Dykes, the commissioner of energy and environmental protection, had come under fire for enforcing a bottle deposit law as written, as opposed to how lawmakers described their intentions in debate. Gilman, the commissioner of administrative services, angered Republicans during her confirmation hearing for failing, in their view, to adequately explain what her agency was doing to ensure school construction money was properly spent. The House confirmed both commissioners after brief debates. The fix enacted Thursday was simple, requiring the addition of a dozen words to the bottle law: “‘Carbonated beverage’ does not include any product that contains wine or spirits.” Every Democrat and 14 Republicans voted for Dykes’ confirmation including Candelora, the House GOP leader. The House confirmed Gilman on an 89-48 vote, with one Democrat, Rep. Minnie Gonzalez of Hartford, joining 47 Republicans in opposition. Candelora was one of three Republicans voting for passage.
