Sen. Kasser Leads Senate Passage of Domestic Violence Bill

Posted on May 18, 2021 by Webmaster

Sen. Kasser Leads Senate Passage of Domestic Violence Bill

HARTFORD – State Senator Alex Kasser (D-Greenwich), who has spent the past two years working with domestic violence survivors and experts advocating for the rights of  victims, today led the state Senate in the debate and passage of a ground-breaking bill that expands the definition of domestic violence to include non-violent abuse, also known as “coercive control.”

Coercive control is a pattern of behavior that can include threats, intimidation, gaslighting, and financial abuse which infringes on a victim’s free will and ability to leave. Coercive control is also a precursor to violence. 33% of women who are killed by their abuser were never harmed by him before; their murder was the first act of violence. If the coercive control that preceded that act had been identified, their lives may have been saved. 

For too long, domestic abuse was only recognized as bruises or black eyes. But domestic abuse is much more. Survivors say that non-violent abuse is often more powerful and painful than physical abuse. When a person is threatened with losing her children, her job, her home or her reputation, she is no longer ‘free’ to leave. Victims don’t stay because they want to, they stay because the price of leaving is greater than the suffering they’re already experiencing. Coercive control can include threats, intimidation, gaslighting, financial control, and threats to take the children as a punishment for leaving,” said Sen. Kasser, who is Vice-Chair of the Judiciary Committee. “It takes tremendous courage for a victim to leave an abuser. And when they do leave, we need to ensure they and their children are safe. This bill is a giant step forward in identifying, believing and protecting victims of abuse

The bill applies this updated definition of domestic violence to all family court proceedings, including applications for restraining orders, divorce and custody cases. It also establishes a new factor in custody proceedings and recognizes that the “physical and emotional safety of the child,” should be the first consideration of judges making those determinations. And when considering the question of abuse inside the family, judges must now consider non-violent abusive behaviors too, i.e. coercive control.  

The bill also establishes a new legal aid program to provide legal representation for victims of domestic violence who file restraining orders and cannot afford an attorney. In a pilot project, this program increased applicants’ success by more than 50%.

“Providing legal assistance to victims navigating the system is critical,” said Sen. Kasser, “because every person deserves the right to be heard and believed, regardless of what language they speak or what their income may be.”

SB 1091 is the result of months of work by Sen. Kasser to update Connecticut’s domestic violence laws to allow more favorable and fair treatment of victims seeking restraining orders, divorce, child custody, and all matters in family court. If passed by the House and signed into law by the governor, Connecticut would be the third state, after California and Hawaii, to codify coercive control and recognize non-physical abuse. 

SB 1091 is comprehensive and ground-breaking legislation that gives victims of domestic violence the recognition and protection they deserve.

Senator Marilyn Moore Supports Bill that Passes in Senate that Declares Racism a Public Health Crisis, Addresses Health Issues Exacerbated by the Pandemic, and Strengthens Connecticut’s Pandemic Preparedness

Posted on May 18, 2021 by Webmaster

Senator Marilyn Moore Supports Bill that Passes in Senate that Declares Racism a Public Health Crisis, Addresses Health Issues Exacerbated by the Pandemic, and Strengthens Connecticut’s Pandemic Preparedness

State Senator Marilyn Moore (D-Bridgeport), member of the Public Health Committee, stands in support of legislation that declares racism a public health crisis, ensures our state is prepared for future pandemics and address the current public health challenges caused or exacerbated by COVID-19. Senate Bill 1, “An Act Equalizing Comprehensive Access to Mental Health Behavioral and Physical Health Care in Response to the Pandemic,” has passed the senate and will head to the state House of Representatives for further debate and action.

“This is collective work,” said Sen. Moore. “We are doing this together. I would like to thank the chairs of the Public Health Committee, Senator Abrams and Representative Steinberg, for the work they have done and the courage they exhibited. Systemic racism produces social inequities. There is an increased number of infant death rates in Black women who have babies. There are inequities displayed in cancer rates, those who have asthma, higher percentages of Black and brown people who have mental health issues and suffer from police brutality. Nothing has changed. Racism is a public health crisis deeply imbedded in our policies. We can pass legislation this session to dismantle racism and correct problematic systems. Senate Bill 1 does that by defining doulas, defining racism as a public health crisis, and standardizing data. We must do it now.”

Senator Moore spoke passionately about the gun violence that is taking place in cities across Connecticut and specifically the young children who are in the crossfire. This bill establishes a gun violence intervention and prevention advisory group that will be comprised of hospitals and community organizations that are currently working in the community addressing intervention and prevention.

“This past year illuminated the inequities within our health systems,” said Sen. Moore. “I use the word illuminate because they always existed, but perhaps allowed because they were acceptable practices. But COVID19 was the equalizer, and when we address the inequities and intentionally work to undo racism, we make the health systems better for all.”

SB 1 is a comprehensive bill with health equity at its foundation to address the state’s current response to COVID-19, preparedness in the event of another major public health crisis and declares racism a public health crisis, creating a commission on Racial Equity in Public Health to document and make recommendations to decrease the effect of racism on public health According to the National League of Cities, over “90 cities publicly declaring racism a public health crisis in 2020.” According to Pew Charitable Trusts article from June of 2020, “Black women are up to four times more likely to die of pregnancy related complications than white women. Black men are more than twice as likely to be killed by police as white men. And the average life expectancy of African Americans is four years lower than the rest of the U.S. population.” Also, per Pew, “pervasive racism is the cause,” for these inequities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has also commented on the issue, “racism—both interpersonal” and structural, negatively affects the mental and physical health of millions of people, preventing them from attaining their highest level of health, and consequently, affecting the health of our nation.”

Ruth Canovi, the director of advocacy at the American Lung Association of Connecticut added, ” These are needed first steps to create health equity in Connecticut. For example, because of systemic racism throughout our country, communities of color are often exposed to greater air pollution and bear a higher burden of lung disease. While recognizing racism as a public health threat will not immediately alleviate these disparities, it does identify the threats that currently exist.”

The Connecticut State Medical Society expressed support for several sections of SB 1, stating “Connecticut must tackle the issues of inequality and disparities in health care and CSMS believes this Bill includes some important steps in doing so.”

