State Senator Jonathan A. Harris
February 4, 2008
Harris Recognized by Deaf Coalition For His Commitment to Connecticut Citizens
James L. Pedersen, President of the Connecticut Council of Organizations Serving the Deaf, presents Senator Harris with a 2008 “Certificate of Appreciation” for his continued commitment to state services and support for deaf, deaf-blind and hard-of-hearing citizens. (March 4, 2008)
State Sen. Jonathan A. Harris (D-West Hartford), the co-chairman of the Human Services Committee, was recognized today by the CT Council of Organizations Serving the Deaf (CCOSD) for his ongoing commitment to the deaf and hard-of-hearing in Connecticut.
Sen. Harris was presented today with a 2008 Certificate of Appreciation by CCOSD President James L. Pedersen "in grateful appreciation of your continuing service and support for deaf, deaf-blind and hard of hearing citizens of Connecticut."
"It's an honor to be recognized by the CCOSD for our work on behalf of Connecticut's deaf and hard of hearing," Sen. Harris said. "Hard of hearing citizens are in nearly every community and workplace in Connecticut, and we in state government have an obligation to ensure that everyone has the same high quality of life, equal opportunity and access to quality, affordable health care. That's what we strive for in the Human Services Committee, and the CCOSD is a valuable partner in helping us achieve those goals."
As co-chairman of the Human Services Committee, Sen. Harris has supported a number of legislative initiatives important to the deaf and hard of hearing, such as: expanding insurance coverage for children who need hearing aids; implementing a long-term care trust fund; and ensuring that deaf and hard of hearing American Sign Language users who are victims, witnesses, suspects or parents of minor children in police matters or court proceedings are granted the right to sign language interpreters.
As the state senator from West Hartford, Sen. Harris has also secured over $1.4 million in state bonding for the American School for the Deaf on North Main Street in West Hartford: $560,000 in 2006 for renovations to Gallaudet Building, and $870,547 in 2005 to purchase an amplification system for speech and auditory training.
The non-profit CCOSD was established in West Hartford in 1969 and is the first state-level coalition-type organization of the deaf in the United States. The major goal of the CCOSD is to serve the deaf and hard of hearing residents of Connecticut through their local and autonomous member organizations of, or for, the deaf.
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