Center for Disability Rights members and staff testified at the Feb. 19, 2020, Appropriations Hearing at the Legislative Office Building in state’s capitol city of Hartford. They testified in support of increasing funding for the Centers for Independent Living in Connecticut, of which there are five.

The hearing was on House Bill No. 5005 AN ACT ADJUSTING THE STATE BUDGET FOR THE BIENNIUM ENDING JUNE 30, 2021. Public testimony was heard on the following state agencies: Department of Social Services Department of Children and Families Department of Aging and Disability Services.

Our testimony acknowledged the Governor and his budget for not cutting funds. We pointed out that although there are not cuts in the Governor’s budget,
agency budgets have eroded over the years. So we highlighted the important work these agencies have done for the disability community; and how providing these services save money in the long term, We also urged the Appropriations Committee not to cut and, if possible, increase agency budgets.

Stay tuned for updates on the success of our, and many others, testimonies. The legislative session convened Feb. 5 and adjourns May 6, 2020.