Addressing Systemic Racism

Declaration of Racism as a Public Health Crisis

Establishes a Commission on Racial Equity in Public Health to document and make recommendations to decrease the effect of racism on public health. The commission shall be part of the Legislative Department. The Secretary of OPM or her designee and a representative of Health Equity Solutions (a “non-profit organization with a state-wide focus on promoting policies, programs, and practices that result in equitable health care access, delivery, and outcomes for all people in Connecticut”) will serve as co-chairpersons of the commission. The commission, by majority vote, shall hire an executive director to serve as administrative staff of the commission. The executive director may hire up to two executive assistants to assist in carrying out the duties of the commission.
The commission shall, among other things:
- Support collaboration by bringing together partners from many different sectors to recognize the links between health and other issues and policy areas and build new partnerships to promote health and equity and increase government efficiency.
- Create a comprehensive strategic plan to eliminate health disparities and inequities across sectors.
- Study the impact that the public health crisis of racism has on vulnerable populations within diverse groups of the state population, including on the basis of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity and disability, including, but not limited to, Black American descendants of slavery.
Beginning January 1, 2022, and every six months thereafter, the commission shall submit a report to OPM and the public health and appropriations committees concerning:
- The activities of the commission during the prior six-month period.
- Any progress made in attaining the goal described in section 3 of this act.
- Any recommended changes to such goal based on the research conducted by the commission, any disparity study performed by any state agency or entity, or any community input received.
- The status of the comprehensive strategic plan required under section 3 of this act.
- Any recommendations for policy changes or amendments to state law.

Recruitment and Retention of Health Care Workers of Color
The bill requires the Commissioner of Public Health to study the development and implementation of a recruitment and retention program for health care workers in the state who are people of color. Not later than February 1, 2022, the commissioner shall report the results of such study to the public health committee. Such report shall include any legislative recommendations to improve the recruitment and retention of people of color in the health care sector, including, but not limited to, recommendations for the implementation of such recruitment and retention program.

Higher Ed Study on People of Color in Health Care Preparation Programs
Requires the Office of Higher Education, in collaboration with the Board of Regents for Higher Education and the Board of Trustees of The University of Connecticut to evaluate the recruitment and retention of people of color in health care preparation programs offered by the constituent units of the state system of higher education and the inclusion of cultural humility education in such programs. “Cultural humility” means a continuing commitment to (1) self-evaluation and critique of one’s own worldview with regard to differences in cultural traditions and belief systems, and (2) awareness of, and active mitigation of, power imbalances between cultures. Not later than January 1, 2022, the office shall submit a report, to the higher education committee. Such report shall include the results of such evaluation and any legislative recommendations to improve the recruitment and retention of people of color in such programs and include additional cultural humility education in such programs.

Racial and Ethnic Impact Statements
Requires the executive director of the Commission on Women, Children and Seniors to include an update on the status of amendments to the joint rules concerning the preparation of racial and ethnic impact statements in his annual report to the appropriations committee.

Gun Violence Intervention and Prevention Advisory Committee
Establishes a gun violence intervention and prevention advisory committee for the purpose of advising the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to public health and human services on the establishment of a Commission on Gun Violence Intervention and Prevention to coordinate the funding and implementation of evidence-based, community-centric programs and strategies to reduce street-level gun violence in the state. The committee shall:

Consult with community outreach organizations, victim service providers, victims of community violence and gun violence, community violence and gun violence researchers and public safety and law enforcement representatives regarding strategies to reduce community violence and gun violence.
Identify effective, evidence-based community violence and gun violence reduction strategies.
Identify strategies to align the resources of state agencies to reduce community violence and gun violence.
Identify state, federal and private funding opportunities for community violence and gun violence reduction initiatives.
Develop a public health and community engagement strategy for the Commission on Gun Violence Intervention and Prevention. By January 1, 2022, the committee shall submit a report on its findings and recommendations to the public health and human services committees. The committee shall terminate on the date that it submits such report or January 1, 2022, whichever is later.

Demographic Data Collection
Requires any state agency, board or commission that directly, or by contact with another entity, collects demographic data concerning the ancestry or ethnic origin, ethnicity, race or primary language of residents in the health care context to:

Collect such data in a manner that allows for aggregation and disaggregation of data.
Expand race and ethnicity categories to include subgroup identities as specified by the Community and Clinical Integration Program of the Office of Health Strategy and follow the hierarchical mapping to align with United States Office of Management and Budget standards.
Provide the option to individuals of selecting one or more ethnic or racial designations and include an “other” designation with the ability to write in identities not represented by other codes.
Collect primary language data employing language codes set by the International Organization for Standardization.
Ensure, in cases where data concerning an individual’s ethnic origin, ethnicity or race is reported to any other state agency, board or commission, that such data is neither tabulated nor reported without racial or ethnic data.

COVID-19

Requires the Department of Public Health to conduct a study on the state’s COVID-19 response. Not later than February 1, 2022, the Commissioner of Public Health shall submit a preliminary report to the public health committee. Such report may include the commissioner’s recommendations.

Any policy changes and amendments to the general statutes necessary to improve the state’s response to future pandemics, including, but not limited to, recommendations regarding provisions of the general statutes or the regulations of Connecticut state agencies that should automatically be waived in the event of an occurrence or imminent threat of an occurrence of a communicable disease, except a sexually transmitted disease, or a public health emergency declared by the Governor.
How to improve administration of mass vaccinations, reporting and utilization of personal protective equipment supply during a public health emergency, cluster outbreak investigation and health care facilities’ care for patients.

Mental Health

Mental Health Toolkit
Requires the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services to develop a mental health toolkit to help employers address employee mental health needs that arise due to COVID-19. The toolkit must:

Identify common issues and their symptoms.
Provide information and other resources on actions that employers may take to help employees address these issues.
The bill requires DMHAS to post the toolkit on its website by October 1, 2021

Women’s Health

Breast Health and Breast Cancer Screenings
Requires the chairpersons of the public health committee to convene a working group to advance breast health and breast cancer awareness and promote greater understanding of the importance of early breast cancer detection in the state. The working group shall identify organizations that provide outreach to individuals, including, but not limited to, young women of color and high school students, regarding the importance of breast health and early breast cancer detection. Not later than February 1, 2022, the working group shall submit to the public health and appropriations committees, on legislative proposals that will improve breast cancer awareness and early detection of breast cancer.

