Democrat Governor Brings Bills Closer to Passing

After years of failed lobbying, some legislation in the state may be creeping closer to the governor's desk now because a Democrat sits there. Bills on the death penalty and paid sick leave all have a better chance of passing this year.

Bruce Morris, D-Norwalk, is a state representative and also a reverend. And he admits he doesn't always see eye to eye with his fellow faith leaders on theological issues.

"When it comes to the death penalty, this is one item that which members of major denominations agree -- there is consensus -- that the death penalty should be abolished," Morris says.

Morris stood with two dozen religious leaders at the capitol Tuesday. He presented 300 letters signed by religious colleagues across the state who support abolition of the death penalty.

A bill is currently on the floor that would outlaw its use in future capital cases.

Meanwhile upstairs, Peter Tercyak, D-New Britain, lobbied for paid sick days. He says paid days off would prevent sick employees from waiting to see a doctor, and getting sicker

"Everybody, Democrats and Republicans agree, when people get routine preventative care from their family doctors, we get better health outcomes and we spend less money," Tercyak said.

Bills on paid sick leave and abolishing the death penalty have passed the legislature before, but have always been vetoed by the governor.

Jon Pelto is a former state legislator and political blogger. He says Governor Dannel Malloy could change things.

"With a governor who signs the bill, it's a completely different picture," Pelto says. "You suddenly go from needing for example, in the House, instead of 101 votes to override a governor's veto, you only need 66 votes, and that makes it much more likely that it will pass and become law."

Governor Malloy has indicated he supports both bills.