In addition to these budgetary efforts to support seniors, Rochelle also
supported four additional bills focusing on our seniors’ well-being and quality
of life. Legislation passed in the most recent session included funding
initiatives that will help keep seniors in their homes as long as possible,
requiring appropriate staffing levels in nursing homes, providing the public
access to a searchable database of people who may be a risk to our seniors and
people with disabilities, and requiring certain health care providers to
receive training in recognizing the signs of and symptoms of Alzheimer’s
disease and dementia.
“Our older
neighbors, friends, and loved ones deserve pathways to age with stability,
proper support, and dignity. These
legislative efforts all work toward that goal.
I’m proud to be a part of improving the lives of our seniors and look
forward to continued efforts in future sessions.” said Rochelle
A closer look
at the bills:
The Budget
·
Tax Relief for Seniors: This year’s budget implements tax
cuts for seniors on social security and for those who receive pensions. For
social security recipients who earn a total income of less than 75k/year or
couples who earn less than $100,000k/year the state will no longer be taxing
social security income. For those who earn above these thresholds, you will
receive a 75 percent tax credit on social security. For those receiving
pensions: starting this year and going forth every year until we reach zero the
state will be reducing pension taxes on those earning less than $75k/year for
an individual and $100k/year for a couple by 14 percent each year.
·
Increase in Meals on Wheels Funding: This year’s budget saw an increase in
funding for Meals on Wheels, critical for supporting thousands of seniors
across the state and many seniors here in Ansonia and Derby.
Legislation:
HB6170, An Act Increasing Funding For
Aging In Place Initiatives – funds various initiatives to help our older neighbors remain
in their own homes as long as possible with proper support as needed.
·
SB375, An Act Concerning Nursing Home
Facility Staffing Levels- ensures the well-being of nursing home residents by requiring nursing
homes to provide clear safety data to the state including but not limited to
the number of nurses that will direct patient contact for each shift and
minimum number of required staff for each shift.
SB832, An act Concerning Registries
of Persons Found Responsible For Assaults Or Other Abuse , Neglect,
Exploitation Or Abandonment Of Elderly Persons Or Persons With Disabilities –provides the public with access to a
searchable database of perpetrators of crimes and other substantiated abuse,
neglect, exploitation or abandonment of elderly persons or persons with
disabilities.
·
SB827, An Act Concerning Alzheimer’s
Disease and Dementia Training And Best Practices – requires certain health care
professionals who provide primary care or emergency treatment for adults to
receive training in recognizing the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease
dementia. This bill also establishes a working group to develop recommendations
on improving the care for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia patients.