Doula Certification Study
Establishes a statutory definition of “doula” as “a trained, nonmedical professional who provides physical, emotional and informational support, virtually or in person, to a pregnant person before, during and after birth and requires the Department of Public Health to conduct a scope of practice review inclusive, of the general statutes to determine whether DPH should establish a state certification process by which a person can be certified as a doula.

Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Task Force
Requires the Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee established in the general statutes to annually report disaggregated data regarding the information and findings obtained through the committee’s investigation process to the public health committee. Such report may include recommendations to reduce or eliminate racial inequities and other public health concerns regarding maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity in the state.

Improving Access to Care

Implicit Bias Training at Hospitals
Beginning October 1, 2021, the bill requires hospitals to include implicit bias training as part of their regular training to staff members who provide direct care to women who are pregnant or in the postpartum period. Under the bill, “implicit bias” means an attitude or internalized stereotype that affects perceptions, actions, and decisions in an unconscious manner and often contributes to unequal treatment based on someone’s race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, or other characteristics.

Sen. Cabrera Votes for the Passage of Comprehensive Bill to Declare Racism a Public Health Crisis, Address Health Issues Exacerbated by the Pandemic & Strengthen Connecticut’s Pandemic Preparedness

Posted on May 18, 2021 by Webmaster

Sen. Cabrera Votes for the Passage of Comprehensive Bill to Declare Racism a Public Health Crisis, Address Health Issues Exacerbated by the Pandemic & Strengthen Connecticut’s Pandemic Preparedness

HARTFORD, CT – Today, from the state Capitol Building, state Senator Jorge Cabrera (D-Hamden) voted for the passage of a bill to declare racism a public health crisis, ensure our state is prepared for future pandemics and address the current public health challenges caused or exacerbated by COVID-19. Senate Bill 1, “An Act Equalizing Comprehensive Access to Mental Health Behavioral and Physical Health Care in Response to the Pandemic,” will head to the state House of Representatives for further debate and action.

“In the past year, the word equity has been used by many and today I am proud to join my colleagues in supporting the passage of a bill that truly places equity at the forefront,” said Sen. Cabrera. “Racism is a public health crisis, it is heartbreaking that this is true and even more heartbreaking that some choose to deny this fact, but the data is clear that the physical and mental health of people of color in this state and country is negatively impacted by racism. This is a good bill, taking a needed first step to address this public health issue that has been ignored for far too long. This bill also addresses women’s health, mental health and places us in a position to better handle future pandemics. This is the right action to deal with the issues of our time and the ones that have persisted.”

SB 1 is a comprehensive bill with health equity at its foundation to address the state’s current response to COVID-19, preparedness in the event of another major public health crisis and declares racism a public health crisis, creating a commission on Racial Equity in Public Health to document and make recommendations to decrease the effect of racism on public health. According to the National League of Cities, over “90 cities publicly declaring racism a public health crisis in 2020.” According to Pew Charitable Trusts article from June of 2020, “Black women are up to four times more likely to die of pregnancy related complications than white women. Black men are more than twice as likely to be killed by police as white men. And the average life expectancy of African Americans is four years lower than the rest of the U.S. population.” Also, per Pew, “pervasive racism is the cause,” for these inequities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has also commented on the issue, “racism—both interpersonal” and structural, negatively affects the mental and physical health of millions of people, preventing them from attaining their highest level of health, and consequently, affecting the health of our nation.”

Regarding the state’s COVID-19 response, SB 1 requires the Department of Public Health to conduct a study on the state’s response to the pandemic and, no later than February 1, 2022, the Commissioner of Public Health must submit a preliminary report to the legislature’s Public Health Committee with the commissioner’s recommendations.

The bill continues to address health equity by requiring the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services to develop a mental health toolkit to help employers address employee mental health needs that arise due to COVID-19. SB 1 takes on women’s health through several improvements such as requiring the chairpersons of the Public Health Committee to convene a working group to advance breast health and breast cancer awareness, requiring DPH to conduct a study to determine whether the department should establish a state certification process for doulas and requiring the Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee established in the general statutes to annually report disaggregated data regarding the information and findings obtained through the committee’s investigation process to the Public Health Committee.

The bill advanced out of the Public Health Committee by a 22-11 tally on March 26 and received support from medical professionals, the state’s association of boards of education and non-profits and advocacy groups for social justice during the public hearing phase of legislative session. Jennifer Barahona, the chief executive officer at Norwalk ACTS said of the bill: “I am writing in strong support for SB 1 and particularly sections 6 and 7 that would declare racism as a public health crisis in the state and establish a commission to study the impact of institutional racism on public health and provide proposals to address disparities.” She continued: “Racism clearly meets the criteria of a public health crisis in that it affects large numbers of people, threatens health over the long-term, and requires the adoption of larger-scale solutions.”

Ruth Canovi, the director of advocacy at the American Lung Association of said, “SB 1 would recognize racism as a threat to public health and create a commission on disparities. These are needed first steps to create health equity in Connecticut. For example, because of systemic racism throughout our country, communities of color are often exposed to greater air pollution and bear a higher burden of lung disease. While recognizing racism as a public health threat will not immediately alleviate these disparities, it does identify the threats that currently exist.”

The Connecticut State Medical Society expressed support for several sections of SB 1, and commented overall on the bill stating, “Connecticut must tackle the issues of inequality and disparities in health care and CSMS believes this Bill includes some important steps in doing so.”

