JOINT STANDING COMMITTEE HEARINGS
CHILDREN
PART 1 1-460
2020 Index BILL INDEX
HOUSE PAGES HOUSE PAGES BILL BILL
5141 470-476, 531-544, 567- 5333 544, 546-549, 580-582, 574, 589-597, 609-637, 870, 872-874, 894-902, 660-666, 719-738, 744- 745, 749-864, 5334 586-589, 640-641, 903- 910, 5142 125, 126-127, 246-248, 5335 505-506, 544, 545-549, 5144 51-61, 73-80, 128-162 562-566, 574-578, 580- 581, 583-585, 870, 872, 5145 63, 64-65, 67-69, 71- 896-897, 911-916, 73, 102-106, 163-166, 167, 169-170, 5336 492-510, 515-529, 544, 546-549, 576-578, 580, 5146 5-20, 21-26, 63, 65-66, 582, 682-694, 867-868, 86-91, 167, 170-189, 894-896, 898, 917-939,
5199 258, 259-260, 266-267, 268-275, 309-313, 328- 337, 340-346,
5201 258, 260, 266-267, 275, 279-280, 335, 337-338, 347,
5202 258, 260-261, 267-268, 335, 338-339, 348-352,
5328 507, 510-515, 529-530, 544, 550-556, 559-562, 695-698, 739-740, 865- 870, 875-882,
5329 870, 874, 883,
5331 637-640, 870, 874-875, 884-889,
5332 580, 582, 709-719, 890- 896, 898,
2020 CHILDREN BILL INDEX
SENATE PAGES SENATE PAGES BILL BILL
87 35-47, 62, 81-83, 167- 285 578-580, 606-609, 667- 168, 173, 177, 190-196 682, 738-741, 974-985,
88 83, 84-85, 91-102, 106- 286 470, 476, 480-481, 870- 111, 196-224 871, 986-989,
89 15, 21, 26-35, 47-50, 288 870, 990-991 63, 111-125, 167, 168, 214, 225-237, 353,
91 15, 20-21, 24, 63-64, 69-71, 83-84, 85-86, 167-168, 173, 176-177, 238-245
92 125-126, 246-247
93 476-486, 940-946,
156 256-257, 258, 261, 275, 278-279, 281, 305-309, 313-323, 335-336, 354- 366,
157 258-259, 261-266, 275, 280, 282-305, 323-327, 335-337, 367-451
158 253-256, 275-278, 452- 457, 459-460,
159 455, 457-458,
282 641-645, 741-744, 947,
283 486-492, 544-545, 556- 558, 646-652, 699-709, 870-872, 948-962, 992,
284 470, 597-606, 653-660, 963-973,
2020 CHILDREN
CONNECTICUT GENERAL ASSEMBLY
2020
PUBLIC HEARINGS
ON
CHILDREN
Connecticut State Library Hartford, Connecticut 06106 1
Committee on Children
PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA
Tuesday, February 18, 2020
1 :00 PM in Room 1 B of the LOB
I. BILLS FOR REVIEW
1. S.B. No. 87 (RAISED) AN ACT CONCERNING ELIGIBILITY FOR THE OFFICE OF EARLY CHILDHOOD'S CHILD CARE SUBSIDY PROGRAM FOR VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. (KID)
2. S.B. No. 88 (RAISED) AN ACT CONCERNING CHILDREN'S MENUS. (KID)
3. S.B. No. 89 (RAISED) AN ACT CONCERNING SCHOOL LUNCH DEBT. (KID).
4. S.B. No. 90 (RAISED) AN ACT CONCERNING CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS. (KID) 5. 91 S.B. No. (RAISED) AN ACT CONCERNING A PROGRAM TO PROVIDE. FREE SWIMMING LESSONS TO INDIVIDUALS UNDER THE AGE OF EIGHTEEN. (KID)
6. S.B. No. 92 (RAISED) AN ACT CONCERNING CHILDREN'S SERVICES. (KID)
7. H.B. No. 5142 (RAISED) AN ACT CONCERNING CHILDREN'S SAFETY. (KID) .
8. H.B. No. 5143 (RAISED) AN ACT CONCERNING CHILDREN'S HEALTH. (KID)
9. H.B. No. 5144 (RAISED) AN ACT REQUIRING, HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR PEDIATRIC AUTOIMMUNE NEUROPSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS ASSOCIATED WITH STREPTOCOCCAL INFECTIONS AND PEDIATRIC ACUTE-ONSET NEUROPSYCHIATRIC SYNDROME. (KID)
10. H.B. No. 5145 (RAISED) AN ACT CONCERNING THE ANNUAL REPORTING OF THE NUMBER OF VERIFIED ACTS OF BULL YING IN SCHOOLS. (KID)
11. H.B. No. 5146 (RAISED) AN ACT ESTABLISHING A YOUTH SUICIDE PREVENTION PILOT PROGRAM. (KID)
II. Adjournment 2
COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN VOTE TALLY SHEET
Bill No.: ------Amendment Letter:
Chair: �------�
Action:
Language Change:
Voting Yea Nay Abstain Absent and Not Voting Voice Vote TOTALS 11rt
Vote date: Correction date: 3
Committee on Children Legislator or Agency Head Public Hearing Sign-Up Sheet
Date: Time: Room:
Name of Speaker Representing Name of Person Bill Pro or Written Testimony Signing Up Number(s) Con Provided? (YES or NO) {botrliSh !:l 1 ''--•--,., /),.,.�,,,,kc nr.c l/6 >r( eru;, cc,..,.:rJ. 2 AP,!/. )1,,_4 nc.r1 ()/pr, ' - q'J �<:"
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-----·--��---� Committee on Children Public Hearing 2/18/2020 Public
Date: 2/18/2020 Time: 1:00 PM Room: lB Testimony Submitted # Person(s) Testifying: Organization/Representing: Bill# Oral Email Paper Pending None
1 Meghan Scanlon 87 .
2 Gabriella True ASPIRE 5144 x
6 Barbara R. self 5144 x x
23 Tess Leone Intern at CCA/DV 87 x x
52 John Cattelan YMCA 88 and 9;1. x
77 Howard Sovronsky CCMC 5146 ' x x
82 Joan Nichols CFBA 88 x x
92 Andrew Fienstien SEEK 5145 x
101 Jim Willama AHA . 88 x x
136 Jeffrey Sidewater School Nutrition Association of CT 89
137 l"ltWr,,tA. H ------�-····-···-·-·�-•• -c 5 1 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING CHAIRPERSON: Senator Marilyn V. Moore SENATORS: Anwar, Cohen, Kelly REPRESENTATIVES: Boyd, Comey, Cummings, Green, Hampton, Hayes, Kokoruda, Linehan, Turco, Wilson Pheanious SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Good afternoon. I’m going to call this public hearing to order. I’m Senator Marilyn Moore. Any comments from my co-chairs? REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Thank you, Senator. I just have to say I’m thrilled that you’re next to me. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): [Laughing]. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Thank you. [Crosstalk]. I think it’s such an honor to have you co-chair this committee, and -- and it’s wonderful that you’re here with me today, and we’re going to do some really great things. That’s all I wanted to say publicly. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Thank you. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Thank you. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): I appreciate that. Anyone else? Thank you. So, we’re hear -- we’re hearing 11 bills today. The first person up is Commissioner Vanessa Dorantes from DCF. COMMISSIONER VANESSA DORANTES: Good afternoon, Senator Moore -- [pause] -- of -- sorry about that. HB 5146 Distinguished members of the Children’s Committee, my name is Vanessa Dorantes, and I’m the Commissioner of the Department of Children and 6 2 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING Families. I’d like to offer the following comments on House Bill 5146, AN ACT ESTABLISHING A YOUTH SUICIDE PREVENTION PILOT PROGRAM. DCF along with several state and community partners have been at the forefront of youth suicide prevention and training for the last several years. An integral part of that practice is our participation and support of the Connecticut Suicide Advisory Board. Tim Marshall of DCF, Andrea Iger Duarte of the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, and Tom Steen co-chair of this volunteer body, which is comprised of state officials, community-based providers, advocates, and suicide attempt and loss survivors. The Connecticut Suicide Advisory Board examines and promotes evidence-based prevention curriculums. Through the efforts of the Connecticut Suicide Advisory Board, Connecticut has various curricula for suicide prevention that are already utilized throughout the state. Such evidence-based curricula include Question Persuade Refer or (QPR), Signs of Suicide (SOS), Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training or (ASIST), Assessing and Managing Suicide Risk (AMSR), and Safe-TALK. These curricula are designed for various target populations and Question Persuade and Refer is the most popular and relevant of the trainings since it is intended for the general population and the training can be completed in less than a half a day. It is known as the "CPR" of behavioral health. Over the years, DCF and the Office of the Child Advocate and the Connecticut Suicide Advisory Board have funded or performed numerous prevention trainings and several Question Persuade and Refer Train-The Trainer programs. While we, of course, support the spirit of this bill, we strongly recommend several pieces of the 7 3 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING proposal be clarified. First, if state funding is made available to support suicide prevention curricula, we should be creating -- we should not be creating new training but rather focus on the existing evidence-based curricula listed above. More specifically, the legislature would get the most of its investment by supporting QPR training across the state. Secondly, the current funding streams for youth suicide prevention activities do not include any state dollars, but rather are exclusively federal grant dollars through the Garrett Lee Smith Suicide Prevention Grant, the Community Mental Health Services Block Grant, and the Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant. Those dollars support evidence-based prevention trainings, community services, and suicide prevention materials, such as our “1 Word, 1 Voice, 1 Life” campaign which can be found at www.preventsuicidect.org. All of the other activity depend entirely on volunteer work performed by the Connecticut Suicide Advisory Board members. Any new or expanded activities would require the appropriation of additional funding. We believe much of the suicide -- much of the intention of this bill is currently being achieved through the work of the Connecticut Suicide Advisory Board, and we are available to work with the proponents of this legislature -- legislation to determine the appropriate legislative action to ensure that any person who is considering self-harm can access the help he or she needs. Thank you. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Thank you. Questions for the commissioner? Representative Linehan. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Thank you very much, Commissioner, for being here, and I appreciate that 8 4 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING y9u have listed the programs that have been available, and the one that we are looking for as we are writing this bill is actually QPR, and we have QPR is going to be -- training is going to be available for the members of this committee, as well as any member of the legislature who works here at the Capitol, so I really appreciate that. Can you - - can you tell me have there been -- you said that this is also the work of the Connecticut Suicide Advisory Board. They do really great work, and the purpose of this legislation is to spread that knowledge, right. In this legislation, it does say that of the places that we’re choosing it would be someone who has had a youth suicide within the last five years. That is something very important to this committee, and so in your professional opinion, does QPR work or is it geared towards our youth? COMMISSIONER VANESSA DORANTES: If I may, may I ask Tim Marshall to join us? He is the program director who would knows the intimacies of each of these curricula and could probably speak to it a lot more specifically than I could. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): I would appreciate that. Thank you, and if he could introduce himself at the microphone, that would be appreciated. TIM MARSHALL: Hi. [Clearing throat]. My name is Tim Marshall. I am the Director of Community Services [pause] -- sorry. Tim Marshall. I’m the Director of Community-Based Services at Department of Children and Families, and I’m one of the three tri-chairs of the Connecticut Suicide Advisory Board. QPR as it’s known for as stated in the testimony is kind of like the “CPR” of mental health. It was really designed for that purpose, and the real purpose of that is to make any person 9 5 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING comfortable with talking with somebody who might be in trouble and be comfortable to ask them directly if they’re considering killing themselves, and so it is definitely directed for those who work with children, and it’s directly direct -- directed toward anybody who might be struggling with mental health issues or again might be considering self- harm. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Thank you, and this bill sets forth a program that is a train-the trainer model, which in writing this legislation, we thought that it was really important that we did a Train-The Trainer model. What we wanted to do and what we’re trying to accomplish with this legislation is to train more people within our community because we know, you know, it takes a village, so there have been some suicide outreach programs that are happening in schools, but what this specifically does is go towards youth service bureaus or youth groups or anyone who actually wants to be trained in QPR that this legislation will put a pi8lot program together to train a trainer who can then put that out in their community, and given what you know about CPR or rather QPR and the Train-The Trainer model, do you think that this is the best way to proceed with this legislation -- to continue to do Train-The Trainer? COMMISSIONER VANESSA DORANTES: So, I think that that’s an important -- not even a first step. We’ve already laid the foundation, so building upon what we already know has had tremendous amount of success identifying those areas in the state that could use some additional support and building upon the work of the Connecticut Suicide Advisory Board would definitely be in the best interest of making sure more people know about QPR and that Train-The 10 6 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING Trainer model allows for that ripple effect to occur. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Thank you very much. I have no further questions. Any other member of the committee? SENATOR MOORE (22ND): I just have a side question. Do you know how many of these suicides for youth are the result of gun violence? Do you have any idea? Or is it -- COMMISSIONER VANESSA DORANTES: Tim is saying that the majority are not, but we can get you the data to be able so support that. There is the board that meets pretty regularly to -- to go over what has most recently occurred? TIM MARSHALL: Yeah. The challenge is the number is so small annually [clearing throat]. We -- over the last 15 years, we’ve averaged about eight deaths annually for those under age 18, and so we could have years as low as six or eight, and we can have years as much as 10 or 12. We really haven’t gone above 10 or 12, so just a reduction of our youth suicides or an increase of youth suicides is hard to gauge, but kids generally don’t get a hold of guns. They do sometimes, but the majority of those are not by guns. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Well, kids do get a hold of guns. They just don’t use them as suicide. It’s usually to hurt somebody else, but I was questioning that because some people have been talking about gun violence and addressing the suicide part of it instead of the gun violence attacks against people, so I was just wondering was there a high number in the state that -- that that would be at the top of the list of looking at suicide of youth through 11 7 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING guns, and you don’t think -- you’re saying six to eight per year? TIM MARSHALL: The average is eight. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Eight. TIM MARSHALL: And, again, we’d have to go -- because of that number is so small, we’d have to look at the last 5 to 10 years and tell you exactly how many died by guns in each of those years. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Thank you very much, and I -- I apologize, but that triggered another question for me. You say the number of youth suicides are relatively small. In my opinion, one is far too many, and in my district, we did have the death by suicide of a 12-year-old sixth grade, and so our work that we did through this committee last year was to have suicide questions available in school climate surveys so that we can -- and as early as third grade, so typically we weren’t speaking to students that youth, but we now know that since there was a death by suicide in my district and I believe in another district recently of a youngster that was under the age of 13 that this is something that is nationally growing, but my question for you is we are talking about children here, but is there any data that says the death by suicide of those over 18 the suicidal thoughts actually begin before they turn 18? Because if we’re looking at just the numbers of those that actually died by suicide and we’re seeing it’s a small number, my concern is those thoughts happened well before their 18th birthday and that we just simply can’t cut off at an arbitrary age number. Do you have any comments on that? 12 8 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING TIM MARSHALL: Yes. So, the thoughts is a hard one to get to, but if we go to the attempt data, that’s a better proxy, and what we do know in Connecticut we are actually in terms of completed suicides in the state we’re actually fourth or fifth at least in the country per capita, but on attempts we’re actually almost middle of the road in the entire country, so there is still lots of work to be done. One of the -- one of the reasons is we’re not a big gun culture state, and so those states that have a lot more access to guns the rates go up, so the number of attempts and then the number of those who die are -- are much higher, so again, because of the means that most of our youth choose, there’s more survivors. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): And, is there a socioeconomic or racial component to those who attempt suicide? Because we’re looking at developing the pilot program, and we are choosing the areas to focus on. Our first go to will be if they’ve had a youth suicide within the last five years, but if that doesn’t complete the -- the number of municipalities or areas that we want to focus on, the next one will go towards, you know -- are there numbers that say this is more of a socioeconomic or racial problem? COMMISSIONER VANESSA DORANTES: So, for us at DCF when we think about our rational justice work, it’s important for us to pay attention to not only overrepresentation of specific racial groups but also underrepresentation, so when we look at numbers of a specific topic such as this one, it’s important for us to pay attention to groups as they are identified but also overrepresented or underrepresented. Do you have data to suggest the racial breakdown? 13 9 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING TIM MARSHALL: We know in both attempts and in deaths there are a number of special populations that are overidentified, so we could -- again, we could name a lot of special populations -- the LGBTQ community, it’s all kids of color are overidentified, the race and ethnicity, and certainly there is some evidence around you know socioeconomic status. That one would probably be lower on the special populations, but there -- there’s plenty of data on the overrepresentation of special populations in youth. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): That data will be very helpful as we move forward, so if you wouldn’t mind getting that to the chairs of the committee we would greatly appreciate that, and that’s all for me, Senator. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Anyone else? REP. WILSON PHEANIOUS (53RD): Yes. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Representative. REP. WILSON PHEANIOUS (53RD): Good afternoon. I wonder is there any program or any special emphasis on outreach to the parents of youth in particular, and also I know this is a youth-oriented program, apparently it’s applicable to other populations, we have suicide issues in so many populations -- our Veterans, our elders, our farmers in instances. I’m just wondering how this can be -- if -- if we know that it is working effectively, is there any opportunity to get this curriculum and these trainers out to other populations? TIM MARSHALL; Yes. So -- REP. WILSON PHEANIOUS (53RD): And for kids in particular. 14 10 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING TIM MARSHALL: The Connecticut Suicide Advisory Board does address the lifespan in its entirety. Our activities at the department we’re talking about are focused specifically exclusively around youth, but the Department of Public Health and the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, as well as many other state department representatives are at the table, and so we [clearing throat] do many, many activities that address the entire problem across the lifespan including trainings -- including CPR and many of the others. REP. WILSON PHEANIOUS (53RD): In particular with the parents of children, is there any -- any special outreach to try to draw the school boards in or others where we can get to kids wherever they may be? TIM MARSHALL: Yes. So, we engage many, many districts throughout the state and many, many municipalities and towns and cities. All of the materials -- the suicide prevention materials are made to the general public for free on the website, and so any parent can get those at any time and just order them and get them sent directly to their home. With that being said, in particular when a community has been impacted, we generally target the entire community -- school, town, local libraries, things like that and disseminate quite a bit of materials, and not only do we do that but most of the time, we don’t need to do a lot of that because the outpouring of requests coming from that community is very, very high, so many materials are already pouring into the community the moment something occurs. 15 11 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING COMMISSIONER VANESSA DORANTES: And, Representative, if I may? I -- I just wanted to share with you that that is the purpose of this legislation being a Train-The Trainer model, so the point is that we would have someone come in and train someone within the municipality whether it be school board, youth service bureau so that they can go on and train others across the spectrum in their community, so while we are the committee on children and we’re doing this specifically for youth suicide, the ripple effects of this legislation passing will be that more people in our community are trained on the QPR model so that we can -- we can help everybody across the spectrum. