure of schools and non-essential businesses has a huge effect on all Connecticut residents, whereas, perhaps, extending administrative deadlines would likely not be noticed by most residents.
Essentially, we counted every unilateral action implemented by a governor, whether they are called “proclamations” or “executive orders” or addendums to existing executive orders.
The average number of executive actions across all states was 34, with Michigan – the focal point of numerous protests by groups demanding the state reopen – taking the top spot with 87 executive orders issued to date. Wyoming issued only 15 executive orders, the fewest in the United States.
Massachusetts had the most in the Northeast, followed by Connecticut. Neighboring New York, a COVID-19 hotspot, had issued 31 executive orders, according to the list on NCSL.
Below are the ten states that have issued the most executive orders as of May 22.
1. Michigan – 87 Executive Orders
2. Colorado – 75 Executive Orders
3. Massachusetts – 59 Executive Orders
4. Minnesota – 57 Executive Orders
5. California – 51 Executive Orders
6. Connecticut – 49 Executive Orders
7. Washington – 48 Executive Orders
8. Arizona – 47 Executive Orders
9. Maryland – 46 Executive Orders
10. New Hampshire and New Jersey – 45 Executive Orders
Connecticut, like many other states, has seen its own protests which, until the Liberty Rally on May 20, were largely conducted from the safety of cars driving past the Capitol and the Governor’s Mansion.
The small Liberty Rally was held outside the Capitol and protesters gathered on foot calling for the governor to reopen the state.
Phase one of Connecticut’s reopening plan began on May 20 with restaurants able to serve customers in outdoor venues and retail establishments and offices can open but must maintain 50 percent occupancy and self-certify with the state to follow safety precautions.
David. B. Haner
May 28, 2020 @ 7:33 pm
Looks like most of those states are lead by democrats, what a waste!
Lamont is definetly not a leader, not a clue, hello is anybody home???
Donna Ann DeFelice-Junk
June 3, 2020 @ 1:56 pm
This administration is not proactive for the working class in our state. Even the state agencies have been mismanaged for years & now it’s getting worse. I emailed our Senators regarding the lack of PPE for our correctional nurses & finally got a response, they were practically the last ones to receive appropriate PPE. Governor Lamont is an ineffective leader, not taking responsibility to deal adequately of this crisis. We are the ones who will carry the burden, the gas tax has already increased, the grocery shelves aren’t stacked because the private vendors haven’t come in & trying to redeem two months of cans & bottles is a nightmare. My daughter s working 16 hours a day without a day off, grocery store security working doubles 7 days a week yet laid off employees & my sons are still laid off. Depression is mounting & liter increasing. Connecticut is in shambles & we’re the ones who will be burdened with the result!
Kitty
June 8, 2020 @ 8:50 am
Please get Lamont,Murphy,and Blumenthal our of our state! All three are useless idiots working solely for the globalists. Hate is not a strong enough word to describe my utter disgust for these three imps!
Linda
June 14, 2020 @ 4:15 pm
Kitty, please add Jim Himes to your list.
Patricia Bates
July 10, 2020 @ 2:52 pm
I totally agree !!!! The Dems have ruined our state and are turning us into another USSR. LIES from media + lies from our elected officials and the poor uninformed people who don’t know what they are voting for. Two sides to everything and people just don’t want to see what the other side really has to say. Blumenthal is such a huge lier. actually he’s kind of stupid. Rosa delauro never stood up for the taking down of the Columbus statue . in West Haven. Wonder where she was hiding.
Kevin Titus
July 18, 2020 @ 12:36 pm
This unexceptable Corruptable CT Govenor,must be removed from office,along with the other Scoundrals of this Administration immediatly. Get Impeachment rolling here like Washington State Mayor is being RECALLED?