Addressing Systemic Racism

Declaration of Racism as a Public Health Crisis

Establishes a Commission on Racial Equity in Public Health to document and make recommendations to decrease the effect of racism on public health. The commission shall be part of the Legislative Department. The Secretary of OPM or her designee and a representative of Health Equity Solutions (a “non-profit organization with a state-wide focus on promoting policies, programs, and practices that result in equitable health care access, delivery, and outcomes for all people in Connecticut”) will serve as co-chairpersons of the commission. The commission, by majority vote, shall hire an executive director to serve as administrative staff of the commission. The executive director may hire up to two executive assistants to assist in carrying out the duties of the commission.
The commission shall, among other things:
- Support collaboration by bringing together partners from many different sectors to recognize the links between health and other issues and policy areas and build new partnerships to promote health and equity and increase government efficiency.
- Create a comprehensive strategic plan to eliminate health disparities and inequities across sectors.
- Study the impact that the public health crisis of racism has on vulnerable populations within diverse groups of the state population, including on the basis of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity and disability, including, but not limited to, Black American descendants of slavery.
Beginning January 1, 2022, and every six months thereafter, the commission shall submit a report to OPM and the public health and appropriations committees concerning:
- The activities of the commission during the prior six-month period.
- Any progress made in attaining the goal described in section 3 of this act.
- Any recommended changes to such goal based on the research conducted by the commission, any disparity study performed by any state agency or entity, or any community input received.
- The status of the comprehensive strategic plan required under section 3 of this act.
- Any recommendations for policy changes or amendments to state law.

Recruitment and Retention of Health Care Workers of Color

The bill requires the Commissioner of Public Health to study the development and implementation of a recruitment and retention program for health care workers in the state who are people of color. Not later than February 1, 2022, the commissioner shall report the results of such study to the public health committee. Such report shall include any legislative recommendations to improve the recruitment and retention of people of color in the health care sector, including, but not limited to, recommendations for the implementation of such recruitment and retention program.

Higher Ed Study on People of Color in Health Care Preparation Programs

Requires the Office of Higher Education, in collaboration with the Board of Regents for Higher Education and the Board of Trustees of The University of Connecticut to evaluate the recruitment and retention of people of color in health care preparation programs offered by the constituent units of the state system of higher education and the inclusion of cultural humility education in such programs. “Cultural humility” means a continuing commitment to (1) self-evaluation and critique of one’s own worldview with regard to differences in cultural traditions and belief systems, and (2) awareness of, and active mitigation of, power imbalances between cultures. Not later than January 1, 2022, the office shall submit a report, to the higher education committee. Such report shall include the results of such evaluation and any legislative recommendations to improve the recruitment and retention of people of color in such programs and include additional cultural humility education in such programs.

Racial and Ethnic Impact Statements

Requires the executive director of the Commission on Women, Children and Seniors to include an update on the status of amendments to the joint rules concerning the preparation of racial and ethnic impact statements in his annual report to the appropriations committee.

Gun Violence Intervention and Prevention Advisory Committee

Establishes a gun violence intervention and prevention advisory committee for the purpose of advising the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to public health and human services on the establishment of a Commission on Gun Violence Intervention and Prevention to coordinate the funding and implementation of evidence-based, community-centric programs and strategies to reduce street-level gun violence in the state. The committee shall:

Consult with community outreach organizations, victim service providers, victims of community violence and gun violence, community violence and gun violence researchers and public safety and law enforcement representatives regarding strategies to reduce community violence and gun violence.
Identify effective, evidence-based community violence and gun violence reduction strategies.
Identify strategies to align the resources of state agencies to reduce community violence and gun violence.
Identify state, federal and private funding opportunities for community violence and gun violence reduction initiatives.
Develop a public health and community engagement strategy for the Commission on Gun Violence Intervention and Prevention. By January 1, 2022, the committee shall submit a report on its findings and recommendations to the public health and human services committees. The committee shall terminate on the date that it submits such report or January 1, 2022, whichever is later.

Demographic Data Collection

Requires any state agency, board or commission that directly, or by contact with another entity, collects demographic data concerning the ancestry or ethnic origin, ethnicity, race or primary language of residents in the health care context to:

Collect such data in a manner that allows for aggregation and disaggregation of data.
Expand race and ethnicity categories to include subgroup identities as specified by the Community and Clinical Integration Program of the Office of Health Strategy and follow the hierarchical mapping to align with United States Office of Management and Budget standards.
Provide the option to individuals of selecting one or more ethnic or racial designations and include an “other” designation with the ability to write in identities not represented by other codes.
Collect primary language data employing language codes set by the International Organization for Standardization.
Ensure, in cases where data concerning an individual’s ethnic origin, ethnicity or race is reported to any other state agency, board or commission, that such data is neither tabulated nor reported without racial or ethnic data.

COVID-19

Addressing the State’s COVID-19 Response

Any policy changes and amendments to the general statutes necessary to improve the state’s response to future pandemics, including, but not limited to, recommendations regarding provisions of the general statutes or the regulations of Connecticut state agencies that should automatically be waived in the event of an occurrence or imminent threat of an occurrence of a communicable disease, except a sexually transmitted disease, or a public health emergency declared by the Governor.
How to improve administration of mass vaccinations, reporting and utilization of personal protective equipment supply during a public health emergency, cluster outbreak investigation and health care facilities’ care for patients.

Mental Health

Mental Health Toolkit

Requires the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services to develop a mental health toolkit to help employers address employee mental health needs that arise due to COVID-19. The toolkit must:

Identify common issues and their symptoms.
Provide information and other resources on actions that employers may take to help employees address these issues.
The bill requires DMHAS to post the toolkit on its website by October 1, 2021

Women’s Health

Breast Health and Breast Cancer Screenings

Requires the chairpersons of the public health committee to convene a working group to advance breast health and breast cancer awareness and promote greater understanding of the importance of early breast cancer detection in the state. The working group shall identify organizations that provide outreach to individuals, including, but not limited to, young women of color and high school students, regarding the importance of breast health and early breast cancer detection. Not later than February 1, 2022, the working group shall submit to the public health and appropriations committees, on legislative proposals that will improve breast cancer awareness and early detection of breast cancer.

Doula Certification Study

Establishes a statutory definition of “doula” as “a trained, nonmedical professional who provides physical, emotional and informational support, virtually or in person, to a pregnant person before, during and after birth and requires the Department of Public Health to conduct a scope of practice review inclusive, of the general statutes to determine whether DPH should establish a state certification process by which a person can be certified as a doula.

Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Task Force

Requires the Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee established in the general statutes to annually report disaggregated data regarding the information and findings obtained through the committee’s investigation process to the public health committee. Such report may include recommendations to reduce or eliminate racial inequities and other public health concerns regarding maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity in the state.