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Thank you, Commissioner. Commissioner Beth Bye. Representative Winkler. [Background conversing]. So, we’ll go to Sarah Eagan. SARAH EAGAN: Good afternoon to the committee, Senator Moore, Senator Linehan, Senator Kelly, SB 91 Representative Green, all other members of the HB 5146 committee. My name is Sarah Eagan, and I run the state’s Office of the Child Advocate. The first bill I wanted to offer testimony on today was also SB 89 like the commissioner of DCF, House Bill 5146, AN ACT ESTABLISHING A YOUTH SUICIDE PREVENTION PILOT PROGRAM, so we can continue some of the question and answer that you had, but I wanted to state that we are in strong support of the -- the -- the theme and goals of this bill, right, which is to bring more attention, awareness, training to local community impacted by youth mental health crises and in particular youth suicide, and there is some data that I wanted to share with you in addition to the data around suicide itself, but -- and it’s on page 2 of my -- of our testimony, and just for further 16 12 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING background, the Office of the Child Advocate co- chairs the state’s Child Fatality Review Panel. That’s a state multidisciplinary panel that meets monthly at the office of the chief medical examiner to review some unexpected deaths of children that fall within the jurisdiction of the medical examiner. So, part of what I wanted to share with you is in the middle of page two, which is data from Connecticut’s participation in a CDC model survey known nationally as the Youth Risky Behavior Survey, and in Connecticut I believe it’s called the Connecticut School Health Survey, which is -- as our testimony talks about -- a school-based survey of students in grades 9 through 12. It’s anonymous and confidential and asks them a lot of questions about a lot of things that they do or have experienced, and I know that I am always struck every year that it comes out by the answers that children provide to questions that ask about despair, self-injury, suicidality, and self-harm. To call your attention to a couple of those data points, over 18 percent of -- percentage of -- 18 percent of youth responded yes to the question of whether they had done something to purposely hurt themselves without wanting to die -- 18 percent of kids that responded to that survey question, and in terms of race data, Senator Moore, Hispanic youth now lead this category with affirmative responses; 26.9 percent of youth responded that they felt sad or hopeless for more than two weeks during the previous year. That answer was -- was even higher for girls. More than one-third of girls answered yes to that, and of kids that answered yes to that question, less than a quarter said that they had somebody that they could talk to or that they could receive help from when 17 13 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING they felt that way. Thirteen percent of youth responded that they had seriously contemplated attempting suicide in the previous 12 months, and girls of color now lead in this category. Eight percent of youth responded that yes they had tried to attempt suicide in the previous 12 months, and black youth now lead in this category. You heard some of the data about youth suicide in general, which we include on page two where you can see it over an 18-year period, and some trends from that. Nationally, as I’m sure many of us have read about, suicide has now risen to be the second leading cause of death of children and young adults beginning at age 10, and as Representative Linehan pointed out, the age of suicide in Connecticut as well is trending younger. That is something we see year in and year out. Historically, most children who died by suicide were white, but children of color are increasingly represented in this child fatality group, and we can see that in the data from the Connecticut Youth Risky Behavior Survey, and again just to pause on that, right, because where does prevention start? Well, there’s so many groups in this building that are talking about children’s well-being and their health and their safety. I mean it -- it begins early, right. We cannot wait until tenth grade children are in crisis and thinking about dying and feeling like they have nobody to talk to. You know, that’s -- we have to really pay attention to what this data is telling us and what these kids anonymously and confidentially are reporting when they sit in math class or they sit in English class, and we test and test and test on literacy and on math, but what’s going on inside them, you know, and we see the worst of it at the -- at the Child Fatality Review Panel, which the 18 14 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING department also sits on along with -- you know along with other folks here, and to see that that’s where a child found themselves. You know, any suicide is one too many. It is a preventable death, and we have to think of that, and we have to think of that outreach much, much early. I strongly support the recommendation from the Department of Children and Families we need to look at what we have available here in the state, a training like QPR, which is you know it as to Marshall said, you know, the CPR for - - for -- for suicide prevention. We need to really look at that. We need to get more folks educated in that. The folks who put together QPR say that one out of every four adults should be trained in QPR just the way we train folks in CPR, just the way we train folks in basic first aid if you want to work in a daycare, you want to work somewhere, you know. What do we know about how to respond to a person in crisis, right? I would also underscore, however -- and I’m here to support and work with the committee in any capacity on this language and this effort, but it is noteworthy that the Connecticut Suicide Advisory Board does not get a line item in our state budget, do not appropriate money to that effort, and as the commissioner -- as Commissioner Dorantes pointed out, you know, folks working in that group, some work at state agencies, but also volunteers do what they can to roll up their sleeves and make time for this really important initiative, but I think the data that we’re talking about here today and that you’re asking about tells us that we have more work to do. I would -- I would strongly urge the state to consider that this is an intervention that could use additional support and just by comparison, our neighboring state Massachusetts, has a very similar 19 15 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING initiative that gets a $4-million-dollar line item. I just offer that in our testimony something to think about how do we want to support this work going forward? Either way, you can count on us to participate. One of the folks in our office that the committee works with, you know, trains in QPR and we’ll help in whatever way we can, but just think about whether this initiative needs a little more work. Senator Moore, if I could just respond to some of your questions that you asked about -- about what does the data tell us -- maybe it was Representative Linehan. I’m sorry. I’m not sure whose question it was, but we do see -- as I said, we do see increasingly youth of color expressing despair, attempting suicide. To Marshall pointed out, that attempt data, and Connecticut’s data on youth that are hospitalized for suicide attempts has -- and I’m quoting from that data -- substantially increased between 2005 and 2015 for youth age 10 to 24, and that the increase is most sharp among black youth, and that the increase in hospitalizations is most specifically seen in urban hospitals who have seen an increase of 30-40 percent increases in hospitalization for youth suicide attempts. Attempts are also mostly -- in our state. This is not true in every state -- attempts are mostly poisoning and cutting. Kids who do die by suicide are most often -- I don’t have the data in front of me either today but we can get it to you -- is most often asphyxiation. There’s some suicide by firearm, but it’s a lot of -- it’s a lot of asphyxiation, and then there’s always some ambiguity in findings when a child dies by -- dies because of an overdose or a car accident. You know, the medical examiner does what they can to determine 20 16 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING whether those deaths are accidental, undetermined, or whether there was an intentionality. We’re limited by what we can -- what we can know, right, but to hear that a 12, 13, 14, any age child has been found by a family member in their home, it’s -- it's just about the most devastating thing you can picture, right, so I appreciate the committee raising this bill. I want to underscore its urgent nature, and the fact that I’m grateful the committee is making this a priority because every community -- every community needs this help. I think picking ones is going to be hard, right, because everybody needs the help. Just a very quick plug on remaining bills so I don’t use up too might time. I wanted to say on page four, Senate Bill 91, AN ACT CONCERNING A PROGRAM TO PROVIDE FREE SWIMMING LESSONS TO INDIVIDUALS UNDER THE AGE OF 18. Boy, that’s a really important issue. You know, every year I participate in the summer safety press conference at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. One of the things we talk about is drowning, and drowning is the leading cause of injury for -- for children age one to four. I’ll tell you that in Connecticut -- and I included this data for you -- over a seven-year period of time in Connecticut recently 39 children died from drowning. Not unexpectedly, 12 of these children were age 1 to 3, but 12 of them were children age 13 to 17, and they were almost -- they were extremely disproportionately children of color who are teenagers, and when I sit at CCMC on Washington Street talking about water safety, I look around and I think how many kids living in this neighborhood have access to swimming lessons? How many of their parents know how to swim? Being able to save your life in a pool cannot be an issue of privilege and 21 17 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING access. It is also an issue of equity and fairness. So, as a life skill, children need access to learn. I mean the data on how many kids living in lower socioeconomic brackets know how to swim or have a parent that knows how to swim. That data is very, very low, so I would suggest that as we think about initiatives that the state can take to increase access to free and affordable water safety education and swimming lessons that we are mindful also about issues of equity, how -- how all children regardless of where they live, regardless of their race, and regardless of their disability status because children with disabilities also have a real problem accessing swimming lessons and children with autism -- according to research -- are 160 times more likely to die by drowning than a child without a disability. So, again, I am grateful for the initiative. I think it’s really, really, really important and just wanted to support that and make those additional points. And, then I didn’t put testimony on behalf of the -- the food lunch bill [laughing], but the CGA website SB 89 was down all day yesterday and couldn’t access the bills, but anything that increases accesses food for children and decreases shaming I think is probably a good public policy initiative, so I support that as well. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Thank you. Questions? REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Thank you so much for your testimony. Every time you come here and you have HB 5146 the data, I always find it shocking, and hearing some of that honestly takes my breath away, so thank you for providing that information. A couple of questions I have for you. Last year -- actually for 22 18 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING the past two or three years, not through this committee but in district, I have been getting training for my youth service bureaus and teachers regarding the adolescent expert training -- substance abuse, brief intervention and referral to treatments. I did -- and that program is meant to train someone to recognize the signs of substance abuse in children and then be able to help when asked, right. Because what we have found is if a child comes to say a trusted coach and saying, I have a problem with substance abuse, then they -- they say well I don’t know what to do with it so you have to go to the guidance counselor, and you’ve lost that trust, and maybe they don’t get the help. The QPR -- is that similar and is it meant to make sure that we’re not breaking the lines of trust if someone who is considering suicide or thinking about self-harm is able to reach out? Does that -- are we training people to know exactly what to do if that happens? SARAH EAGAN: So, yes. That’s my -- that’s my understanding. I’m not a QPR trainer myself, but it is to be able to -- as to Marshall talked about -- recognize signs, ask questions. It’s also never recommended to maintain confidentiality when a person says, I want to -- to die, right. It’s -- and to make that link for them and with them to the help that they need, right. And, in fact, the QPR trainers talk about the comparison to the timeline of you know intervention for let’s say a heart attack, right. You know, knowing the basic CPR or you know being able -- now we have the defibrillators that are available, accessing 9-1-1. The same theory that the faster you can get the person immediately linked to help without that break in time the more successful the intervention is. I 23 19 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING will say my caveat here is that I have a QPR trainer in my office, Faith Vos Winkel, who is actually our -- our lead child fatality investigator. She is away this week otherwise she would be here with me, so if there are any additional questions specifically about QPR, I think she’s coming to help with that training for the committee next week. Is that next week? Next week. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Yes, and -- and yes. She is fantastic, and I can’t wait to have her talk to all of our committee members. Another question that I had is you were talking about you said it’s going to be very difficult to choose the municipalities and the areas, and looking at your data, I agree. So, I have an idea, of course as I’m sitting here, so it hasn’t been slashed out everybody, but since the Train-The Trainer model, I’m concerned about getting too far away -- degrees of separation, but I thought perhaps we could do this by DRG. So, if we are going into the District Reference Groups that put towns together and train someone in a DRG, but the problem is that they would all have to get their youth service people in -- I’m just thinking out loud -- but do you believe, do you think that by going outside of people who are typically involved in this to at least have them pick the people that they want to train, do you think that might be too many degrees of separation and lose effectiveness? SARAH EAGAN: No. I think that’s a good question. I think there are a few different strategies and ways to go here to sort of maximize opportunity, access, and efficacy, and I think we’ll just keep talking about it after today’s hearing and to figure out what is the most we can get done this session. 24 20 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING REP. LINEHAN (103RD): I look forward to working with you on that, and then one last about the swim lessons bill. I thank you for your support in that. As you know, this committee last year passed out and passed into law that we would be doing some dry-land SB 91 water training. I can confirm that that is at its next step, and that will be happening, and given the data you talked about today and we talked about last year about the disproportionality of people of color and of urban communities who don’t know how to swim, that those areas are going to be top of the list there, and I think that passing this bill out in addition to that will be good companions so that we can get to those. Would you agree with that? SARAH EAGAN: I do agree with that. I thought it was a really interesting and positive initiative last year because it’s a good first step, and I think that this would be a good companion piece, and as you said, thinking about the most underserved kids and -- and communities is critical. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Representative Wilson Pheanious. REP. WILSON PHEANIOUS (53RD): Thank you for being HB 5146 here. I want to go back to the second for the -- to the issue of suicide prevention amongst children of color and I’m noting a sudden increase where you think, you said, over the last three years of Latinas who are experiencing this issue and also other children of color, and what I’m wondering is do we have any understanding of what’s been happening over the last two to three years that is increasing that or is this -- do you have any idea why? What the -- what the -- what’s going on? SARAH EAGAN: I don’t know the answer to that. Others may in the room. I think it’s more than a 25 21 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING two to three-year trend. I think it’s really a last ten-year trend that we see more girls, that we see more persons of color answering yes to questions about both emotional despair and who are engaging in suicide attempts. I don’t know the answer to why. REP. WILSON PHEANIOUS (53RD): Does the training make any attempt to differentiate between the reasons kids are moving in this direction or trying to commit suicide or harming themselves? Is there an attempt to tease out the issues of one group over another or are we using kind of the same basic structure to address the myriad issues? SARAH EAGAN: Well, I think there are different types of -- of trainings, right. I think the training we’ve been talking about today, the Question Persuade Refer, is really sort of a first - - almost like a first responder training that I think can’t -- that can’t be like all we do in terms of suicide prevention training. It has to go hand- in-hand if you think about a youth community, right, with all the other sort of wellness and mental health efforts that are going on and -- and discussion by community stakeholders about the trends that they’re seeing in terms of kids in crisis and how kids in crisis are being responded to and what they know. QPR is a piece to sort of help when there is a crisis moment to make sure we don’t lose kids, but it doesn’t get to all the things you’re talking about. REP. WILSON PHEANIOUS (53RD): Well, this is one of the reasons that I was questioning before about the outreach to parents and bringing parents into this picture because you’re dealing with family situations generally. 26 22 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING SARAH EAGAN: I think that’s absolutely right, and we know that from a protective factor standpoint. You know parents area huge asset to kids in -- in protecting them from being at risk for suicide, being at risk for substance use disorder, that also puts them at risk for suicidality, and so when we’re talking about kids, yes, we’re talking about adult outreach as well and -- and educating adults. In fact, the QPR trainers, you know the folks who put together that training, also talk about ensuring that maybe one person in each family knows something about how to recognize signs of -- signs of despair and when they really need to intervene with their child. REP. WILSON PHEANIOUS (53RD): And, I wonder also whether there is research that demonstrates that there -- that parents or others in the family may have -- have suicide and whether there’s an increase -- whether the increases are in any way tied to other issues within families or the issue of suicide within families. SARAH EAGAN: Well, one of the risk factors for youth suicide is -- is among other things family dysfunction or tumult, somebody else in the family with a serious or untreated mental health treatment need, prior issues of suicidality by the child or someone else in the home, so yes. REP. WILSON PHEANIOUS (53RD): Thank you. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Sarah, I’m gonna ask you to talk about the lunch just a little bit -- about the SB 89 food. I really -- if you don’t mind, please. 27 23 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING SARAH EAGAN: So, what would we -- I don’t know if you had a specific question. I don’t have anything prepared -- [Crosstalk]. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): How do you think you could even begin to address this because there -- I -- I am from Bridgeport. Ever child in Bridgeport gets free lunch, so it doesn’t impact Bridgeport, but there -- we talked about the areas that might be impacted by this. How -- how do you begin to address something like this? And, the real problem, I believe, is the shaming that goes on when a kid can’t pay or has to do something different than everybody else is doing, and I don’t think it -- I think it’s societal how people treat people. SARAH EAGAN: Mm-hm. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): And, as I’ve -- you can’t legislate people’s hearts to treat people a certain way, but what do you think might be a solution to this? SARAH EAGAN: Well, first of all, I mean as we know food and security is a real and palpable problem for children all over the country including here in Connecticut, and there are children who do not have enough food in their homes, and do not have enough to eat during the day. I think ultimately we would have -- I would like us to get to a place -- I mean I think it’s -- you know, addressing that problem for kids is multifold. One, it’s ensuring -- ensuring access to SNAP benefits that are adequate for families regardless of sort of where they fall on the low-income scale. I think it’s ensuring that children have access to -- I mean I would provide access to free lunch for -- and breakfast for -- for all children who come to school at those times who - - who need that rather than risk a child who can’t 28 24 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING ask for help or who may just not qualify for help or who may have lunch debt that they can’t pay. I mean there’s certain -- there’s a certain basic foundation for children’s -- for -- for children’s wellness you know, and a safe place to live and adequate food and are -- are really just the basics. I -- I don’t know how else to answer that, but no child should be going through the day without enough food to eat, and -- and they shouldn’t be shamed or blamed in order to access that. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): I agree. I think it’s a -- a -- even if -- even if we could address this in this session, I think it’s a much longer deeper conversation. The programs that are funded right now are from USDA, which is federal dollars coming in, but we’ve got to find some local solutions because I think some of these problems are local and not statewide, but I think it is serious enough that if a child feels this way or if a parent brought this problem to us it’s something we need to look at. Thank you. Any other questions? Comments? Representative Linehan. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Thank you. On shaming -- now that you’re prepared to answer questions, let’s answer some questions. I think that one of the things that will be difficult to do in this deal is define what shaming is. We have heard stories that kids are getting notes pinned to their shirts that say, you owe $20 dollars, and -- and we -- and they get a special sandwich that shows you know that this is only available for a child who hasn’t paid their bill. There are ways that we can ensure that they are not publicly outed -- for lack of a better term -- but I think that one of our concerns is going to be how do we actually define shaming because I think that shaming is how you -- I may feel shamed in a 29 25 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING way that you don’t in certain instances. Are there any things that you can think of that should be specifically put in the bill that you have heard have happened around the country as ways to shame someone? SARAH EAGAN: You mean to reduce the sort of the shaming experiences in school? REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Right. I think first we have to know exactly how the kids are being shamed in order to ensure that we don’t allow that to happen anymore. SARAH EAGAN: I -- I think I would -- I think there are a lot of different ways to get at that. I’d like to do -- I have not prepared on that for today, but I certainly can take a look at that and see if there are some jurisdictions that have taken unique or creative approach for it to reduce this kind of sensitive problems with schools, and I can share it with the committee chairs. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): That would be fantastic. I’d really appreciate that. Another thing that this bill is doing it would also require any written or email communications in an attempt to collect the debt, also include information on how to obtain a free or reduce school lunch, as well as the location of the nearest food pantry, and I -- I -- especially coming from a town like Cheshire, I know that there are more families utilizing the Cheshire food pantry now than ever before, so this is not simply an inner city issue. This is food and security is happening across the middle class, and so -- and possibly even beyond. So, by putting that information in there and also -- and now hearing your testimony, I’d like to now add how to obtain SNAP benefits. Is there anything else that you can think of, that 30 26 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING information that we should be providing parents who maybe have a hard time paying off those lunch debts? SARAH EAGAN: That’s a good question. I mean off the top of my head what I think about is that a family that’s struggling with food insecurity may also be struggling with other basic assistance issues, right. That -- that we don’t know about so if there’s a supportive and non-stigmatizing way to offer information to other -- about other community resources that may be available in -- in that town - - a family support center in addition to information just about food, you know, that may be welcomed by the family as well. They may not have access to that. You know, I think it would also -- and I think it’s also useful to think about -- and I don’t know the answer to this question, but who are the children -- are there -- are there certain kids and families who are more likely to find themselves in this situation than others? Are there families who may be displaced? Are there families who may be homeless? Are there families who may be non-English language learners, and how are we offering communication information. Are there families who may be undocumented and concerned about how to access school lunch benefits because they either think they can’t or are not able to apply for benefits because of -- because of their status. You know, I think there are communities that have all different types of families who find themselves in need, and knowing a little something about that could help us target the right information, and I know there are families who (inaudible - 00:51:10) don’t access, you know, daycare subsidies because they -- they think that they can’t access it, right, so then they rely on you know less safe -- safe 31 27 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING arrangements because they think they’re not entitled to the benefit, but they are, you know. So, even some basic information about, you know -- I mean again I’m just -- I’m just brainstorming, but - - [Crosstalk]. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): It’s fantastic though. You make some real great points. SARAH EAGAN: You know benefits that are available, how you can access them, and I would say that any information that’s being conveyed to -- conveyed to families about benefits talk about what children are entitled to even if they are temporary residents of a town, even if they are homeless, even if they are displaced, and even if they do not have legal status. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Thank you very much. SARAH EAGAN: Thank you. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Senator Anwar. SENATOR ANWAR (3RD): Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you so much for your testimony. I’m sorry for being a little late. I’m actually chairing the Housing Committee as well, so I’m between the two public hearings. I think the way I am perceiving this is that we have the number of people with food insecurity are increasing in our society, and it’s across the country. It’s not necessarily a Connecticut issue. It’s across the country, and then Connecticut is getting our share of its challenge. The perception of food shaming is in the eye of the child, and when -- because even at very young age when a child feels that they are being treated differently for one reason or the other that actually changes. There’s a lot a peer pressure and 32 28 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING sometimes that is good but sometimes -- most of the time it is not, and this is where the challenge lies, and so I think it’s going to be a moral question in for us as a society. How do we assess this and what can we do to address this challenge? And, I think one aspect that may be beneficial is that I think it was in Pennsylvania where private entities and businesses wanted to help out, and they said, no we cannot -- by law, we cannot do that. But, I think we need to be agreeable to address that aspect because what do we do when people are struggling? The community comes together, and that would be the opportunity to open the door for the community to come together and be able to say, you know, these children who are struggling, we can quietly take care of the debt that the school district has -- board of education and may have, and that’s part of I think the strategy that should open that door and -- and having fairness with respect to every child being able to get the food that everyone else is so we don’t separate them out. I think that’s gonna be how I would hope we can look at it as a policy, and then if we keep track of the -- the districts that are struggling more, create a mechanism to address that. I -- I feel that the federal support is slowly decreasing, and that is part of our challenge. If you look at the SNAP program and what’s happening on the SNAP side and the number of anticipated people who are going to fall off that SNAP and a person who actually does take a SNAP challenge to -- to respect the community. I feel we are going to see a lot more of this, and -- and the sooner we get ahead of this in our communities and our schools the better it is, and I’m glad this bill is being put forward as -- as one of our priorities. I think we really need to 33 29 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING address this, and thank you for our leadership, Madam Chair, for this. So, again, I just wanted to put my remarks for you to -- to take as well that we need to make this a priority for our children to make sure everybody’s treated in an equal manner. Thank you. SARAH EAGAN: All right. Thank you for that. I -- I couldn’t agree with that more. You know, I was telling Senator Moore in the hallway my -- my husband just happened to share with me a couple weeks ago he grew up in a -- in a household that struggled with employment in Connecticut years ago, and he talked about getting lunch at school in Wolcott -- he grew up in Wolcott -- and the only kids who had the card were the kids that couldn’t pay, right, and he said that the solution was he just never bought -- he just never got food, right, and because it was better to not eat than to be made fun of, right, and that -- you know, and -- I appreciate your remarks and I agree that philanthropy in communities can have solutions. I sometimes struggle with that because -- I mean struggle may not be the right word, but I sometimes thing that is it the role of philanthropy to support children having access to basic needs met like food? Right? And, that when -- when -- and the distinction between our charitable impulses and our recognition that every child needs certain things to be successful, well, safe, right. It’s not a mystery what they need. They need safe and affordable housing. We have a crisis. They need -- as you know. They need access to food. They need access to a good school. They need a safe neighborhood. They need clean air to breath. They need -- these are the things that children need, and so if the community has creative supports for 34 30 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING children and families that are struggling, I think that is great, but I think we have to look inward to say you know what is it that we owe each other and every -- my view, children don’t deserve a safety net. They deserve foundation and food is the -- is the -- is the -- food is the beginning of that. I also think on a -- on a more concrete level we think about you know opportunities for shaming around food and school cafeterias. It’s also an opportunity to think about you know how is school lunch supervised, right. I mean that’s a -- that may sound minor, but you know there are adults in those lunch rooms, and how are they supported and trained to keep their eyes out for those kind of activities and the shaming that often goes on in school cafeterias around lots of issues, and you know I think that -- you know I mean that’s a minor thing but it’s also not, right. So, how do kids interact with each other and the learning opportunities that are there for adults to teach kids about you know we don’t -- we don’t make fun of somebody because they are eating different foods than you are, right, but anyway. I could talk for a long time about this. Thank you. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Thank you. I think there’s so many components of this and ways to address this -- this problem in the way of who is responsible for our children and their health and having food, and then people who are doing the shaming may be coming from an adult and not another child, and so there’s a system in place whether it’s intentional or not. It’s the unintentional consequences of making a child feel guilty or feel bad about themselves because they sent a note home or pinned something on them, which I think is irresponsible for an adult to do that to a child, so I think there’s many ways for 35 31 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING us to begin to approach this, and I think some of this is systemic, and I think some of it can be dealt with right away, so I thank you for your testimony and for sharing your story about your husband. I was saying earlier to you in the hallway I had not been in that position and I didn’t understand that people had a card to get something to eat, right, and when I think back now as an adult it must have been difficult for them to even go through this process, so thank you. SARAH EAGAN: I just really -- this is on CTN. I hope he doesn’t mind me telling his story. [Laughing]. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): [Laughing]. SARAH EAGAN: So, we just won’t watch it at home. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): That’s what they always think. [Laughing]. Thank you. So, we’re gonna finish up. Does anybody else have a question for Sarah? Thank you, Sarah. SARAH EAGAN: Thank you. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): We’re gonna -- we do the first hour for commissioners, and then we’ll go back and forth, alternate, but Senator Bye -- Commissioner Bye. Senator Commissioner Bye. Since Bye is in the room, we’d like to give you an opportunity. Thank you. COMMISSIONER BETH BYE: Good afternoon. I’m so happy to be here, and it’s -- it’s an honor to SB 87 follow Sarah Eagan and listen to her clarity around what children need, so I’m -- I’m grateful to follow her. Good afternoon, Senator Moore, Representative Linehan, Senator Kelly, Representative Green, and distinguished members of the Committee on Children. 36 32 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING My name is Beth Bye. I’m Commissioner at the Office of Early Childhood. I’m here to testify concerning Senate Bill 87, AN ACT CONCERNING ELIGIBILITY FOR THE OFFICE OF EARLY CHILDHOOD’S CHILD CARE SUBSIDY FOR VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. Our office advances a two-generation family-centered approach in pursuit of optimal health, safety, and learning outcomes for young children. Through our core programs, we support infant and toddler care, preschool, after-school care, childcare, youth camp licensing, home visiting, and early intervention that addresses developmental delays. The Office of Early Childhood is working toward better coordinated, cost-effective set of services for children that support our youngest children and their families. I’d also like to mention that we work with other agencies like DCF, DSF, the Office of the Child Advocate, SCE, and Department of Housing in this pursuit of a system that supports children and families. It’s been a big priority of Governor Lamont’s that we coordinate and collaborate across silos, and it’s been a -- just as pleasure to work with the commissioners of these other agencies. We fully appreciate the intent of Senate Bill 87. Victims of domestic violence are living in an extremely vulnerable situation. You only need to turn on the evening news to know that this is true. Childcare provides often are a place of peace and safety for parents, and they really want to know that their child is in a safe and stable place. In 2019, the Office of Early Childhood dealt with a case that was very difficult for Care 4 Kids. There are certain eligibility requirements with Care 4 Kids. For example, if the parents -- if one of the two parents is not working the family does not 37 33 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING qualify for Care 4 Kids. In this particular case, we were made aware of a domestic violence situation where a working parent with a young child was denied Care 4 Kids due to a residency requirement. The mother secured new housing apart from her abuser, which then made her eligible for Care 4 Kids, and as a result of access to childcare, the parent could take on more work hours and improve her family’s economic stability. I want to be clear when I read that paragraph that you may have in front of you is that it was not easy because of the complexity of rules. We did not have a playbook in front of us to say, oh, this parent is in an abusive situation and so we should get her childcare so she can work and have her child in childcare and be safe. It was much more complicated. It took a lot of work on the part of my office, which I think is part of why this bill is before us. What are some things we can do in terms of the federal rules and the state rules to make it easier in the case of domestic abuse to give that parent access to childcare? And, I think that’s why you’re hearing this bill before you. There are actually many populations who are on our mind as we set policy, including families dealing with domestic violence. We have families experiencing homelessness, and if the parent is not working, they don’t access -- they can’t have access to childcare. If they don’t have access to childcare, they can’t get a job, so that’s another population. We also -- there are a lot of challenges for families that have children with developmental needs or disabilities, and so as we are working to build a more integrated, coherent, and inclusive childcare system, we will do what we can to increase access for these populations. 38 34 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING One of the things to look at in the language of S.B. 87, is what’s your operational definition here of -- of a family experiencing domestic violence? Because there’s no -- you know, how do we know? Is it that they interface with an approved state domestic violence organization that then tells us this is a case? We just ask you to think about that as you work on this bill because we’ve got to be able to make good determination in a fair way, and we’re happy to discuss this further. In addition, we have fiscal concerns about this bill. We don’t know how many families this would include, and so that would need to be taken into consideration. Thank you for your time and attention. Along with you and the other agencies, we’re all working together to help families and children in Connecticut have optimal outcomes. Thank you. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Thank you, Commissioner. Questions? Comments? Representative Comey. REP. COMEY (102ND): Hello. Thank you, Commissioner. COMMISSIONER BETH BYE: Sure. REP. COMEY (102ND): How many -- do we know how many children might be involved in the -- in the domestic violence -- you know in the system I guess is what - - how many -- how many are we talking about? How many children? COMMISSIONER BETH BYE: We really don’t know. Chris Lyddy and I went just last week to visit CCADV. We saw their hotline. We heard about how many calls they would have a day. I don’t have an exact number here, but my office can try to research that and get 39 35 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING back to you, and my guess is the Office of Fiscal Analysis would be looking into that as well. Unfortunately, domestic violence is a big problem in our culture, and I know from my conversation with Karen Jarmoc that a great number of these situations occur with children six and under, so -- but I can try to get you a number, but I’m afraid it’s not a small number. REP. COMEY (102ND): I think that’s what I was -- I had heard something around that -- around 38,000 domestic violence victims in the state. COMMISSIONER BETH BYE: Wow. That’s not a small number. REP. COMEY (102ND): No. And, is there a -- [Crosstalk]. COMMISSIONER BETH BYE: And, half of them are children, you know. REP. COMEY (102ND): And, would there be the opportunity to do an income disregard? COMMISSIONER BETH BYE: Well, some of that would depend on how the -- how the bill was written. If there was an income disregard, then that would probably impact the fiscal note, but we have, you know, right now families to get on Care 4 Kids it’s families who make less than 50 percent of the state median income, and then they can stay on Care 4 Kids until they get to 65 percent of the state median income or higher than 65 percent, so that is the current -- those are the current rules that we follow in Connecticut. SENATOR COHEN (12TH): Thank you, Commissioner. You know, I’m particularly interested in this bill not only because we do have a lot of domestic violence 40 36 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING survivors in the state of Connecticut, but also there’s a lot of children that we’re talking about that are impacted by this, but I would think there would be some limitations around not only who is working with an agency -- as you said some state- approved agency -- because, unfortunately, a lot of domestic violence victims are silent, so we have that, and out of that -- that large number that Representative Comey had mentioned, you know, not all of them have children, and certainly, not all of them have preschool-aged children, so those are all considerations that I would think -- would you not - - would be -- would have to go into the language of this proposal? COMMISSIONER BETH BYE: Yes. I think -- I think you’d want to look at that carefully, and another option is just to think about allowing some kind of discretion. We -- we had a case this year -- just as an example -- with a mom who had horrible cancer, and because she had to go up to a clinical trial on Fridays her husband took Fridays off, and worked Sundays, but because of the work schedule they couldn’t get Care 4 Kids for Friday for him to take her to her doctor’s appointment because he was not working. This is how it works. You know, you have to match up the work with the childcare, and so we went through a lot of hurdles to try to help this family, and ultimately, I was able to use discretion that I had under the federal rules in that case. So, you know, you’re always -- this case that -- that we mention -- that I mention in my testimony here was a really challenging case as well to try to figure out what the rules were, and then certain things happened that allowed the mother to access Care 4 Kids, but it wasn’t simple at a time when the parent was in a serious crisis, so. 41 37 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Senator Anwar. SENATOR ANWAR (3RD): Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, Commissioner Bye. I just want to allude to another aspect that we have to look at as we look at the financial cost. There is a cost of not doing it. COMMISSIONER BETH BYE: Mm-hm. SENATOR ANWAR (3RD): And -- and that cost is quite significant. There is plenty of data to show that the children who do not get the care who have been the victims of a domestic abuse situation, their risk of becoming homeless in the future is very high. Their risk of substance use is higher. Their risk of behavior issues and mental issues is higher. I can define ways in investing early in the care would prevent some of those challenges, and I think sometimes when we are looking at policies collectively and when there is a fiscal note associated with it, we -- I’m just generally saying as policy makers we get scared of investing into it early enough, and -- and -- and the lack of investment has a very significant cost to the society. We actually arguably are dealing with a lot of those challenges right now in our society based on lack of earlier investments, but I would like to say that it’s important that we invest in this area, and I know you’re -- you’re -- you are saying that you would, but you just need to clarify the amount and -- and make sure it goes through the Office of Fiscal Analysis, but again, from policy point of view, I think it’s worthwhile to invest for -- for my perspective -- at least from my perspective. Thank you. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Representative Linehan. 42 38 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Thank you, Madam Chair. I do have some questions because it’s fantastic you went through this before we’re actually bringing up the bill so that we know exactly how we should move forward. You’re experience and your testimony is very, very helpful. My question for you is if we simply give the commissioner discretion, do we as a committee have to then define the parameters of that discretion or is that something that you would do in your regulations? COMMISSIONER BETH BYE: I appreciate that question, and I’m -- I’m somewhat new to my role, but my experience as a legislator is that when the legislature gives commissioners discretion, they are very prescriptive and clear about it, about what that discretion would be because you know the legislature generally likes to when they pass a law make sure that it’s implemented in the way that they intended, so I would imagine that if you went down the path of discretion -- as I mentioned in my testimony, you’d want to clearly have a clear operational definition of the circumstances within that discretion could be used. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): And, you mentioned working with a state accredited domestic violence program would be one thing, and is there any -- do you see any value in requiring someone to have a protective order or would that be too much -- too far? COMMISSIONER BETH BYE: Well, I think that would be up to this legislature to decide what -- what’s too far and what -- what -- you know, I mean -- as you spoke, I thought of Senator Cohens words, which is it’s so hard for some people to come forward, and it's like a chicken and an egg, you know. The financials are a big part of what keeps people stuck 43 39 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING because they have children and they don’t have options, and they’re trying to get through a very difficult situation, so I -- I think that’s for you all to think about. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Thank you. I appreciate your time. COMMISSIONER BETH BYE: Mm-hm. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Thank you, Commissioner. I’ll get used to calling you commissioner at some point. So, next on our list, we’re gonna go to Megan Scanlon. MEGAN SCANLON: Good afternoon, Representative -- or Chairwoman Linehan, Senator Moore, Senator Cohen, and Representative Comey, and the rest of the -- and the rest of the members of the Children’s Committee. My name is Megan Scanlon. I’m here on behalf of the Women and Family Life Center. I’m the executive director. We’re located in Gilford, Connecticut. We’re a small non-profit that serves women on the shoreline from East Haven to East Lyme that are going through really challenging critical crisis situations, as well as other difficult life transitions, and I have here with me my colleague, our social worker, Tara Clark, who is actually the social worker that worked with Commissioner Bye’s office. Maggie Adair has been great to work with and also worked with CCADV and our other partners like the Umbrella Center down in Branford who’s our state accredited domestic violence provider to assist in the case that Commissioner Beth Bye was speaking of, so I’ll let her talk to you specifically about the specifics of that case, and why we’re here supporting S.B. 87. 