Improving Access to Care

Implicit Bias Training at Hospitals

Beginning October 1, 2021, the bill requires hospitals to include implicit bias training as part of their regular training to staff members who provide direct care to women who are pregnant or in the postpartum period. Under the bill, “implicit bias” means an attitude or internalized stereotype that affects perceptions, actions, and decisions in an unconscious manner and often contributes to unequal treatment based on someone’s race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, or other characteristics.

Senator Needleman Joins Senate Vote To Approve Comprehensive Bill to Declare Racism a Public Health Crisis, Address Health Issues Exacerbated by the Pandemic & Strengthen Connecticut’s Pandemic Preparedness

Posted on May 18, 2021 by Webmaster

Senator Needleman Joins Senate Vote To Approve Comprehensive Bill to Declare Racism a Public Health Crisis, Address Health Issues Exacerbated by the Pandemic & Strengthen Connecticut’s Pandemic Preparedness

HARTFORD, CT – Today, from the state Capitol Building, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) joined the Senate in its approval of a bill to declare racism a public health crisis, ensure our state is prepared for future pandemics and address the current public health challenges caused or exacerbated by COVID-19. Senate Bill 1, “An Act Equalizing Comprehensive Access to Mental Health Behavioral and Physical Health Care in Response to the Pandemic,” will now move to the state House of Representatives for further debate and action.

“The COVID-19 pandemic exposed many gaps in our public health systems, some of which were previously known by some groups more than others,” said Sen. Needleman. “I’m grateful for my colleagues for their hard work in fighting not only to bolster and benefit public health in Connecticut but to right the wrongs of the past and gain a much more informed knowledge of our state’s population and health needs. This legislation stands to position our state as a leader in responding to the pandemic and preparing for the future, as well as achieving goals that we owe it to our constituents to reach. I’m proud to vote yes and I look forward to its passage in the House.”

According to the National League of Cities, over “90 cities publicly declaring racism a public health crisis in 2020.” According to Pew Charitable Trusts article from June of 2020, “Black women are up to four times more likely to die of pregnancy related complications than white women. Black men are more than twice as likely to be killed by police as white men. And the average life expectancy of African Americans is four years lower than the rest of the U.S. population.” Also, per Pew, “pervasive racism is the cause,” for these inequities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has also commented on the issue, “racism—both interpersonal” and structural, negatively affects the mental and physical health of millions of people, preventing them from attaining their highest level of health, and consequently, affecting the health of our nation.”

Addressing Systemic Racism

Declaration of Racism as a Public Health Crisis

Establishes a Commission on Racial Equity in Public Health to document and make recommendations to decrease the effect of racism on public health. The commission shall be part of the Legislative Department. The Secretary of OPM or her designee and a representative of Health Equity Solutions (a “non-profit organization with a state-wide focus on promoting policies, programs, and practices that result in equitable health care access, delivery, and outcomes for all people in Connecticut”) will serve as co-chairpersons of the commission. The commission, by majority vote, shall hire an executive director to serve as administrative staff of the commission. The executive director may hire up to two executive assistants to assist in carrying out the duties of the commission.
The commission shall, among other things:
- Support collaboration by bringing together partners from many different sectors to recognize the links between health and other issues and policy areas and build new partnerships to promote health and equity and increase government efficiency.
- Create a comprehensive strategic plan to eliminate health disparities and inequities across sectors.
- Study the impact that the public health crisis of racism has on vulnerable populations within diverse groups of the state population, including on the basis of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity and disability, including, but not limited to, Black American descendants of slavery.
Beginning January 1, 2022, and every six months thereafter, the commission shall submit a report to OPM and the public health and appropriations committees concerning:
- The activities of the commission during the prior six-month period.
- Any progress made in attaining the goal described in section 3 of this act.
- Any recommended changes to such goal based on the research conducted by the commission, any disparity study performed by any state agency or entity, or any community input received.
- The status of the comprehensive strategic plan required under section 3 of this act.
- Any recommendations for policy changes or amendments to state law.

COVID-19

Addressing the State’s COVID-19 Response
Requires the Department of Public Health to conduct a study on the state’s COVID-19 response. Not later than February 1, 2022, the Commissioner of Public Health shall submit a preliminary report to the public health committee. Such report may include the commissioner’s recommendations including policy changes and amendments to improve response to future pandemics and how to improve administration of mass vaccinations, among many others.

Mental Health

Identify common issues and their symptoms.
Provide information and other resources on actions that employers may take to help employees address these issues.
The bill requires DMHAS to post the toolkit on its website by October 1, 2021

Women’s Health

Improving Access to Care

Senator Anwar Joins Senate Vote To Approve Comprehensive Bill to Declare Racism a Public Health Crisis, Address Health Issues Exacerbated by the Pandemic & Strengthen Connecticut’s Pandemic Preparedness

Posted on May 18, 2021 by Webmaster

Senator Anwar Joins Senate Vote To Approve Comprehensive Bill to Declare Racism a Public Health Crisis, Address Health Issues Exacerbated by the Pandemic & Strengthen Connecticut’s Pandemic Preparedness

HARTFORD, CT – Today, from the state Capitol Building, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) joined the Senate in its approval of a bill to declare racism a public health crisis, ensure our state is prepared for future pandemics and address the current public health challenges caused or exacerbated by COVID-19. Senate Bill 1, “An Act Equalizing Comprehensive Access to Mental Health Behavioral and Physical Health Care in Response to the Pandemic,” will now move to the state House of Representatives for further debate and action.

“We continue to realize and recognize the stark realities of our health care system in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, things not all of us recognized before,” said Sen. Anwar. “It clearly and plainly exposed the different health outcomes individuals can experience solely due to the color of their skin, many of those negative outcomes the result of something an individual cannot control or change. We need to address the disparities impacting minority populations. We need to rectify these issues. This legislation does not simply propose solutions: it requires us to recognize the problems causing them, the only way we can truly move forward in our state. I’m proud to join in support of this legislation and I look forward to its debate and passage in the House.”

Addressing Systemic Racism

Declaration of Racism as a Public Health Crisis

Establishes a Commission on Racial Equity in Public Health to document and make recommendations to decrease the effect of racism on public health. The commission shall be part of the Legislative Department. The Secretary of OPM or her designee and a representative of Health Equity Solutions (a “non-profit organization with a state-wide focus on promoting policies, programs, and practices that result in equitable health care access, delivery, and outcomes for all people in Connecticut”) will serve as co-chairpersons of the commission. The commission, by majority vote, shall hire an executive director to serve as administrative staff of the commission. The executive director may hire up to two executive assistants to assist in carrying out the duties of the commission.
The commission shall, among other things:
- Support collaboration by bringing together partners from many different sectors to recognize the links between health and other issues and policy areas and build new partnerships to promote health and equity and increase government efficiency.
- Create a comprehensive strategic plan to eliminate health disparities and inequities across sectors.
- Study the impact that the public health crisis of racism has on vulnerable populations within diverse groups of the state population, including on the basis of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity and disability, including, but not limited to, Black American descendants of slavery.
Beginning January 1, 2022, and every six months thereafter, the commission shall submit a report to OPM and the public health and appropriations committees concerning:
- The activities of the commission during the prior six-month period.
- Any progress made in attaining the goal described in section 3 of this act.
- Any recommended changes to such goal based on the research conducted by the commission, any disparity study performed by any state agency or entity, or any community input received.
- The status of the comprehensive strategic plan required under section 3 of this act.
- Any recommendations for policy changes or amendments to state law.

COVID-19

Mental Health

Identify common issues and their symptoms.
Provide information and other resources on actions that employers may take to help employees address these issues.
The bill requires DMHAS to post the toolkit on its website by October 1, 2021

Women’s Health

Improving Access to Care

Senator Needleman Joins Senate Approval of Domestic Violence and Hate Crimes Bill

Posted on May 18, 2021 by Webmaster

Senator Needleman Joins Senate Approval of Domestic Violence and Hate Crimes Bill

HARTFORD – State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) today joined the state Senate to approve a bill that will expand the definition of domestic violence in state law to include the “coercive control” so often exhibited in domestic abuse situations that follows a pattern of threatening, humiliating, or intimidating acts that harm a person and deprive them of their freedom, autonomy and their human rights.

The bill also establishes a new legal aid program to provide legal representation for victims of domestic violence who file restraining orders, and it changes the standard for a hate crime to allow someone to be charged if their assault on a person’s race, religion, country of origin was motivated “in substantial part” by those characteristics, and was not simply the “sole” motivating factor for that assault, as current state law requires.

Senate Bill 1091, “AN ACT CONCERNING THE DEFINITION OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, REVISING STATUTES CONCERNING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, CHILD CUSTODY, FAMILY RELATIONS MATTER FILINGS AND BIGOTRY OR BIAS CRIMES AND CREATING A PROGRAM TO PROVIDE LEGAL COUNSEL TO INDIGENTS IN RESTRAINING ORDER CASES,” passed the Senate today and then move on to a vote in the House of Representative.

“Domestic violence comes with horrific consequences, one of the most significant being that sometimes it’s not even recognized as domestic violence,” said Sen. Needleman. “Abusers often include control and possession in their actions against their victims. We need to reflect that intimidation and threatening are as damaging to victims as physical violence and take action accordingly so fewer victims will suffer. Additionally, this bill’s actions to provide legal aid to victims and to ensure hate crimes are taken as seriously as they must be will further strengthen our state’s laws and protect more people from others’ wrongdoing. I’m in full support and look forward to its passage by the House.”

SB 1091 is the result of months of work by Democrats to update Connecticut’s domestic violence laws to allow more favorable and fair treatment of victims seeking restraining orders, divorce, child custody, and other matters in family court. If passed by the House and signed into law by the governor, Connecticut would join at least 17 states that have already incorporated more than physical violence into the criteria necessary for issuing a restraining order.

SB 1091 creates a more efficient restraining order process, allowing victims to email marshals the forms needed to serve a restraining order on the alleged abuser. Currently, the forms must be physically delivered by the applicant to the courthouse. The bill also allows victims the option of testifying remotely in court proceedings — and not in presence of their alleged abuser — if they have a hearing for a restraining order, a protective order, or a standing criminal protective order.

The bill requires that a safe space be provided to victims of family violence in all court locations constructed after July 1, 2021; it allows the state Department of Social Services to expedite general assistance to victims of domestic violence by not factoring in the income of the alleged abuser when determining the amount of assistance available to them; it requires court officials to consider cash-only bonds when previous family violence court orders have been violated; and it establishes a process for tenants to change the locks on their apartments after obtaining a protective order or a restraining order.

The bill’s creation of a new, so-called “Civil Gideon” program will, through the Connecticut Bar Foundation, provide grants to non-profits to provide legal services in the five judicial districts with the highest number of applications for restraining orders: Fairfield (Bridgeport), Hartford, New Haven, Stamford-Norwalk and Waterbury.

In one study, victims of domestic violence with access to legal counsel reported substantially less revictimization. Another study found that domestic violence victims with legal counsel had higher employment rates and used less government programs, thereby saving the sponsoring state twice as much as the program’s cost.

Various aspects of the public policies included in SB 1091 have been supported by a broad range of state and national organizations, including: The Center for Family Justice; Child USA (National); CT Alliance to End Sexual Violence; CT Voices for Children; CT Coalition Against Domestic Violence; CT Legal Services; CT Women’s Education and Legal Fund; CWCSEO; Domestic Violence Crisis Center (lower Fairfield County); Greater Hartford Legal Aid; Legal Momentum, The Women’s Legal Defense and Education Fund; New Haven Legal Assistance Association; Prudence Crandall Center (New Britain and surrounding towns); Safe & Together Institute (Canton); Safe Haven of Greater Waterbury; Women’s Legal Defense and Education Fund (National); and the YWCA of Greenwich.

Senator Anwar Joins Senate Approval of Domestic Violence and Hate Crimes Bill

Posted on May 18, 2021 by Webmaster

Senator Anwar Joins Senate Approval of Domestic Violence and Hate Crimes Bill

HARTFORD – State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) today joined the state Senate to approve a bill that will expand the definition of domestic violence in state law to include the “coercive control” so often exhibited in domestic abuse situations that follows a pattern of threatening, humiliating, or intimidating acts that harm a person and deprive them of their freedom, autonomy and their human rights.

Senate Bill 1091, “AN ACT CONCERNING THE DEFINITION OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, REVISING STATUTES CONCERNING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, CHILD CUSTODY, FAMILY RELATIONS MATTER FILINGS AND BIGOTRY OR BIAS CRIMES AND CREATING A PROGRAM TO PROVIDE LEGAL COUNSEL TO INDIGENTS IN RESTRAINING ORDER CASES,” passed the Senate today and will move on to a vote in the House of Representatives.

“For all we do to fight domestic violence, there is more we can do, and today’s vote provides women in Connecticut with the additional security they deserve,” said Sen. Anwar. “For the first time, this state will recognize abusive behavior, such as coercive threatening or intimidation, as domestic violence. It will help protect victims in cases of mental anguish due to the way they are treated. Further, this legislation will bolster how restraining orders are served, among its benefits for victims of hate crimes as well. Overall, this legislation will protect victims in Connecticut, and as such, I am encouraged by its passage.”

Senator McCrory Votes to Approve a Comprehensive Bill to Declare Racism a Public Health Crisis, Address Health Issues Exacerbated by the Pandemic & Strengthen Connecticut’s Pandemic Preparedness

Posted on May 18, 2021November 4, 2023 by Webmaster

Senator McCrory Votes to Approve a Comprehensive Bill to Declare Racism a Public Health Crisis, Address Health Issues Exacerbated by the Pandemic & Strengthen Connecticut’s Pandemic Preparedness

Today, state Senator Doug McCrory (D-Hartford) joined the Senate in its approval of a bill to declare racism a public health crisis, ensure our state is prepared for future pandemics and address the current public health challenges caused or exacerbated by COVID-19. Senate Bill 1, “An Act Equalizing Comprehensive Access to Mental Health Behavioral and Physical Health Care in Response to the Pandemic,” will now move to the state House of Representatives for further debate and action.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has widened the long-existent health disparities in our communities. Disparities that are way past time for being addressed and this legislation takes substantive steps to do so,” said Sen. McCrory. “An aspect of this bill that I welcome is the development of a gun violence intervention and prevention advisory committee that will identify community-based strategies and programs for reducing gun violence, along with opportunities to fund them. The committee is a critical collaborative step in keeping our children safe and stopping future acts of violence that leave lasting trauma. I am thankful to my colleagues for their dedicated work on this bold legislation and to be able to join them in support of it.”

Addressing Systemic Racism

Declaration of Racism as a Public Health Crisis

Establishes a Commission on Racial Equity in Public Health to document and make recommendations to decrease the effect of racism on public health. The commission shall be part of the Legislative Department. The Secretary of OPM or her designee and a representative of Health Equity Solutions (a “non-profit organization with a state-wide focus on promoting policies, programs, and practices that result in equitable health care access, delivery, and outcomes for all people in Connecticut”) will serve as co-chairpersons of the commission. The commission, by majority vote, shall hire an executive director to serve as administrative staff of the commission. The executive director may hire up to two executive assistants to assist in carrying out the duties of the commission.
The commission shall, among other things:
- Support collaboration by bringing together partners from many different sectors to recognize the links between health and other issues and policy areas and build new partnerships to promote health and equity and increase government efficiency.
- Create a comprehensive strategic plan to eliminate health disparities and inequities across sectors.
- Study the impact that the public health crisis of racism has on vulnerable populations within diverse groups of the state population, including on the basis of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity and disability, including, but not limited to, Black American descendants of slavery.
Beginning January 1, 2022, and every six months thereafter, the commission shall submit a report to OPM and the public health and appropriations committees concerning:
- The activities of the commission during the prior six-month period.
- Any progress made in attaining the goal described in section 3 of this act.
- Any recommended changes to such goal based on the research conducted by the commission, any disparity study performed by any state agency or entity, or any community input received.
- The status of the comprehensive strategic plan required under section 3 of this act.
- Any recommendations for policy changes or amendments to state law.

Consult with community outreach organizations, victim service providers, victims of community violence and gun violence, community violence and gun violence researchers and public safety and law enforcement representatives regarding strategies to reduce community violence and gun violence.
Identify effective, evidence-based community violence and gun violence reduction strategies.
Identify strategies to align the resources of state agencies to reduce community violence and gun violence.
Identify state, federal and private funding opportunities for community violence and gun violence reduction initiatives.
Develop a public health and community engagement strategy for the Commission on Gun Violence Intervention and Prevention. By January 1, 2022, the committee shall submit a report on its findings and recommendations to the public health and human services committees. The committee shall terminate on the date that it submits such report or January 1, 2022, whichever is later.

Collect such data in a manner that allows for aggregation and disaggregation of data.
Expand race and ethnicity categories to include subgroup identities as specified by the Community and Clinical Integration Program of the Office of Health Strategy and follow the hierarchical mapping to align with United States Office of Management and Budget standards.
Provide the option to individuals of selecting one or more ethnic or racial designations and include an “other” designation with the ability to write in identities not represented by other codes.
Collect primary language data employing language codes set by the International Organization for Standardization.
Ensure, in cases where data concerning an individual’s ethnic origin, ethnicity or race is reported to any other state agency, board or commission, that such data is neither tabulated nor reported without racial or ethnic data.

COVID-19

Mental Health

Identify common issues and their symptoms.
Provide information and other resources on actions that employers may take to help employees address these issues.
The bill requires DMHAS to post the toolkit on its website by October 1, 2021

Women’s Health

Improving Access to Care

Senator Haskell Votes for Criminal Justice Reform, Public Health Reform and Domestic Violence Prevention

Posted on May 18, 2021 by Webmaster

Senator Haskell Votes for Criminal Justice Reform, Public Health Reform and Domestic Violence Prevention

HARTFORD, CT – Today, State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport) joined the Senate in approving three significant bills that build a safer and more just Connecticut. Senate Bill 1, “An Act Equalizing Comprehensive Access to Mental Health Behavioral and Physical Health Care in Response to the Pandemic,” declared racism a public health crisis, addresses public health disparities and ensures our state is better prepared for future pandemics. Sen. Haskell additionally voted in favor of Clean Slate legislation, designed to automatically erase the criminal records of those who have served their time and not committed another crime. This bill will reduce recidivism, prohibiting discrimination against previously incarcerated individuals in areas like employment, education and housing. Finally, the Senate approved legislation that empowers courts to protect survivors of domestic violence, including those who suffer from repeated threatening, humiliating or intimidating behavior that deprives them of freedom and autonomy. This legislation establishes legal aid for domestic violence victims with restraining orders, ensuring they have an advocate beside them in the courtroom.

“SB 1 is a promise to the people of Connecticut: we will not be caught unprepared by another public health crisis. This bill ensures that we stock up on Personal Protective Equipment, evaluate where our public health strategy fell short, and address the longstanding inequalities of our healthcare system,” said Sen. Haskell. “We know that the life expectancy for black men is shorter than it is for the population-at-large. Now, it’s time to do something about it. As we start to emerge from this pandemic that has disproportionately harmed communities of color, it’s hard to imagine a more critical initiative for the state senate to take on.”

SB 1 is a comprehensive bill that evaluates our state’s response to COVID-19, takes steps to ensure we are more prepared for the next crisis, and declares racism a public health crisis. The bill also creates a commission on Racial Equity in Public Health to document and make recommendations to decrease racially disparate outcomes in public health.

The bill also addresses health equity by requiring the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services to develop a mental health toolkit to help employers support employee mental health needs that have arisen due to COVID-19. SB 1 supports women’s health by convening a working group that will advance breast health and breast cancer awareness and require the Department of Public Health to consider establishing a state certification process for doulas.

According to Pew Charitable Trusts article from June of 2020, “Black women are up to four times more likely to die of pregnancy related complications than white women. Black men are more than twice as likely to be killed by police as white men. And the average life expectancy of African Americans is four years lower than the rest of the U.S. population.” Also, per Pew, “pervasive racism is the cause,” for these inequities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has also commented on the issue, “racism—both interpersonal” and structural, negatively affects the mental and physical health of millions of people, preventing them from attaining their highest level of health, and consequently, affecting the health of our nation.”

“I believe in second chances, and so do most of my constituents,” said Sen. Haskell. “The Clean Slate bill is about helping those who have served their time behind bars succeed after their release, allowing them to find a job, secure housing and apply for an education without facing discrimination.”

Senate Bill 1019, referred to as the “clean slate” bill, would automatically erase the criminal records of previously incarcerated individuals convicted of certain crimes after a determined amount of time has passed without another conviction. The bill impacts convictions that occurred on or after January 1, 2000. A previously convicted individual would have to petition for erasure of offenses that took place prior to 2000.

Eligible misdemeanors would be automatically erased after seven years from last conviction
Eligible Class D or E felonies and unclassified felonies punishable up to 5-year prison sentences would be erased after 10 years from last conviction

Convictions involving Class A, B, and C felonies, family violence crimes or sexual offenses would not be eligible for automatic erasure. Under Senate Bill 1019, certain illegal drug possession convictions before October 1, 2015 would not be considered the last conviction when determining if enough time has gone by for erasure. For example, convictions could be possession of under four ounces of cannabis or an amount of non-narcotic or non-hallucinogenic drugs. This is due to a law effective in October 2015 that changed most forms of such convictions from being felonies to Class A misdemeanors. The automatic erasure provisions would take effect on January 1, 2023. Individuals would still have the option to seek a pardon and erasure, under the current pardon application system in Connecticut, before the automatic erasure time threshold is reached or if the conviction(s) are not eligible for automatic erasure.

If the bill is signed into law, Connecticut would join states including Utah and New Jersey that have passed “clean slate” laws.

“Domestic violence is an issue that impacts every Senate district, and I’m so grateful for the work of Senator Kasser and Senator Flexer in ushering this through the Senate,” said Sen. Haskell. “These laws help to build a justice system that respects the safety and dignity of survivors, ensuring they can participate in court proceedings remotely, have access to counsel and ensure their locks are changed in a timely manner.”

Sen. Flexer Leads Senate Passage of Domestic Violence Bill

Posted on May 18, 2021 by Webmaster

Sen. Flexer Leads Senate Passage of Domestic Violence Bill

HARTFORD – Today, after years of working with advocates and fighting for the rights of domestic violence victims, state Senator Mae Flexer led Senate debate and passage of a bill that expands the definition of domestic violence in state law. Senate Bill 1091, “An Act Concerning the Definition of Domestic Violence, Revising Statutes Concerning Domestic Violence, Child Custody, Family Relations Matter Filings and Bigotry or Bias Crimes and Creating a Program to Provide Legal Counsel to Indigents in Restraining Order Cases,” passed the Senate on a 35-1vote and now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.

The bill defines “coercive control,” which is so often exhibited in domestic abuse situations, that follows a pattern of threatening, humiliating, or intimidating acts that harm a person and deprive them of their freedom, autonomy and their human rights. The bill also establishes a new legal aid program to provide legal representation for victims of domestic violence who file restraining orders.

“This bill continues to make Connecticut a national leader on domestic violence, as we have been for the past four decades,” Sen. Flexer said. “This bill is before us because victims and advocates have come forward and told their stories, and explained what life is like when you live in an abusive relationship. What we learned is that, by the time the violence happens, it’s often too late. There is a run-up to physical abuse, and it often starts with things like coercive control. This bill represents a restructuring of our state laws to recognize the fact that emotional and mental abuse often starts before physical violence happens. Our courts and our judges will now be able to give these victims the protections they need.”

SB 1091 is the result of months of work by Sen. Flexer and advocates to update Connecticut’s domestic violence laws to allow more favorable and fair treatment of victims seeking restraining orders, divorce, child custody, and other matters in family court. If passed by the House and signed into law by the governor, Connecticut would join California in incorporating coercive control and more than physical violence into the criteria necessary for issuing a restraining order.

SB 1091 creates a more efficient restraining order process, allowing victims to electronically apply for a restraining order against the alleged abuser, which has been current practice in the pandemic. The bill also allows victims the option of testifying remotely in curt proceedings — and not in presence of their alleged abuser — if they have a hearing for a restraining order, a protective order, or a standing criminal protective order.

In one study, victims of domestic violence with access to legal counsel reported substantially less revictimization.  Another study found that domestic violence victims with legal counsel had higher employment rates and used less government programs, thereby saving the sponsoring state twice as much as the program’s cost. 