44 40 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING TARA CLARK: So, one area of support that is proving time and again to be integral to women gaining freedom from abusive partners is access to affordable childcare. The Care 4 Kids program has been an incredible resource for low-income working women who are supporting their children. Yet, we found issues in gaining access to this program for one of our most vulnerable populations -- women who are trying to leave abusive partners. Unfortunately, in these complex cases, we have found that the parameters of the Care 4 Kids eligibility criteria have disqualified many women who should be -- who should qualify. One example is the case of a woman who I’ll refer to as Em. She would have liked to have been here today and told -- to tell you her own story had it not been for her ongoing safety concerns and her work schedule. Em and I have been working together for some months navigating the beginning of her divorce process from a physically, emotionally, and financially abusive partner. One morning, she had called me frantic because of her -- because her abusive, who she had served with divorce papers, had decided he would no longer watch their child while Em worked to meet her and her son’s financial needs. He left the residence and returned intermittently to the house to sleep there and continue to abuse her. During this time, Em’s only chance at keeping her current job was to access affordable childcare. When I began making calls regarding her application and eligibility, I found that Em was not eligible for the program. I was told it was because, one, she did not yet live in a separate residence from her spouse. Two, her spouse was considered an abled-bodied member of the household who should be able to provide childcare even though he was 45 41 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING unwilling to provide childcare for their son at that time, and three, her spouse’s income would have been counted in her application materials despite the fact that she could not access his financial accounts, and did not help -- he did not help her financially. While we had wonderful assistance, as Megan mentioned, from Charmaine Thomas and Maggie Adair at the Office of Early Childhood in explaining the criteria that would make Em eligible, we were not able to give her the assistance she needed at that time despite the fact that she was a low-income mother who would have otherwise have qualified for the program. It was with this in mind that our staff at Women and Family Life Center would like to recommend that S.B. 87 be passed with two recommended revisions. The first being that the status of a victim of domestic violence would be revised to include women who are still living with an abuser as we do not want -- I am sorry -- would be to include person who has been subjected to financial abuse as we didn’t see that noted in the bill, and we would also secondly ask that lines 21 to 22 of the bill be revised to include women who are still living with an abuser as we do not want women who are still in the process of finding a safe exit from their abuser to be denied access to a needed program. This passage would be instrumental for many women in Connecticut who are facing these challenges. I want to thank the committee for listening to this testimony and would like to reiterate how crucial programs like Care 4 Kids are in allowing a woman to secure the child -- childcare and financial assistance necessary to leave an abuser. I am pleased to report in the case of Em, another non-profit was able to provide her with 46 42 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING temporary housing, which is a challenging thing, which -- and therefore -- [Crosstalk]. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): I’m gonna ask you to -- will you wrap up your -- TARA CLARK: Okay. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Your testimony, please. TARA CLARK: And, we would like to achieve a more expedited process and a smoother transition for -- for other women without encountering the barriers Em faced. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Thank you. I’m sorry. TARA CLARK: That’s okay. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): We’re trying to limit the testimony to three minutes, but I appreciate your testimony. Representative Linehan. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Thank you very much. Quick question. When we were speaking to the Commissioner, talking about possibly giving the ability for her to use her discretion or whoever the commissioner is, one of the things that we were talking about was using -- that we ensure that someone is using an approved state domestic violence program. I know that you are a non-profit, but in hearing your testimony, it seems thought that you partner with these approved groups, so would you be against including that in the bill? MEGAN SCANLON: No. Yeah, we -- we partner with Umbrella Center for domestic violence services and New Horizons. Those are our two catchment area service providers, and we have been working in this particular case and others with both of those agencies to provide services. There are times where 47 43 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING women do come to us first, and we’ll try to work with the state accredited provider to get them the services through those agencies that they need. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): So, it’s not unheard of that you work together? It’s actually something that happens often so that by writing that specific language in the legislation we wouldn’t be excluding people per se? MEGAN SCANLON: Correct. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Anyone else? Thank you for your testimony. MEGAN SCANLON: Thank you. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Who’s next? [Background conversing}. Representative Winkler. REP. WINKLER (56TH): Colleagues, I’m Representative Mike Winkler of Vernon talking about regarding our R.S.B. 89, AN ACT CONCERNING SCHOOL LUNCH DEBT. My thanks to Children’s Committee Chairpersons, Representative Liz Linehan and Senator Marilyn Mon - - Moore, for raising this bill. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Monroe’s okay. [Laughter]. REP. WINKLER (56TH): I -- I think I stopped. My wife was an elementary school teacher for 25 years. I volunteered in her room one day a week for a year. The descriptions I give are drawn from her actual experience. We should not frustrate or embarrass children because their parents have not put money in their school lunch accounts. We must find other ways to deal with that. I’m grateful the bill provides for schools to accept donations to cover this debt. Very young students don’t understand why they’ve been assigned a lunch when everyone else 48 44 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING gets to choose theirs. Some very young students cry when they’re denied the chicken nuggets, and are given the cheese sandwich instead. Teaching very young students after such a lunch experience can be very difficult. Older students fervently hope to get through a school day without being embarrassed. They know which lunch is the poor lunch. There’s a stigma attached to being poor in the United States. The children and adolescents assigned the poor or alternate lunch are embarrassed every day it happens. Some older students, as referred, avoid the lunch line entirely so they’re not embarrassed, frustrated, and angered by an unfair, unnecessarily embarrassing situation. I would like to ask for one change in the bill. There may not be a separate and distinct alternate lunch. School officials may pick a regular lunch and assign it to everyone who doesn’t have a balance in their lunch accounts. These officials don’t think they have an alternate lunch. They think they have an assigned regular lunch. They don’t think your bill pertains to them, but in their schools, the very young students are angry or cry because they cannot get the lunch they really want and older kids still know what lunch is assigned to poor people. The way to end this problem and some of the other problems I’ve heard about today is to put into the bill that between or among the meal choices offered within dietary restrictions a student always has the right to the meal of their choice. Allowing students to have the right to the meal of their choice, prevents the embarrassment, frustration, anger, and tears associated with alternate lunches and assigning lunches. Thank you. 49 45 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Thank you, Representative. Comments? We -- you know, we’ve got to work on this and figure this out because I don’t have any small children any longer. I don’t even have any experiences like this to talk about, but as I hear more and more -- and I think this is why public hearings are so important to educate everybody what other people are going through and how our children may be suffering from some of these things that are happening with them in school, but also the nutrition piece, you know, is really important, but the social-emotional piece that goes along with a child being treated than everybody else -- as a person of color, I know it. You know, but when it gets down to your eating -- what you’re eating, you’re being shamed into that, there’s got -- there has to be a way to move some of this away from a child feeling this all day long because you wonder why kids get angry and why they’re acting out in school, and you want to make all of these other things up. Some of it’s -- some of it’s basic stuff that we inflict on our children that starts to make them feel different or less than or ashamed that they keep carrying with them forever, you know, so I’m -- I’m appreciative of this bill coming up, and I’m appreciative of the testimony and hope that we can come up with something that starts to address this, so thank you. Representative Linehan. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Thank you very much, Senator, for that because everything you said is absolutely true, and thank you, Representative Winkler. I appreciate you pointing out that that language does need to be revised. You know, I might be impersonating myself here today. I have three children who are in the school system -- first grade, third grade, and sixth grade, and I will be 50 46 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING honest that there have been times that that lunch account has been negative. Whether it be because we forgot, whether it be because we didn’t get the email. It could be for any reason, and we live in a district where my children were able to receive that lunch. I do know that you have told me before that your wife works in a district, and I don’t know if it's the district you represent but where children aren’t receiving that lunch, and so I think that we need to really come up with language, and your idea for that language is really important, and I appreciate you putting that in your testimony, and in addition to that, one question that I have that is regarding my district -- because even though my children got to eat until I put money into that, which we always do -- it has been known that if you have a negative lunch balance you might be able to play extracurricular sports, you may not be able to go on a fieldtrip, and you would have to pay for those debts before your child is allowed to do that? Is that something that happens in your district or in the district where your wife works, do you know? REP. WINKLER (56TH): In my opinion, that does not happen in my district or in schools in my district, and my wife did teach in my district. They’re simply assigned a specific lunch, and I don’t know of any other consequences. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Thank you. I appreciate that. That’s all. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Thank you, Senator. REP. WINKLER (56TH): Thank you. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Next, is Gabriella True. 51 47 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING GABRIELLA TRUE: Hi. Dear, Representative Linehan, Senator Moore, and members of the Committee on Children, I’m here to discuss raised bill 5144, AN ACT REQUIRING HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR PANS AND PANDAS. Our community desperately needs mandated insurance coverage. I just -- for limited time, I’m gonna instead of starting with why we need insurance coverage, I’m gonna speak directly to the bill in section b. I run ASPIRE, which is an alliance to solve PANS and related encephalopathies, which is a national organization, and I’ve worked with many, many states -- about 20 states -- on insurance bills, and no state has had this section b in it, which requires FDA approved treatments. I can’t -- I truly support the idea of insurance coverage, but I can’t support it if this part -- if this language is in the bill. The reason is twofold. One, is that there are no FDA treatments approved for PANS/PANDAS, but that doesn’t mean that the treatments haven’t been well researched or that there are treatment -- there are well-established treatment guidelines that are being followed and being successful. First problem is if we just look at IVIG alone, which is a human pulled blood product. There are only nine diseases currently that are FDA approved but over 200 diseases and disorders that are using it successfully off-label. The second problem, which is maybe not so obvious at first, but from my experience over many years dealing with insurance mandates and PANS is that the language in these bills can be used in extremely detrimental way to families, so what would happen is -- and we’ve seen similar in Illinois with the exclusion of the word autoimmune encephalitis in the bill -- is that say a family is getting long-term antibiotics for PANS and rheumatologic issues or 52 48 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING they’re getting IVIG and they’re getting it covered because they also in addition to PANS have a primary immune deficiency, what could potentially happen is that when insurance go through the files and they say, oh, but they’re in Connecticut, and they have PANS/PANDAS, and it says it in the file or we see a cluster of symptoms that look a lot like PANS/PANDAS, because their treatments now have to be FDA approved, we can deny them of treatments that have been completely successful in this child, stopping this disease from getting worse. They will be denied treatment. Okay. So, it’s really, really important that that be taken out. I’ve never seen it in one state, and even if this doesn’t even pass, I still would really like it taken out so that no other state dares to put it in there, and I’m sorry I didn’t get to talk about why we really need insurance, but we really truly do, but I really needed to drive home that one point first. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Thank you for your testimony. Representative Linehan. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Very quickly because we are limited in time. Can you just please give a very quick description for my colleagues about what PANDAS and PANS is? GABRIELLA TRUE: Okay. PANS is a post-infectious immune-mediated response that goes haywire. So, for example, so PANDAS is a subset of PANS, so I refer to PANS, which is Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Syndrome, and what happens in the post-infectious state is that there’s a misdirected immune response, so instead of just having the strep throat, a lot of our children either do have strep throat or they do not, they have an immune response that creates a problem in the basal ganglia of the 53 49 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING brain, which is a power center of the brain that handles lots of different functions, and we have problems cognitively, neuropsych problems. We have delays in -- big delays in school, major OCD, severe eating restrictions where children are losing 10 to 15 percent of their body weight and having to be hospitalized. Severe, severe separation anxiety where children can’t leave their house, much less go to school. We have severe urinary problems, behavior regression, aggression and rage, which can be very scary, which some of these things lead to long-term psychiatric care when it is an organic medical problem that needs to be treated medically first. It's a three-pronged treatment program where you do behavior health intervention with drugs and therapy, you work on the immune system, and you work on treating the root cause of that inflammatory response in the brain. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): So, for the benefit of my colleagues just as we continue to work towards possibly moving on this bill -- [Crying]. GABRIELLA TRUE: It’s okay. We understand. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): [Crying]. Excuse me. I’ve had some experience -- GABRIELLA TRUE: Correct. So, do I. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): With PANDAS. [Clearing throat]. Pardon me. What I want everyone here to understand is you’ve used a lot of really big words. GABRIELLA TRUE: Really big words. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): And, I -- I think it’s important to know what it looks like. 54 50 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING GABRIELLA TRUE: Okay. I could -- REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Especially for those people who are watching. I happen to very much love a child with PANDAS. He went to bed on a Tuesday night completely normal. He woke up on Wednesday morning with such severe OCD that he couldn’t get out of bed. [Crying]. He would have severe motor ticks and vocal ticks to the point where it interfered with him being able to do any of his daily activities. One of the reasons why we are raising this bill here in this committee -- those of you in the know understand that this should be an insurance bill, but it affects kids, and it affects kids where they can’t go to school, and it affects kids where they’re being locked up in psychiatric facilities, and it affects kids who go to bed on a Tuesday and wake up on a Wednesday not knowing what the heck happened to them. And, it affects parents who don’t know how to help them, and doctors don’t know enough about this. GABRIELLA TRUE: That’s right. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Education is so important, and there are ways to help these kids. Now, luckily, the child that I love -- because I know about PANDAS and I’ve known about PANDAS for years - - we were able to get him the help that he needed, and within six weeks the motor ticks were gone, the vocal ticks were gone, the OCD is gone, and it left as quickly as it came, but this is from strep throat, and PANS -- they talk about possible Lyme disease and what have you, and I talk about PANDAS specifically. This can happen to any child and if for the very reason that we’re doing this bill is just because to let people know what PANDAS is and talk about it more, I hope it passes out of this 55 51 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING committee and is sent to the Insurance Committee for final passage out of committee and onto the floor because kids are suffering, and as the chair of the Children’s Committee and as someone who loves someone with PANDAS [crying], and I know that any subsequent strep infection could cause him to wake up with such severe ticks and OCD that he can’t leave my side. This is important. GABRIELLA TRUE: Right. And, it’s estimated by the National Institute of Mental Health that 25 to 33 percent of children with mental health disorders can alleviate all symptoms with simple prophylactic course of antibiotic. Maybe not just one course, but extended courses, and they’re -- and so if we use the number of one and two hundred children or even the lower number of 125 children, we’re talking about three thousand three hundred something children in the state of Connecticut that could be affected by PANS/PANDAS. Now, unfortunately, the huge percentage -- and I don’t have the number -- are not identified. That means they are not going to school for certain reasons. That means they are filling the halls at IOL, and I’ve personally been in IOL with one of two of my children where I walk across the hall, and I go, oh, hello to children that I know because they have come to my organization for help, and I’m sitting there, and the doctors are like, you know who half the kids are in this room. I go, yes. Because they all have PANDAS, and they all need IVIG or -- only 10 percent of the children need IVIG, which I will -- it’s a small number, so we’ve got to be able to affordably stop the sequence of this disease becoming worse because it is progressive. And, as Representative Linehan said, she never knows when a strep can attack again, and as that to be 56 52 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING technical as the blood brain barrier opens, it opens the floodgates to more childhood infections like pneumonia, and Lyme, and all these other things -- hand, foot, and mouth to be able to trigger these behaviors, and these behaviors have a huge impact on our school district. There are tons of children who have 504 plans and IEPs that are putting a massive financial strain on this state because -- and time and parent -- and too many parents are having to quit one job. I know -- I know a lot of dads who are -- you know, it depends on who’s the bread maker. Someone is having to stay home. I am a stay home because of my two sick children, and it’s a financial choice you don’t want to have to make, so -- and when you delay children -- delay treatment, that only progresses the disease further creating further costs, and so it’s the type of thing that just has to get done as -- identified quickly, treated quickly, and so that it doesn’t become progressively worse and these children don’t get further and further baseline requiring a lifetime of care. It is debilitating what happens to these children, and generally some are not sudden onset, but the majority of these are very different than your typical OCD child where it happens gradually and gradually gets worse. This is happening overnight. It is like, you know just -- it’s a terrible phrase but it really makes it obvious -- an exorcist syndrome where your kid is completely different. You can see it in their eyes, and they are just something is off, and it is a clinical diagnosis, so it doesn’t have to require lots of lab testing, and big expenditure on the insurance system, so it really it’s devastating, and I really -- and if anybody ever wants to ask me questions, I can come and do lectures. We have spoken to over 400 school nurses in this state, but it’s not enough 57 53 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING because we need to keep being able to do it and keep being invited back and speaking to more mental health facilities because it is underrecognized, and too many children are suffering needlessly and their families are being just torn apart, and it’s not okay. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Thank you. I am -- I know it was difficult for Representative Linehan to talk about that and I’ve not been aware of this disease, but is there an age group that it impacts? GABRIELLA TRUE: With PANDAS, there was a pubperb -- pubperbit -- I can never say it -- puberty onset, but with PANS, there’s actually not. Yes. Children are the most studied population, but it can actually happen in adults. The average age of onset is between 4 and 12. That is what we’re catching the most, but it is very hard to catch some of these symptoms in a two or three year old because well they’re not necessarily doing a lot of arithmetic where they have sudden loss of math skills. They are maybe starting preschool, so you don’t always see that separation anxiety. Some it’s -- especially in the mild form. Some of them start losing continence at three because they go back to school, and some of them take a long time to potty train, so you’re not noticing those symptoms. You’re not seeing some of the symptoms like -- which are very autoimmune encephalitic where it’s a very clear change in handwriting. Very neat handwriting to a complete mess like worse than any doctor handwriting you’ve ever seen in your life. No [laughing]. Insulted doctors on that, but it’s true, and so -- and so you -- and rages and tantrums, and it’s hard to see those regressions, but it does -- we know it happens in two or three 58 54 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING year olds. It’s just much harder to parse out what’s actually happening. And, so one of my children -- even though I’m the head of this organization and have been talking about this for years -- he wasn’t identified and diagnosed officially until ninth grade. Meanwhile, he had spent a couple weeks in Institute of Living for suicidality, impulse control that could have led to death, and he went into IOL as a stat under general anxiety disorder and pervasive depression, so he wasn’t even in the system as a PANS/PANDAS patient, but it is PANS/PANDAS treatment that has made him be able to go to school. He had another flare this year, spent quite a bit of time going back and forth between CCMC Emergency Room, but it’s because of rage and aggression due to a mycoplasma infection, which started only -- for years, it was only strep, and now it’s mycoplasma. And, my other son, due to [sigh] $40,000-$50,000 dollars’ worth of out-of-pocket expenses he is doing much better. He has a duo-diagnoses of Autism, so that was another touch diagnosis, but his Autism and his teachability and what he’s been able to learn through his IEP at school -- at Hall High School in West Hartford -- is tremendous, and the school now is -- you know, they are pretty -- West Hartford school nurses know quite a lot, which is very helpful, but you know, it’s always a time for education, and my -- and my children show that it really is a spectrum disorder in terms of how it presents there. There -- There is 115-pound difference in-between the two of them, and one is severe and the other one is on the football and lacrosse team and the leader of it, but -- SENATOR MOORE (22ND): All right. Thank you. 59 55 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING GABRIELLA TRUE: This year was a disaster. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Thank you. Representative Kokoruda, do you have a question? Thank you. REP. KOKORUDA (101ST): Thank you. Thanks for coming in. GABRIELLA TRUE: Thank you for having me. REP. KOKORUDA (101ST): I didn’t know much about -- I’ve heard of PANS and PANDAS, but to tell you the truth, I’m trying to get caught up with what you’ve written here. I just have to ask do your children have individual education plans with the school based on the PANS and PANDAS? GABRIELLA TRUE: Yes. One has an IEP based -- it’s a dual split other health -- so he has Autism and other health impaired. My other son he actually right now only has a 504 plan because when he’s tested outside of a PANS flare he’s basically normal. With an IEP, it’s hard sometimes to get the IEP. It would fall under OHI, which is Other Health Impairment versus Mental Disorder because it is a medical issue. It looks very much just like a behavioral issue, but it’s medically organically based, and therefore, it definitely falls under OHI. Even the treatment guidelines that are published, peer review, and a journal recommend it be under OHI. It is -- so the hard part about IEPs is that because this is a flare episodic course, IEPs are hard to write an IEP sometimes because some kids need a very fluid in and out of services, so if they are on home health care they are out for a time where versus some kids are only -- might only be out for two weeks, where some kids may be out for an entire year. Entire childhoods can be lost. 60 56 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING REP. KOKORUDA (101ST): May I just ask you -- GABRIELLA TRUE: Mm-hm. REP. KOKORUDA (101ST): What is stopping the insurance companies from covering this? What -- What’s causing this? This is not identified by medical professionals, or? GABRIELLA TRUE: It’s a twofold thing. It’s a relatively newly defined disorder. Yes. It’s been studied by the National Institute of Mental Health and a woman names Sue Swedo, a woman who sits on my board for 30 years, but science moves glacially slow. Okay. REP. KOKORUDA (101ST): Say that again? GABRIELLA TRUE: Science moves glacially slow [chuckling], and so there is that. Also, with changes of the Affordable Healthcare Act and less mandates being passed -- I mean Connecticut is one of the states that passes very few mandates, just as Massachusetts, which we’ve been working on that bill for many years. They passed two last year, so it’s not -- and insurance companies don’t like to get mandated, so what should happen -- which we don’t have time to wait, which is why we keep trying to push this forward as an insurance mandate -- is that the treatment guidelines came out in the Journal -- one of the Journals in late 2017. What really should happen at that point is that insurance companies say, okay, this is treatment guidelines. We have 30 days to adopt them. Only Blue Cross Blue Shield in five states have done that. And, there used to be quite a bit of controversy attached to this because it was new and the Tourette’s Society was very invested in wanting it to be a genetic disorder only. Yes. Genetics. We are finding 61 57 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING there’s studies are coming out hopefully this spring, but glacially slow. It might not be until next fall, but they’re not gonna identify one gene. It's just not gonna happen. So, it’s just it’s a long process, and the Tourette’s group want it to be genetic even though the three main doctors that speak up against it have a patent for PANDAS, so part of them financially believe in PANDAS, and it’s not a belief system. REP. KOKORUDA (101ST): Mrs. True, I want to thank you. This is really helpful. I also have to remark you’re the first person in nine years I’ve been here that ever said Connecticut doesn’t -- isn’t too prone to do mandates. I’ve never heard that up here before. It’s pretty amazing, but we do mandate, so -- [Crosstalk]. GABRIELLA TRUE: It was different when Senator Crisco was here. [Chuckling]. REP. KOKORUDA (101ST): But -- But I’ll say thank you for your -- you are so knowledgeable. Thank you so much. GABRIELLA TRUE: You’re welcome. REP. KOKORUDA (101ST): Appreciate it. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Thank you for your testimony. GABRIELLA TRUE: If you have any questions after about the bill, I submitted what I think would be a great language. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Thank you. GABRIELLA TRUE: Always available. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Thank you. 62 58 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING GABRIELLA TRUE: Thank you. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Steve Hernandez. STEVE HERNANDEZ: Good afternoon, Senator Moore, Representative Linehan, ranking and other distinguished members of the Committee on Children. My name is Steve Hernandez, and I’m the Executive Director of the Legislature’s Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity, and Opportunity. I feel like this is a bit of a homecoming every time I testify before you, and I appreciate the opportunity. I am joined by Kalie Rohrbough. Kalie is our lead policy fellow who has been with us and will be with us for nine full months as a deployment from the lead policy fellowship. She is a school teacher who is interested in moving into public policy, and she has been with us and supporting much of our work this session, so I’m going to turn over the first part of our testimony to Kalie. KALIE ROHRBOUGH: Hi. So, the first bill that we SB 89 want to talk about, the raised bill S.B. 87, AN ACT CONCERNING ELIGIBILITY FOR THE OFFICE OF EARLY CHILDHOOD’S CHILD CARE SUBSIDY PROGRAM FOR VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. So, what we have been thinking about with this is that it’s important for kids to have the support that they need regardless of whether parents are struggling or whether they are doing well, so when we have a parent who is unable to get out of a dangerous situation, they’re also unable to get their child out of that dangerous situation, and if they are struggling to get the support they need to move households, and that’s one of the things that they need to do in order to get that subsidy, their child is stuck in that household with the dangerous person, so we are hoping that that passes. We are in support of that. 63 59 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING The second one that we are supporting is AN ACT CONCERNING SCHOOL LUNCH DEBT. As a -- as a teacher, SB 89 I experienced this. I did work at a school that was 100 percent free or reduced lunch, but I have seen how students get embarrassed or nervous about things when they are being pointed out as different. One of those things frequently for my students was if somebody pointed out that they, you know, their shoes were different or their shoes were not as clean as some of the other students, and they thought that they looked poor because of that. I have had students express that before. It was very embarrassing for those students, and I’ve had students like really struggle to get through a day when they’re feeling like they stand out for some way, so when we’ve got schools telling kids that they can only eat specific meals because they have this lunch debt, it is detrimental to them in their school. Yeah. STEVE HERNANDEZ: On Senate Bill 91, AN ACT CONCERNING A PROGRAM TO PROVIDE FREE SWIMMING HB 5145 LESSONS. As you know, Representative Linehan and others, under your leadership the Commission led a HB 5146 taskforce on water safety and awareness, and the reason we did that was twofold. One, was because we learned that African American and Latino children and children on the spectrum were disproportionately impacted by drowning deaths, and that reason became very clear to us through our exploration in the taskforce. Firstly, it was a lack of exposure to water -- to water and the lack of exposure to the right training for swimming awareness and swimming lessons, but it wasn’t just about swimming. We also learned that new moms and new dads didn’t understand that a child can drown in two inches of water, and also that there is a thing called secondary drowning 64 60 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING where a child might be exposed to water and only later have a physical reaction that causes them to asphyxiate. So, what we found in our taskforce was that information was critical, and as much exposure as possible for children was also necessary, so I really applaud your efforts in expanding the skillset of swimming, and I would only add that a water safety and awareness be an important component of that as well because not all of our children will have access to swimming, but the dangers are still there regardless, so that’s -- I would only add that you add water safety and awareness to it as well. Second -- secondly, on the annual report on a number HB 5145 of verified acts of bullying in schools we’re -- the commission is relatively agnostic on that issue in a vacuum, and the reason is that while we have supported the ending of reporting of arbitrary of the number of bullying acts in the school, it was in the context of the reformation of our school climate laws more generally. We found at the time that over the years the reporting was happening but not uniformly. That certain schools were reporting little to no incidents of bullying when we know that mean behavior was happening. You know, the collaborative is actually -- or the commission is actually the head of the -- of the State of Connecticut’s School Climate and Social-Emotional Learning Collaborative for the state of Connecticut. We are a part of a three-chair system. The State Department of Education joins us in that effort, as well SEL for CT which is Connecticut’s grass roots effort for social-emotional learning, and one of the things that we are doing as part of our overall mandate is that we are exploring the various ways in which we can resource prevention for social and 65 61 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING emotional skills building and building positive school climates. Whether or not there is a reporting to the State Department of Education in our recommendations, really will depend on what’s gonna happen with that information. I think many years ago when we first required reporting the idea was let’s expose the schools or the places where bullying is happening so that we can show that to the public. I think now we understand that the real -- the real key to prevention in this space is -- is information, it’s understanding the importance of adults in -- in curbing mean behavior, and also understanding the skillsets that are social and emotional skillsets and equitable access to that skillset so that as I’ve said many times we are not just teaching our children of color and the poor how to behave while we are teaching more resourced children how to access the skillset of social and emotional interactions. And, then finally, on the youth suicide prevention pilot program. As you know, Representative Linehan HB 5146 and several of you really led the charge last year in charging the collaborative on social-emotional learning as one of its first tasks in really looking at what is happening with suicide. Is there an assessment tool that we can recommend that is really meant to universally not only screen but also help us intervene when suicide is -- when despair -- when a child is living with despair or when a person is living with despair? What we learned and what we have learned in our work with the Suicide Advisory Board and others -- and I will only echo the testimony from before -- there is a lot of good work happening in this space. What I 66 62 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING love about your bill is that it recognizes that it isn’t enough to talk about this in one place at one time. You know, children recycle and they keep coming at us, and despair, unfortunately, also recycles. You know, we’ve -- we heard testimony that there were dips and curves in despair and suicidality as early as ten years old, among middle- age white men, and increasingly, what we are finding is the reporting of people of color and the poor. I think, you know, to your point and question earlier, Senator Moore, I don’t know that despair is any less prevalent in some of our communities that are -- that are -- that we see less numbers in terms of suicidality and despair, but the underreporting is, and really we need to address the issue of underreporting and increasing more data collection as to why there is despair in our communities. There was a very interesting bit of testimony that linked to another one of the points that was made here that linked violence to others, violence to self, and -- and drug use disorder, and what they called those three types of violence were deaths of despair, and I think it was really compelling for our collaborative to really start looking at how it is that we look at these issues in the context of resourcing, in the context of bringing information because people are hurting themselves, they are hurting others, and they are engaging in risky behaviors because of so much that they are experiencing in communities, so that’s why the work of the social and emotional skills building collaborative is so important. I applaud you and I applaud you, Senator Moore, for your keen ear and eye for equitable access and solutions for families. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Thank you. Comments? Representative Kokoruda. 67 63 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING REP. KOKORUDA (101ST): Thank you for testifying. HB 5145 Both of you. This is -- the last bill. The bullying. I’m kind of surprised that -- I’m looking at section 1b, and it talks about things that should be -- be happening in the school. STEVE HERNANDEZ: Sure. REP. KOKORUDA (101ST): I thought this was happening in our schools, so I’m kind of surprised when I see this. I thought, you know, that each building has a (inaudible - 01:57:26) I call it, you know. STEVE HERNANDEZ: Yeah. REP. KOKORUDA (101ST): We did that, and then certainly there was criteria in school. There was no policies in schools. I don’t think there’s any state reporting, but -- which is great if we’re gonna do it, but I look at some of the things, and I’m kind of surprised schools -- most schools aren’t doing this already. STEVE HERNANDEZ; Now, if you’re referring to the draft of the bill, the way that I understand the draft is that it is the section that has been underlined or that is actually amending current law, so what you may actually be reading is current law. REP. KOKORUDA (101ST): So, it’s subsection of section 10 through 222. STEVE HERNANDEZ: Right. So, if you -- if you find on page 5, there is an area in line 136-138, which is actually a strikeout. That is the substance of this bill, which is the striking out of the requirement of reporting to the State Department of Education. The rest of the substance in this bill - - just because of the peculiarities of drafting and how it is that we draft legislation -- is the rest 68 64 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING of that section of the statute, and you are right, Representative Kokoruda, all of these requirements are in state law currently. REP. KOKORUDA (101ST): All right, so until -- up until line 10, that’s current law and that’s where it changes? STEVE HERNANDEZ: Current law is from page 1 all the way through page -- well, it’s the whole thing actually, and then the change is actually on line 136 through 138. You’ll see that there is a striking out of an annual report such number for the Department of Education. That’s the number of verified acts of bullying, and -- and again, the reason -- you know, our laws are often written in times of great need or great distress, and the bullying law is no different. I think that your instinct, Representative Linehan, to respond to what you saw was a -- a very tragic death in your community is an instinct that’s been shared over the years, and it’s caused our laws to be changed and amended and improved sometimes in order to refine the way that we respond to tragedy, but also to prevent, and one thing that the collaborative is working on is really how it is that we lift up the social and emotional skills building as an asset that is corollary to the academic day and really does seek to improve the conditions of teaching and learning for every kid in the school, certainly, but every face as well. KALIE ROHRBOUGH: And, something I want to add as well is one of the reasons why we believe that the reporting of the actual number of bullies per school should not be reported is because bullies -- people who are bullying in schools are also in need of those emotional skills -- those emotional 69 65 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING intelligence skills. If we are promoting social and emotional learning and emotional intelligence in schools, we think that cruelty amongst students will diminish. STEVE HERNANDEZ: Thank you, Kalie. REP. KOKORUDA (101ST): Thank you -- thank you for that. You know, I remember one of my first years here having -- it was actually a public hearing on bullying, and I remember teachers telling us that they were discouraged from reporting themselves being bullied and episodes in the class. Now, this was like eight or nine years ago, and it always struck with me that the school wants to look like a good school -- STEVE HERNANDEZ: Yep. REP. KOKORUDA (101ST): And, they didn’t want to report the level of it. That’s the only reason I -- yeah, I get concerned if we’re not -- STEVE HERNANDEZ: Sure. REP. KOKORUDA (101ST): But I get it with this emotional -- social-emotional learning. Just one SB 91 more question. Just I wanted to talk to you a little bit about the water safety, and obviously, everything you said, Steven, I agree with. You know, I live right near Hammonasset State Park, and I was talking to the ranger there, and he said to me one day -- they have a beautiful nature center -- nature center. If you haven’t been there, go there. It’s pretty special -- and he told me he can’t believe the amount of urban children in Connecticut that come there that have never seen water -- never seen it. And, then I do wonder if some of our high schools in urban areas there are swimming pools, and 70 66 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING it’s just a shame that we can’t -- they should be there for more than a swim team, and it’s a water safety issue. I think -- think one of the things that came out of our study was six -- six people a year are still drowning in -- in Connecticut, and that teenage population -- that urban group that didn’t see the water and finally gets, you know, independent enough to go out with a bunch of friends, we hear these just horror stories, and -- but I’m happy to -- I’m happy to see the bill. I just think we’ve got to do a lot more with them. It's a shoreline state, and the fact that we’ve got children that haven’t even seen water and don’t know how to even just the safety, the awareness, the safety of it, and to teach parents. We’ve got a lot of work to do in that area. STEVE HERNANDEZ: Well, Representative, you know on this committee we do have the benefit of having the two spiritual co-chairs of the taskforce -- of the Water Safety and Awareness Taskforce in the two of you, so I appreciate all of your efforts in bringing really attention to this issue. On water safety and awareness, you know, as with -- as with so many other issues that we think about, equity and opportunity not only to gain skillsets but also to - - to have access to learning and to environments that are -- you know that are safe for all is really important, and I think you’ve really hit it on the head when you said there are children in our cities who have never experienced water, have never seen water, and imagine how thrilling and exciting it is to have that access, and yet, to be unsafe in the process of that. So, it’s important to expend or to extend the -- extend the asset of the skillset as far and widely as we can. 71 67 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING REP. KOKORUDA (101ST): Just one thing. In the bill, it does say within available appropriations, which right away is a -- is a concern when it’s -- it’s always a concern, but especially when it’s safety, but thank you very much. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Representative Linehan. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Thank you. Thank you so much for being here. Your testimony is always fantastic, HB 5145 and -- and welcome to you and thank you for being here as well. I want to go back to the -- to removing the mandate of bullying reporting. This is something that really came to us from I think literally four or five different sources who have their fingers in the bullying and the social- emotional learning pie. STEVE HERNANDEZ: I may have been one of them. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): You absolutely were. STEVE HERNANDEZ: [Laughing]. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): And, what was really striking to me -- STEVE HERNANDEZ: Yeah. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Is that over the summer -- because in my district as you know and you alluded to earlier that this bullying law came out of the death by suicide of a sixth grader in the town of Cheshire, and it has sparked community conversation for -- it’s still going on. We have not been silenced. One of the things is we have found even from real estate agents that if a town is labeled a bullying town, then they don’t have people moving in, so what happens is school districts are aware of that and are afraid to actually put it in a report 72 68 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING that says how many bullying instances they’ve had because now you’re judged by -- I forget what that website is but they come out with like top ten schools in Connecticut and all of that, and it’s -- and that is one of the methodologies that they use to choose a top school district. Interestingly, because of this -- and I just want to confirm this with you -- that there were some districts in the state of Connecticut who had said they had zero bullying instances. Knowing that someone has reported that number, can you tell me do you believe that that would in fact be true? STEVE HERNANDEZ: Well, as you know, I’m an attorney, and -- and I -- I understand the power of a few words strung together in a big book that really drives the consciousness of the people who are meant to implement it, and in the case of anti- bullying and in the case of the definition of bullying in the state of Connecticut, the moment you ordered the definition, you created opportunities to get around the definition, and -- and that’s what happens when you create a regime that is -- that is mostly interventive. There is prevention in our law, but it isn’t flushed out enough, so when you see that imbalance because of the extremely descriptive and interventive nature of our bullying law, people have been advised to just not even say the word, and that’s a real disservice in a lot of ways, and it’s a disservice most importantly -- okay. She’s dancing. It’s a disservice most important to -- to -- to the young people and to the people that we expect to educate them, so yes. There have been towns that have reported zero incidents of bullying because if you look at the definition of bullying strictly, there are ways to define around it. 73 69 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING REP. LINEHAN (103RD): And, do you believe -- and -- and I know you said a bit in your testimony. I just want to get it out there in one easy sentence. Do you believe that by removing this mandate, we have a better opportunity to help children who are bullied and those who are doing the bullying to get the services that they need? STEVE HERNANDEZ: Yes and. So, a couple of years ago or a few years ago when we engaged in Ed reform, one of the things that we really focused on was rigor and how it was that we held teachers and leaders accountable, and what we ended up -- what ended up happening is that we created a real tension between the people in the school and less of a focus on overall excellence and really productivity and success, so by alleviating some of these barriers to that, I think it’s a good first step. Again, our recommendation for this was in the context of something much bigger, and that much bigger is coming through the work of the collaborative, but again, if the information is going to the State Department of Ed and nothing is happening with the information or if the information is complete, I can’t imagine that it’s useful. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Thank you. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Anyone else. Thank you for your work and thank you for your testimony. STEVE HERNANDEZ: Thank you so much. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Next, is Barbara R. BARBARA R.: So, I’m here to speak to bill no. 5144, AN ACT REGARDING THE HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR PANDAS AND PANS. Gabriel spoke a lot about it. My child had to go through many, many years of 74 70 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING treatment, so I just want to really kind of focus on definitely removing that FDA approval of treatment section because there are so -- because in each child there’s such a severity difference, and there’s a difference in presentations, and different things are appropriate for different children, so the doctors that we go to they know. They have their toolkit of things to try for each child, and it gives them the discretion to use whatever treatments they feel will help that child, so it’s very important to not put the FDA approved label on there, and my child had many, many treatments, and in the beginning at that time many, many years ago at that time there were fewer doctors who actually treated, so access to treatments was actually a lot lower, so it was delayed for two reasons. One, because there were fewer doctors who were acknowledging it, and two, the access to the treatments. Where now, you know, seven years later there’s more, but that delay in treatment has a spillover effect because if you keep delaying and you don’t treat it as early as you can, you start to get like more neurological symptoms and all these other different symptoms, so you’re -- you’re kind of piling on more treatments. So, in my daughter’s situation it wasn’t just strep. It was actually Lyme. So Lyme is another animal that’s, you know, even in itself is hard to treat, and I find just even with Lyme criteria if you limit the criteria of a treatment, it doesn’t help -- there’s such a variance of you know some people have Lyme in their joints, some people have it with their heart, so it’s hard -- it’s not a good idea to kind of narrow a certain treatment for a sickness I should so, so -- so removing that FDA treatment part is basically -- and then using the Maryland bill 75 71 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING language actually gives the doctor discretion to use the treatments that he feels, and I know Gabriella, if she were here, which she would agree, I actually have a team of doctors -- a neurologist, an immunologist, and all of them compliment each other with their different parts of their toolkit, so it gives them the flexibility to actually you know prescribe the treatments, and they did. They actually spent a lot of their time doing peer-to- peer review with insurance companies a lot, and I really commend them. They take a lot of time out of their day to actually do that, but my -- my daughter was very, very severe, and she’s doing amazingly well today because of it, but she had a lot of treatments. She had 32 IVIGs, 11 plasmapheresis, many years of multi antibiotics, but -- and then we also, you know, as we addressed those layers -- as soon as you address all these little layers of the immune system, she just -- all these symptoms just got erased, which was wonderful, so -- so. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): So, was it covered by insurance? BARBARA R.: So, I’m in the fortunate position where you know my daughter was so severe that a lot of the times -- so when she first got diagnosed my doctor said, you need this treatment. I had to wait six months to wait for the doctor who actually provides that treatment, and then he does so many of those treatments, he said, I -- I was flagged by insurance. I can’t do it anymore. So, what we did was we went to another doctor, we paid cash, and we just fought, and then after we saw improvements and the doctor was able to do the peer-to-peer reviews with the insurance company, he was able to get it approved, but one of the problems is the physicians who treat this condition are -- they don’t take 76 72 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING insurance, so everything comes as an out-of-network. You submit it as an out-of-network, so there’s always some kind of big chunk, so for instance, like after all of her IVIGs, it probably out-of-pocket cost for each one $1500 dollars. So, you know, she had 32 times you know $1500 dollars, so the only -- the only treatments I really had a hard time -- and I still to this day have not gotten reimbursed was for the Lyme because the criteria was so narrow and the insurance company was so rigid, and that was the only one actually to this day I didn’t get everything -- well, didn’t get a lot of it back because it was just so rigid in the criteria, so -- so yeah, it’s a very expensive -- it can be a very expensive illness, especially when there’s multiple illnesses at play, especially Lyme, so. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Thank you for your testimony. BARBARA R.: You’re welcome. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Anyone else? Thank you. BARBARA R.: You’re welcome. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Representative Yaccarino. MONICA HATTON: Good afternoon, members of the committee. Go ahead. REP. YACCARINO (87TH): Thank you for the opportunity to testify. I’m gonna pass it over to Ms. Hatton on Senate -- I mean on House Bill 5144. I’ve learned of PANDAS over the last year through Ms. Hatton who lives in North Haven, and I represent her in the town, and I appreciate Senator Moore, ranking member Green, and Representative Linehan and the whole committee for listening to me and giving her the opportunity to testify, so I’m going to pass 77 73 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING it over to Ms. Hatton, and thank you to the Children’s Committee. MONICA HATTON: Good evening, good afternoon, everyone. My husband and I, we moved a lot from state-to-state. He works for the Federal Government, so it has been difficult for us -- SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Excuse me. Would you just say your name for the record? MONICA HATTON: Oh, sorry! Monica Hatton. So, for us, it has been a hassle getting -- we’re lucky that we have the federal Blue Cross Blue Shield. For example, with Dr. Leckman. Dr. Leckman appears in the documentary “My Kid is not Crazy”. It is all related with PANDAS AND PANS. It is a documentary that you can watch easy and understand what is PANDAS, what is Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders related with strep, Dr. Swedo as well. He is presented -- he is located at the Yale Child Study Center. Luckily, this year his assessment -- and he does only assessments -- is about $1000 dollars without insurance coverage. That’s generally for the first assessment. They don’t do the treatment. Like my other mom, partner. All the treatments are from doctors who do believe, they do want to try. Many of the pediatricians that we had encountered back in Virginia. We -- I had to interview at least ten. None of them was -- they were saying -- kept saying, it’s controversial or is I don’t believe, and that’s from neurologists from children’s hospital. Here in Connecticut, I still have the same issues. I have only accounts with two pediatricians among the 20 that I have gone through the states. It is very difficult and sad not to see a pediatrician’s knowledgeable to help. I have an 8 year old with PANDAS/PANS. He has had for the past 78 74 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING two years seven streps. We keep treating him for strep. At every other strep, it’s every other symptom. The first symptoms were shaking. Next strep there was the tick. Following strep, [making a noise]. And, how did I know that his skills were deteriorating was because at 3 years old he was really good at starting even to trying to write. By the next strep, he couldn’t even write. I’m lucky to know about PANDAS because my 14-year-old with Autism today, he has 14 years old. At the time, he was 5 when our OT back in Virginia mentioned to us, “Monica” -- he was 5 years old back then -- “Monica, look into PANDAS because I think his behaviors comes a lot from -- from this.” That has been now -- he’s 14 now. He was 5. We -- it was hard to look. Like I said, I interviewed ten pediatricians back then. They would not believe. It was controversial. I had to grab the phone and keep calling one-by-one. Do you understand? Do you believe? The neurologist that would perceive all of this information would be in D.C., out-of-pocket, Dr. Ladymere [phonetic]. Like I said, everyone -- it’s -- it’s very difficult. This is why since I moved -- or I started back in Virginia and I moved to North Haven, I established a North Haven Special Needs Advisory Group mainly with the intention of advocate and educate our families not only for any mental and behavior health issue. I suffer of mental and behavioral health issues. I’m one of those that you mention about social-emotional learning since the age of seven hurting myself. Why is this so important for me? Because I see this within my kids. I see this within a kid with social-emotional learning. I am involved in North Haven for the social-emotional task group for our school board. 79 75 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING Kids like ours with PANDAS who goes undiagnosed or many times diagnosed as Autistic -- because this is what’s happening with my eight-year-old. He looked -- he was neurotypical. He with the age he’s been looking more Autistic. He behaves more Autistic. Dr. Swedo gave a presentation last November on 2019 where she explains very well to the Autism Research Institute how PANDAS behaviors like Autism, and it’s very easily to be confused. It has it’s three levels of -- like Autism -- low, medium, and high range. Barbara’s son is on the high section. This is why it is so important that we just don’t look as a psychiatric factor. It is a medical factor. It is a biological factor, and it has to be treated as if -- as like Autism is. When we started, we had just treating the psychiatric part. Then later became the biological part. This is where PANDAS is. We need the biological -- it a biological factor, but it’s being looked mostly by psychiatrists. Why is it that Dr. Leckman is the only one psychiatrist at Yale with the assessment? We should have this for everyone. I’m lucky I can afford it now. What’s happening with those families who cannot afford it? We need to think about that. How many families low income who don’t even know what is PANDAS/PANS? I was lucky to have gone through states and getting informed and getting this information, and because I’m a sufferer of mental health, I’m very involved. I’m a member of the Keep the Promise Coalition. So, this is why I am here right now because it is just not a mental health. It is a behavioral health cannot fix every child. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): I’m going to ask you just to wrap up your testimony, please. 80 76 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING MONICA HATTON: That’s it. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Thank you. Did you want to say something, Representative? REP. YACCARINO (87TH): Thank you, Senator Moore. We had passed last year the expand of mental health care for -- I don’t know -- it was bipartisan support and I think the governor signed it, and for me as a legislator and somebody living in Tolland and seeing Ms. Hatton and how she’s advocated is something that hopefully we seriously look at. I mean there are many, many people who need help and so mental health or other forms of diagnoses sometimes need to be covered I would think, and that’s all I want to say. She’s been a strong advocate. Our nurses in the schools have done a good job, and I would like to comment on -- just real briefly. I’m happy about -- I think it’s 5146 -- suicide prevention. It is vitally important in our schools and for kids and adults, and so I commend this committee on that, and I really want to thank you for listening to Ms. Hatton and everybody here today. I know you have a hard task in front of you, but thank you. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Thank you. Ms. Hatton, I want to thank you for your advocacy that you’re doing. MONICA HATTON: Thank you. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Not only for your other children, but for all our children, and the education that takes place here is pretty amazing what people know and what they’ve learned because they’ve been through something, but to be able to help other children is very important and I thank you for your testimony. 81 77 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING MONICA HATTON: Thank you so much. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Thank you. Is Tess Leone? TESS LEONE: Good afternoon, Senator Moore and members of the Committee on Children. My name is Tess Leone, and I’m a Master’s of Social Work student at UCONN and an intern at the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence. CCADV is the state’s leading voice for victims of domestic violence and those who serve them. We are asking that you support S.B. 87, AN ACT CONCERNING ELIGIBILITY FOR THE OFFICE OF EARLY CHILDHOOD’S CHILD CARE SUBSIDY PROGRAM FOR VICTIMS OF FAMILY VIOLENCE. It would add parents alleging to be victims of domestic violence as a priority group at Care 4 Kids. It would also prevent an abuser’s income from being considered in a survivor’s application for Care 4 Kids, and this would help to make it easier for survivors of domestic violence to become independent. One in four women experience domestic violence and financial abuse occurs in 99 percent of domestic violence cases. Financial abuse can include forbidding the victim to work, controlling how many is spent, refusing to pay child support, or manipulating the divorce process. Many survivors leave an abusive relationship with little or no resources as a result of financial abuse. Making sure that an abuser’s income is not counted when applying for Care 4 Kids would provide a more accurate picture of a survivor’s financial situation. Survivors need to work in order to support themselves and their children when leaving an abusive relationship, but childcare in the United States is becoming unaffordable for most families. If survivors cannot afford childcare, they may be 82 78 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING unable to go on interviews or they may miss work because they cannot afford to send their child to daycare. Being included as a priority group for the Care 4 Kids program would make it easier for survivors of domestic violence to access childcare so that they can work to support their family. Access to childcare also provides an opportunity to support children exposed to domestic violence. Childcare can offer a safe and stable environment for children and provide them an opportunity to create positive relationships with other adults and their peers. Having a safe environment and positive relationships can ease a child’s anxiety and help to improve their social-emotional development. We strongly urge you to support S.B. 87, which would be one important way to support survivors of domestic violence in achieving financial independence. Thank you for your time and consideration. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Thank you, Tess. Is this your first year as an intern? TESS LEONE: This is my second year. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Second year. TESS LEONE: I’ll probably be graduating in May. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): All right. Congratulations. Thank you. And, we listened to Commissioner Bye, and so if we have any more details, we’ll check with your executive director also. Thank you -- TESS LEONE: Um -- SENATOR MOORE (22ND): So much. TESS LEONE: Okay. Thank you. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Go ahead. Did you want to say something? 83 79 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING TESS LEONE: Yes. I just I did want to add that we serve over 1000 children in shelters every year and more than half are under the age of six, and then 3600 children receive community-based services as well. I know that was a question that you had asked earlier about how many children this could impact. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Thank you. Any questions? Thank you, dear. TESS LEONE: Thank you. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): John Cattelan. JOHN CATTELAN: [Clearing throat]. Senator Moore, members of the Committee on Children, thank you for the opportunity to testify today. My name is John Cattelan. I’m here on behalf of the Connecticut Alliance of YMCAs. The alliance represents 21 YMCAs across the state of Connecticut. I’m here today to urge the members of this committee to support Senate Bill 91, AN ACT CONCERNING A PROGRAM TO PROVIDE FREE SWIMMING LESSONS TO INDIVIDUALS UNDER THE AGE OF 18, and Senate Bill 88, AN ACT CONCERNING CHILDREN’S MENUS. Regarding Senate Bill 91, this is based on something that was done in 2008 when Governor M. Jodi Rell established water safety week during the end of June. Free swim lessons were provided at state parks and YMCAs across Connecticut. The purpose was to encourage families to have safe and enjoyable summer experience while encouraging families to spend more time outdoors and more importantly teach children how to swim. The lessons were funded by the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, along with the Department of Children and Families and the Department of Public Health. Th is proposal is very important for many reasons. 84 80 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING First of all, I would like to make the members of this committee aware of the fact that two children in the United States die every day because of drowning. Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children one to four, and is the second leading causes of death for children from five to fourteen. This is unacceptable but is also preventable. National research -- ah, excuse me -- national research studies have also shown that 60 percent of African American children and 45 percent of Hispanic children cannot swim. Additionally, 79 percent of children in families with household incomes less than $50,000 dollars have no or a low swimming ability. Last June, I participated in the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center Summer Safety Press Conference to discuss safety around water and swimming lessons. That week alone, we learned about the tragic news of three people drowning in Norwalk, Hamden, and Litchfield County. The YMCAs in Connecticut consider it a priority and a responsibility to prevent drowning and teach children and people -- adults how to swim and be safe around water. Our YMCAs provide over 40,000 children and adults with swimming lessons every year via our classes or attendance at a Y summer camp, and that is why we strongly support Senate Bill 91. Regarding restaurant -- [bell]. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Do you want to wrap up your - - JOHN CATTELAN: Yeah. I would just we support the SB 88 restaurant bill. I would just point out that 33 percent of the kids in this state are obese or overweight, and a recent Harvard study said that number is going to increase. I would say members of 85 81 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING this -- the General Assembly, that if 33 percent of children contacted some type of disease that General Assembly would respond to that. When you’re talking 33 percent, this has long-term effects on kids, their health, their accomplishments, and the list goes on and on, and that’s why we support the bill. Thank you. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Thank you for your testimony. Questions? Comments? Representative Linehan. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Thank you so much for your work on this. We appreciate the Ys. You’ve been SB 91 really at the forefront of both the issues that you talked about today. I just want to ask very quickly the Office of Fiscal Analysis is going to put a fiscal note on the water bill. JOHN CATTELAN: Right. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): The swimming lessons bill. I would like to know what the Ys belief that this would cost if we are doing it partially through the Ys? JOHN CATTELAN: Right. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Do you have that information? JOHN CATTELAN: I don’t, but I can get it for you. Back when this was done under Governor Rell in 2008, I was still in elementary school. [Laughing]. [Laughter]. All right, I’m fibbing. [Laughter]. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): [Laughing]. I wasn’t gonna say anything. JOHN CATTELAN: But, seriously, a number of our people who’s worked for the Ys back then obviously worked with this program, so I can get that number for the two chairs and share it with you. 86 82 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Thank you. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Excuse me. So, is that to say the Y would be doing some of this without a cost? JOHN CATTELAN: No. So, Senator, the way I believe it worked in 2008 is the -- once the funds -- it was funded by the state agencies, they contracted with the Ys to provide the instructors to go to the state parks and help the kids provide the swim lessons. Also, though, once it was declared water safety week, we provided free swim lessons that same week at most of our Ys across the state of Connecticut, which we would be obviously willing to do again. And, I just want to say this, we -- if anyone comes to the Y wanting to learn how to swim, we will not turn them away. We will not -- if they do not have the financial means necessary, we will provide them swimming lessons at no cost if necessary. We do this for adults and we do this for children. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Thank you for your testimony. JOHN CATTELAN: Thank you, Senator. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Appreciate it. Howard Sovronsky. HOWARD SOVRONSKY: Good afternoon. Senator Moore, Representative Linehan, members of the Children’s Committee, thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts about House Bill 5146, AN ACT ESTABLISHING A YOUTH SUICIDE PREVENTION PILOT PROGRAM. My name is Howard Sovronsky, and I am the Chief Behavioral Health Officer at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. I’m submitting this testimony in support of this proposal because too many children and adolescents in our state of Connecticut are dying by 87 83 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING suicide or suffering from the trauma and consequences of failed suicide attempts. Before commenting on the bill, I want to provide some background about Connecticut Children’s, a nationally recognized hospital, 187-bed not-for- profit children’s hospital driving innovation in pediatrics. With over 2,900 employees and 1,190 on our medical staff, we are the only hospital in the State of Connecticut dedicated exclusively to the care of children. Our focus on children differentiates us from all other hospitals in Connecticut in several key ways including: Our payer mix -- more than half of our care is for patients who rely on Medicaid and we receive almost no Medicare payments at all; our exclusion from the provider tax, which means we were not part of the hospital lawsuit and recent settlement; and our costs, which are predictably higher because children need more hands-on care. One-third of all children in our state who are seen in an emergency room with behavioral health concerns are treated at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. As you might imagine, depression and suicidal ideation, or threats of self-injury are the most common presenting problem. During fiscal year 2019, 3,750 children and adolescents were seen in Zone C, that part of our Emergency Room specifically designed to meet the unique needs of those experiencing a behavioral health crisis. Recognizing the growing incidence of suicide, we are now screening all children above the age of 10 for suicidal ideation. In the past 6 months, 9,300 children were screened in our Emergency Room, which included those coming in for a medical condition. Of those, 15 percent of those children screened tested positively for risks of suicide. This does not include those children 88 84 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING who are admitted directly each year with serious medical complications resulting from failed suicide attempts. At Connecticut Children’s, we have taken innovative approaches to address the behavioral health needs of our children and families, including launching a Behavioral Health Transitions clinic that offers treatment to these families while they are being connected to supports in their communities. We know the work we do in our Emergency Department for young people who are emotionally distraught and require the behavioral health that we supply at the hospital. The good news is that treatment is available as long as we can identify these young people early enough to make sure that they are connected with appropriate levels of care, and that’s why I strongly support this bill that will provide training and clear referral protocols for those staff who interact mostly with our children and adolescents. Sensitizing them will help identify early those children most in need of our care. Thank you for your consideration. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Thank you for your testimony. Representative Linehan. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Thank you very much not only for your testimony but also the work that you do. I appreciate you all so much, and as you know, we did have someone from CCMC come into our Social- Emotional Learning Collaborative, and we talked about that screening that you’re doing, which I think is wonderful, but one of my concerns that I voiced during that meeting was that that would require a child to go to the hospital in order to get screened, and while I think what you’re doing is 89 85 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING absolutely fantastic, it still leaves all those kids out there who don’t have a parent who says, I think something’s wrong, we have to go to the hospital or maybe you know there just hasn’t been an issue to go see a doctor. So, that’s actually when I wanted to come up with the idea for this bill to have -- have this training out there. The idea is that while you’re doing such incredible work on your side, that we need to get those kids that you don’t get to see. And, so my question is are you familiar with QPR training and is it used inside your hospital in the Emergency Room to find these kids and even beyond that, do you believe that QPR training -- if you’re familiar with it -- would actually get to those kids who haven’t made their way to your Emergency Room for some reason or another? HOWARD SOVRONSKY: So, thank you for that question. It’s really important. There are many, many screening tools out there. We are using screening tools that are specifically designed to be implemented in emergency departments and hospitals, and that is producing, as I -- as I testified to -- an alarming rate of positive responses, but we’re also heavily engaged now in integrating behavior health at our pediatric practices throughout the state, and one of the key priorities is to introduce screening tools to the pediatric practices so that pediatricians, as part of their regular well visits with children, will also begin to screen for behavioral health problems, as well as suicidal ideation. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): And, is there a recommended age for that? HOWARD SOVRONSKY: We’re screening children from ten -- ten and older. 90 86 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING REP. LINEHAN (103RD): So, I’m just trying to -- so ten is about third grade? HOWARD SOVRONSKY: Right. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Fourth grade? HOWARD SOVRONSKY: Right. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): So, here’s my -- here’s another question for you then. I just I want to get my brain around it ‘cause I want to make sure what we’re doing works with what you’re doing because I think all of us have to work together. HOWARD SOVRONSKY: Mm-hm. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): If I bring my child in for a broken arm or a very high fever, how then are they screened for being at risk for suicide? What questions are asked? HOWARD SOVRONSKY: Well, as I said, we have two tools that we’re using, and we’re actually looking at other -- other tools to streamline and to improve our processes, but all of the nurses have been trained, along with our medical staff, so all children above the age of ten coming into our Emergency Room are approached by a nurse or a physician, and they are asked to -- the parents are asked to leave the room so that we can have a one- on-one with the child and not have the influence of a parent that could possibly prevent the child from being honest and open, and we apply this standard screening tool. Then, if there’s a positive response, that is then discussed with the family and part of the discharge plan is for encouraging the family to seek services in the community. We give them identified resources that they could then pursue, so it’s not just simply screening and 91 87 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING letting the child leave. We’re trying to -- to connect the dots here to ensure that children identified also are getting care they need. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): And, do you ever have pushback on the parents leaving the room, and do you explain to them what you’re doing so that they understand why it’s important they’re not there? HOWARD SOVRONSKY: Yeah, I’m sure that we do from time-to-time, and you know, the parents are not required to leave the room. We ask them nicely to and try to explain why, but if they’re -- they’re going to remain there, we’ll still, you know, administer the screening tool, but note that the parents were present. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Thank you very much for your testimony and your work. HOWARD SOVRONSKY: Thank you very much. Thank you. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): [Background conversing]. JOAN NICHOLS: Good afternoon, Representative -- SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Good afternoon. JOAN NICHOLS: Oh, she left. Senator Moore and members of the Committee on Children. My name is Joan Nichols. I’m the Executive Director for Connecticut’s Farm Bureau Association, and I’m here to submit testimony in opposition to Senate Bill 88, AN ACT CONCERNING CHILDREN’S MENUS. Our main concern is this bill is the ban on flavored milk in children’s menus. Connecticut Farm Bureau, we represent nearly 2500 farming families in the state of Connecticut. We’re also the leading industry for the Connecticut Dairy Farmers of which there are about 100 farming families in the state of 92 88 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING Connecticut that rely on the fluid milk market for their -- for their milk products, so that is our main concern. Milk provides nine essential nutrients including calcium, phosphorus, protein, vitamin A, vitamin D, and B12, and while we support this bill and any initiative to provide healthy foods to children, we are concerned about the ban on flavored milk. I would just like to reference a narrative from the American Heart Association, and on this it says you can use sugars to help enhance your diet adding a limited amount of sugar to improve the taste of foods, especially for children, that provide important nutrients such as whole-grain cereal, low- fat milk or yogurt is better than eating nutrient poor highly sweetened foods. So, we would urge the opposition to this bill primarily for the ban on chocolate milk on children’s menus. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Any comments? Okay. I’m gonna -- I’m just gonna ask a question because this almost sounds to me, and I don’t mean to be critical, so forgive me if -- JOAN NICHOLS: Mm-hm. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): If it sounds that way -- profit before people. You’re talking about dairy farmers worrying about not producing or making money because we’re looking at the health of children. That’s what is sounds like to me. Do you want to speak to that? ‘Cause are you talking profits for the farm -- for the dairy farmers that will be adversely affected by this? JOAN NICHOLS: No. What I’m talking about is that milk has always been a highly nutritious product, produces a variety of nutrients for children, 93 89 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING especially calcium, which is very important for -- for children in development, and so what we are concerned about is that eliminating flavored milk from children’s menus would potentially eliminate the -- this product for -- for our children. Many children -- and I will speak to -- I will just give a personal story to this. I raised two beautiful daughters. My youngest daughter refused to drink anything but chocolate milk [chuckling], and so as a parent I was more than happy to provide chocolate milk because I knew she would get all of the benefits of milk as opposed to not wanting to drink milk at all. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Thank you. I’ll be interested to see what the Heart Association has to say in contrary to that. Representative Kokoruda. REP. KOKORUDA (101ST): Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chairman. I -- that question profit before people I think when we talk dairy farmers that’s hard for me tor me to get my head around that concept when it comes to what our dairy farmers do for our -- for Connecticut. But, first of all, I really feel that all the different thing that milk does -- brings and puts in our bodies isn’t in any other -- most other products, so if someone’s having a little bit of sugar with all these other goods things that you’ve listed in your testimony, it sounds like really a positive thing to do, so I’m kind of surprised because actually I was here when we passed a bill -- we didn’t know we did this, but we actually inadvertently took out chocolate in the whole bill. It was all about children. It was from this committee. the whole bill got vetoed because of the chocolate milk issue, so I think there are a lot of parents like you that know that they’re going to get their children to drink milk at all it’s gonna have 94 90 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING -- or some like it without any flavor, but a lot to have a flavor in it does get them to drink it versus something else that’s -- that’s really not as beneficial for them, so thank you for your testimony. JOAN NICHOLS: Thank you. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Thank you, Representative. Representative Wilson Pheanious. REP. WILSON PHEANIOUS (53RD): Yes. I had -- it’s some comments as well along the same lines as Representative Kokoruda because the dairy farmers I know are concerned about nutrition. Of course, they’re concerned about the bottom-line dollars. All of -- anybody in business is, but they’re concerned about the fact that the milk product whether it has strawberry or chocolate flavor or not is still milk, and it still provides the nutrients that children otherwise might not -- might not get, so it was a concern. I know Senator Moore is gone now, but I was concerned with her question suggesting that it is purely a financial motive. In my -- dairy farmers that are in my district are concerned about the -- the fact that kids drink milk, and that milk whether it’s flavored or not be recognized as -- as an important part of -- of a healthy diet, and I wondered -- I guess I may be repeating the question she just asked because I had the same one -- is there anything about adding that small amount of sugar that goes along with strawberry and chocolate would somehow undermine the other nutrients in the milk? JOAN NICHOLS: No. All it does is it makes milk -- and I again speak from my youngest daughter who would not drink milk unless it was chocolate flavored. It does nothing to -- to negatively 95 91 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING impact all of the qualities that are already in milk. All it does it makes it a little tastier for children who normally would not like the taste of milk. REP. WILSON PHEANIOUS (53RD): And, for example, comparing sugar added milk like chocolate milk or strawberry milk to say like a chocolate soda or strawberry soda, is there any question about the difference in the nutrients? JOAN NICHOLS: Well, you’re talking apples and oranges. Milk is highly nutritious for all the reasons that I mentioned earlier and all the little bit of sugar in flavoring that does it just makes it more palatable so children drink more milk. I mean we went through gallons of chocolate milk for years. REP. WILSON PHEANIOUS (53RD): [Laughing]. JOAN NICHOLS: And, I’m glad to buy it ‘cause she drank milk. REP. WILSON PHEANIOUS (53RD): [Laughing]. Oh, okay. That pretty much covers my perspective on it. JOAN NICHOLS: And, that was also mentioned in the American Heart Association’s website about adding a little bit of sugar to something that will make healthy food more palatable to children. REP. WILSON PHEANIOUS (53RD): One more question. Is it your opinion that milk should be classified as a sugary drink for any reason? JOAN NICHOLS: No. No. It’s milk. REP. WILSON PHEANIOUS (53RD): My thinking also. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Thank you. Representative Turco. 96 92 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING REP. TURCO (27TH): Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you for your testimony. JOAN NICHOLS: You’re welcome. REP. TURCO (27TH): I think we -- we both agree that milk is very nutritious and we want more children to drink milk. JOAN NICHOLS: Mm-hm. REP. TURCO (27TH): Especially, compared to sodas and other very sugary drinks. Do you have any idea who many grams of sugar would be included in a chocolate milk that gets served to a child at a restaurant? JOAN NICHOLS: No. I don’t, but any of that labeling is part of the nutrition label, and I’d be happy to provide that to you, but it is available on the nutrition labels. REP. TURCO (27TH): Yeah. I’m very curious when we add chocolate or strawberry or one of these sugary substances to the milk what are we turning the milk into. Are we turning the milk into a substance that has an equal amount of sugar and unhealthiness to it as a soda, a Coca-Cola or a Pepsi or equivalent soda? Have we now then included the amount of sugar for another one of those type of drinks? JOAN NICHOLS: I don’t know. I’d have to look at the labeling to answer that and the labels will speak for themselves, but I cannot imagine that the amount of sugar that goes into chocolate milk is anything near what goes into soda or any of the other sweetening. REP. TURCO (27TH): I’m hoping note. I mean I think when somebody at the -- I worked at restaurants for 97 93 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING many years. When a child ordered a chocolate milk, it was arbitrary. I would put in the amount of chocolate that went into that drink, and then filled it up with milk, so I’m not sure the ratio of sugar in there if there’s any way to really know how much is getting put into that ‘cause my concern, as you mentioned, we’re adding some sugary substance like chocolate into milk and then the underlying milk is still a very healthy thing. JOAN NICHOLS: Correct. REP. TURCO (27TH): Water is one of the best possible things that anyone could drink. Right? I mean it may be better for us than even milk to drink water and for our children to drink water. The underlying substance with sugary syrup in a coke is water, but we’re not considering that product to still be a healthy product we want to give our children. So, that’s my only concern. I want to promote milk, and I do -- do think that this bill is going a long way to promoting milk because now a child has a choice. They can drink milk, they can drink water, or they can drink 100 percent fruit juice. JOAN NICHOLS: Yeah. REP. TURCO (27TH): I think there’s a good chance that you’re gonna see an increase of milk consumed by children because they’re not going to see a Coke or a Pepsi or something in their face. They’re going to see much more nutritious items, milk being one of them, even without the chocolate. So, something I’d like you to think about, and maybe we can learn a little bit more and discuss it as the bill moves forward. JOAN NICHOLS: Sure. 98 94 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING REP. TURCO (27TH): Thank you. JOAN NICHOLS: Thank you. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Representative Kokoruda. REP. KOKORUDA (101ST): Just briefly. Is there sugar in milk -- just regular milk? JOAN NICHOLS: No. REP. KOKORUDA (101ST): No milk -- no. So, I am looking at -- if you look at the -- there is sugar. JOAN NICHOLS: A little bit. REP. KOKORUDA (101ST): I thought there -- REP. LINEHAN (103RD): For your reference, there is indeed sugar in regular milk. It is not an added sugar. It is dairy sugar that comes from lactose. REP. KOKORUDA (101ST): Lactose. Well, if we look at the American Cancer -- American Heart Association has not testified yet unless I’ve missed it, and I might have. They address it, but they also -- Representative Turco, they also give us -- and you’ve got this from the American Heart. It shows and what it shows here is that they’re recommending as long as it stays below 130 calories and it says total sugars 20 grams, that includes 9 grams of added sugar, so a majority of it is what you’re talking about, Representative Linehan, so there is - - there is an added sugar, but it’s smaller than the regular lactose or whatever sugar that is in the milk naturally. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): So -- REP. KOKORUDA (101ST): I’m just going by -- I’m just reading -- [Crosstalk]. 99 95 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Yeah, so we’re talking -- when you are talking about the amount of sugar, there has to be a differentiation between naturally occurring sugars and added sugars. Nine grams of added sugar into a liquid beverage will have such an affect on the blood sugar levels inside a child, but will cause a spike, which ultimately releases insulin, and insulin is the mechanism for which the body stores fat. When there is an insulin spike, the body then will store that fat. If we keep the amount of added sugar down like we would by only having white milk, then that would be the most -- the healthiest and most beneficial to the children. I could go on about this for days. REP. KOKORUDA (101ST): Do you have anything you wanted to add to that, or? JOAN NICHOLS: No. I just know that from personal experience if my daughter didn’t drink chocolate milk, she wouldn’t have drank milk at all and she wouldn’t have gotten all the benefits of milk. That’s just personal. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Thank you -- JOAN NICHOLS: And, I can tell you that farmers are all about producing healthy nutritious food. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Thank you very much, and I do believe that farmers are all about producing healthy nutritious food, and -- and I support farmers every day, and I -- you know, I have a share at a farm and all that, and I think it’s wonderful. However, if we’re talking about the ability for children to get calcium from milk, my concern is that this won’t stop them from doing that, number one. I echo was Representative Turco said, but additionally, this is about when you’re eating out. This is not going 100 96 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING into people’s homes. This is also not taking chocolate milk or strawberry milk off of the menu. It's simply not labeling them as healthy. I think if you understand the science, which I’d be more than happy to give you that information because it seems that you didn’t understand the mechanism as to why we have fat storage from raised insulin levels from additional sugars. If we’re going to label a beverage as healthy, it needs to actually fall within those guidelines. It is my belief that chocolate milk does not do that, but what this bill would do is it certainly does not take away the right of a parent to order a chocolate milk for their child. It would just not be labeled in a healthy groups’ menu setting. That’s number one. Number two, if we’re talking about anecdotal, getting kids to drink milk, I have three children. Two of them don’t touch milk, and they have never had problems with their calcium levels. They get it through other ways like cheese or maybe multivitamin or even yogurt, so if we’re talking about -- if we’re saying that it’s about health and that it’s not actually about money -- because I missed that part of -- of the testimony, so I apologize -- but if we’re saying that, then why isn’t there -- why wouldn’t you back having something labeled healthy if it is under a certain amount of calories? So, one of the compromises that was brought to me would be that if it’s on the menu and chocolate milk stays on the menu, it would only be for a certain amount of ounces that would fall into a healthy caloric and sugar quantity because I will be very clear that I don’t believe that chocolate or strawberry milk belongs on any menu under the word healthy at any time. However, when we’re looking at being able to pass out this bill and do what’s best for our kids, 101 97 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING if we’re coming up with a compromise, I would hope that the Dairy Association would be supportive of allowing chocolate and strawberry milk or flavored milk on the menu in a reduced amount. Would that be something that you would be supportive of? JOAN NICHOLS: We would not be supportive of anything that would reduce the access to milk. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): And, why is that? JOAN NICHOLS: Because we feel that it’s an important nutritious product for all of our children to be able to take advantage of. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Right, but white milk -- this is where I think we have the disconnect. JOAN NICHOLS: Correct. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): White milk would still be listed as a healthy menu choice. JOAN NICHOLS: Correct. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): And, then chocolate and strawberry milk could still be listed as a healthy menu choice just in smaller amounts. They’re still getting the -- getting some calcium. They’re still getting whatever -- the vitamin D, whatever’s added to the milk. All of those nutrients they’re still getting it but in a way that is calorically better for a young child, so my -- I’m very concerned as to why the dairy industry wouldn’t be interested in backing that when we’re certainly not keeping them off of any menu. We’re not telling anyone that they can’t -- that they can’t order it for their children. We’re just simply pointing out that portion size is important, and that it’s -- that 102 98 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING they make a better choice when considering portion size. JOAN NICHOLS: Sure. Portion size is important, but it’s also providing access to a healthy food, and I think you really have to take a holistic approach of what you’re really trying to accomplish when you’re -- when you’re looking at children’s menus and really where the problems are when you start to have, you know, nutrition problems, and I don’t think the problem is milk. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): With all due respect, I would think that if the issue is about getting kids to drink milk and ultimately to do so in a way that doesn’t harm them, that you would be amenable to having you still remain on the healthy menu just in the correct portion size. Thank you very much. Anyone else? JOAN NICHOLS: You’re welcome. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): No. Thank you. We appreciate your testimony. JOAN NICHOLS: Thank you. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Andrew Feinstein. ANDREW FEINSTEIN: Hi. I’m Andy Feinstein. I’m representing Special Education Equity for Kids in Connecticut, SEEK-CT. I’m here in opposition to House Bill 5145. Let me be very clear about this. This committee took the lead last year in passing some really very significant legislation having to do with safe schools and bullying. This bill, by reducing the reporting -- by eliminating the reporting requirement, weakens that position. There’s lots of problems with -- one of the issues is that the bill passed -- the legislation passed by 103 99 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING this legislature is far more enlightened, far more progressive than the dominant power dime in the state. Many districts still operate under a punitive-type approach to reports of bullying. The legislation, which created the collaborative, which Steve Hernandez talked about earlier, takes the approach of dealing with the kids where they are, dealing with the issues the kids have, and not treating the bully in a vilified way, rather treating the type of disability or the type of issues that the bully has. Reporting to the state gives us some data, something to support analysis of whether the program’s working. Now, we know that there’s lots of limitations on the reporting, and one of the issues that happens is that the legislation has this elaborate mechanism for what should be done when there’s a report -- when there’s a verified report of bullying. The result has been that school administrators throughout the state fail to define behavior that is clearly bullying, failed to label it as bullying so they don’t have to go through that procedure, and so yes, the data that comes in is not -- is not very sound. The answer is not to eliminate the reporting requirement. The answer is to make sure that the law is enforced the way you wrote it, and so for that reason, we think eliminating the reporting requirement on 5145 is a bad mistake, and we’re quite concerned that the same arguments that are used to eliminate the reporting requirement on 5145 for bullying will be used later to eliminate reporting requirements for restraint and seclusion or reporting requirements for suspensions and expulsions or supporting -- or reporting requirements for disproportionality. The same arguments apply in all those cases. I don’t 104 100 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING buy the notion that if you don’t report it somehow the inappropriate behavior is going to be reduced. It just doesn’t make any sense to us, and therefore, we oppose the bill. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Thank you for your testimony. ANDREW FEINSTEIN: Thank you. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Any questions? Representative Kokoruda. REP. KOKORUDA (101ST): Good to see you. Thank you so much for your testimony. I remember how hard we worked to get the whole -- the way schools and districts deal with bullying, and especially with the special education portion of our -- of our students -- ANDREW FEINSTEIN: Mm-hm. REP. KOKORUDA (101ST): And, it’s an issue, unfortunately. So often we hear about -- and I thought that when the schools were stepping up and being transparent and I look at some of the things this bill does, and it talks about just -- I should say school -- the bill -- each local -- the proposed bill states each local board of education shall develop and implement the school safety climate plan to address the existence of bullying. We’ve done that already. We have that -- ANDREW FEINSTEIN: That’s existing law. REP. KOKORUDA (101ST): That’s existing law, but in any way, whoever wrote this or who did -- anyway, but I thought the reporting was a very important piece ‘cause as I said it earlier, when I got here I remember from hearing from teacher after teacher that they were being discouraged from reporting it. 105 101 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING ANDREW FEINSTEIN: Mm-hm. Mm-hm. REP. KOKORUDA (101ST): But, I have to ask you and do you know what are people doing with these reports? Do these reports -- is the State Board of Education doing anything with them? Do they get these reports and is any action ever taken? Do you know? ANDREW FEINSTEIN: The data becomes available, but no. The State Department of Education sadly lacks the resources to make sure that the law that was passed is being enforced properly. REP. KOKORUDA (101ST): So, if they see a -- you know, an incredible rise in the amount of reporting of incidents, right now nothing is happening as far as that school district being called in and being, you know, reprimanded, being put on some sort of watchlist, do something? Right now, none of that is being done? ANDREW FEINSTEIN: None of that is happening. REP. KOKORUDA (101ST): So, we’re collecting -- we’re having the schools take the time to collect the data, but we’re not doing anything with the data? ANDREW FEINSTEIN: That’s correct. Well, the State Department of Education is not doing anything with the data. I mean private organizations like SEEK who look at it and -- and see that as an opportunity to provide a support for school districts. REP. KOKORUDA (101ST): Oh, and SEEK -- SEEK is Special Education -- ANDREW FEINSTEIN: Equity for Kids in Connecticut. 106 102 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING REP. KOKORUDA (101ST): Equity for Kids. Okay. Thank you very much. ANDREW FEINSTEIN: Thank you, Representative Kokoruda. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Jim Williams. JIM WILLIAMS: Good afternoon, I’m Jim Williams. I’m the Government Relations Director for the SB 88 American Heart Association, and I was in the room about five minutes ago when Joan Nichols from the Connecticut Dairy Farm Bureau spoke, and I just want to tell you I could not agree with her more. Our mutual interest in ensuring that Connecticut kids have healthy beverages available to them so strong are our mutual interests that you might accuse both of us of co-writing our testimony together. However, where my experience differs is that I too have two kids, both of them are athletes, they play sports seven days a week, and neither one of them knew what flavored milk was until they went to school. So, I just want to point out a few things during my testimony. You have my full written testimony. I want to point out that this bill preserves parent choice. It is important to note that when this bill passes parents remain free to choose and purchase any beverage they want off of this default menu. All this bill does is create a healthy default menu to make it easier on parents to buy the healthy drink for their kids. Also, in an attempt to compromise, specifically addressing the Connecticut Dairy Industry’s objections over excluding flavored milk from the healthy default menu, we are okay with including flavored milk as long as the serving for which should be no more than 130 calories. I’d like to also point out that by highlighting healthy 107 103 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING beverages such as milk that the sales are likely to increase. Evidence from a wide range of fields including retirements plans and food and nutrition shows that people tend to stick with defaults, and that setting beneficial defaults have a high rate of acceptability. For example, when Walk Disney theme park switched to healthier beverages defaults, parents stuck with the healthier options 66 percent of the time. [Coughing]. Excuse me. At McDonalds, the change of the default beverage resulted in 21 million more low-fat and fat-free milk jugs and 100 percent apple juice boxes sold over a period of 11 months compared to the same period a year earlier. Milk sales increased, and I would argue despite what you had -- what you heard earlier that although I am absolutely positive that the industry is concerned about their products being healthy and being accepted as proudly as possible, I do think that the concern largely is over profits. But, to that point, I would also point out that in California when they passed this bill, that the dairy industry was in full support and in fact, they advertised to the members that they were in full support of this. Everywhere that this has passed to include California, Delaware in, I believe, over 20 municipalities the dairy industry has been in support. Thank you very much for your time. I -- I very much appreciate it, and would be more than happy to answer any questions that you may have now or at any other time. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Thank you. Comments? Representative Kokoruda. REP. KOKORUDA (101ST): Thank you. Thank you for your thorough testimony and all the backup information. I appreciate it. So, this compromise 108 104 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING that you’re talking about would put milk on the healthy -- the healthy list? Add flavored milk on as long as it stayed within a certain eight ounces I think you have, 130 calories, then they would be under that -- that menu which is where they want to be with this bill? JIM WILLIAMS: Well, I think it’s important to note that regardless of what you hear that flavored milk does have added sugar in it, which is really what we’re trying to get at, but yes. The default menu would have milk -- regular milk -- white milk. It would also have flavored milk up to 130 calories and then various forms of water -- sparkling water, flavored water with no added sugar, etc., but again, I would point out that if a parent wanted to order something else for their child, they are certainly free to do so. REP. KOKORUDA (101ST): Thank you. JIM WILLIAMS: You’re welcome. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Does this impact the serving size at all -- of changing the serving size of any of this that it would change the packing? JIM WILLIAMS: Well, right now in the state of Connecticut, and I’ll use my own child’s middle school for an example, their chocolate milk that they have available there is, I believe, 120 calories, so that’s already in the pipeline. McDonalds as part of their happy meals have chocolate milk available, and I provide the committee with pictures of the chocolate milk that’s at 130 calories. There are some restaurants I am positive including Friendly’s that really don’t have any maximum allowable amount of sugar in their flavored milk. I think you heard earlier that you 109 105 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING know some restaurants they -- they pour a glass of milk that -- that may be you know as big as the adult glasses and then they just put in a gob of chocolate in there and mix it up, so there’s really no way to tell how many calories are in that drink at all, but if a parent wants to get that for his child -- or his or her child, that’s certainly permissible under this bill. I think what we’re really trying to get at, and this is a statistic that as a parent really shocks me that by 2030 over 50 percent of Americans are gonna be clinically obese or in the severe obesity range. Right now, there’s about 25 percent of our kids that are 17 years of age that are not at a healthy weight. This bill will not solve the problem but is definitely a step in the right direction of reversing that trend. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Thank you. Any comments? Representative Wilson Pheanious. REP. WILSON PHEANIOUS (53RD): Thank you very much for your testimony. I guess I just want to add maybe more of a -- of a comment. Your testimony indicated that more milk was actually sold when you had flavors that more milk was sold. Did I understand that to be correct? JIM WILLIAMS: Well, essentially what we’re doing is highlighting milk and water, so it would stand to reason even if I didn’t have any data that those beverages the sales for which would increase simply because the vast majority of us don’t tend to go off of the default menu for our kids. I’ve given you a couple of examples with McDonalds and Walt Disney World that shows you that the sales actually increase for whatever product you have on that default menu. In this case, obviously, I used milk as an example. 110 106 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING REP. WILSON PHEANIOUS (53RD): Mm-hm. I also wanted to make the point that when the issue comes to profit or profitability I object it -- now that Marilyn’s back -- to characterization that it was just about profit and not about children’s health, so I raised -- raised that issue, but I also want to make the point that right now in Connecticut it costs about $1.80 to produce a gallon of milk. That same milk is sold for about $1.30, so anybody who is in business has got to be concerned about the overall sale of their product, but it -- it’s -- it was the characterization of profits over health that I was concerned about, and I don’t -- I’m not sure that’s what she meant, but I did want to put out there is a huge discrepancy right now because of all that’s going on around the world and with the trade and anyway milk prices have been -- are not -- farmers don’t set their milk prices, and they’re not allowed to set them at the amount that it’s costing them to produce the milk, so it is -- it is an issue, but it’s -- it’s not about a lack of wanting to have children unhealthy so that they can make more money. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): So -- so, it wasn’t in the context of just making profits. It was the way it was presented was there was not a lot of talk about the nutritional value and what it did, but talk more in the beginning about the profit that is made. I understand the problem we have with dairy farmers. REP. WILSON PHEANIOUS (53RD): Mm-hm. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): I understand that they take a loss. I’m talking about when you weight a child’s healthy. Where would I make those decisions, right? I know we can’t exist without farmers, but I also know there’s other ways for us to get the 111 107 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING nutritional value of milk and not just in chocolate milk. [Crosstalk]. REP. WILSON PHEANIOUS (53RD): Right, and I don’t -- I don’t disagree, so it doesn’t seem like an unreasonable compromise to me to look at the overall -- to look at the size of how much chocolate or strawberry milk you might get in order for it to be considered healthy, but to characterize is as being unhealthy because it’s chocolate or strawberry sort of sits a little wrong with me, so maybe we can work on that compromise. So, thank you. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Anyone else. Thank you. JIM WILLIAMS: Thank you. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Next, is Jeffrey Sidewater. JEFFREY SIDEWATER: Good afternoon, Chairman -- Co- Chair Linehan, Moore, and also Gary Turco who I used to work with as well. Hi, Gary. How are you doing? I’m here with Maureen Nuzzo from the School Nutrition Association of Connecticut. Representing the School Nutrition of Connecticut, I’m the public policy and legislation chair for the co-chair of the policy and legislation for School Nutrition Association of Connecticut. I am also a food service director at the Capitol Region Education Counsel, and former Assistant Director in Hartford Public Schools as Food Service Director, working in the school nutrition industry for over 32 years. I’m here to talk about S.B. 89, the lunch bill concerning shaming or what we call the shaming bill. This obviously is an issue that is a very big hot button right now throughout the country, as well as Connecticut. It’s made it all through the media here, as well as media throughout the country, and it's been a big issue, and our association is well 112 108 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING aware of the issues around this, and I just wanted to provide some information about it, what our point of view is about it. We’re not here to speak against it or for it but just to provide some more information. Obviously, our job is to provide meals to kids. We are passionate about serving school lunches to children, and that’s what we do. We do this every day. We are on the frontlines of this issue at all times, so we -- we are well aware of what is going on there. We -- we are not really aware of it being a huge problem in Connecticut. I’m not saying that it cannot be a problem. I’ve heard testimony today from other people or other people talk about people saying that it has been a problem, but from our Association’s point of view, we’ve done a survey back a few years ago looking at it to see what policies were, what charging policies were. The federal government and state government requires us to have charging policies in effect for students, so we’re required to do that, and we are already doing that and making sure those are public notifications. We certainly would never want to take a meal away from a child, and we definitely feel that this is a responsibility of the parent and not -- not something that we want to punish a child for or shame a child for, and so we’re wholly in favor of doing anything that would stop that or making sure that it was codified that that was not allowed for anybody. The biggest concerns that we have is that our federal reimbursements only cover our free and reduced-priced lunches, so when we have students that are required to pay for meals and that for a family of four at this point it would be around $47,000 dollars for a family of four, that’s gross income would not qualify for free or reduced price 113 109 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING lunch benefits; therefore, they would have to pay. Now, I’ve been at a federal level speaking on this issue with our federal representatives as well, and the amount $47,000 dollars for gross income is really -- sorry -- can I continue? SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Well, I need you to wrap it up. JEFFREY SIDEWATER: Wrap it up. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): You didn’t provide written testimony, did you? JEFFREY SIDEWATER: We did. This came up kind of quickly, so we did provide something. Yes. So, it was submitted -- SENATOR MOORE (22ND): So, we’ll look for that if you could just -- JEFFREY SIDEWATER: There’s some information here. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Wrap up -- wrap up your testimony. Thank you. JEFFREY SIDEWATER: Our big -- our concern is that somebody’s gotta pay for these meals somehow, so we heard that part of the bill would be to have support from communities or from other organizations, from business. Certainly, that’s a great idea, but we are running on really, really tight budgets, you know, and some of our programs are in the hole, and I think we have data to support that, that we are losing money in the programs. We’d have to come up with funds elsewhere to cover the cost of these unpaid meals that have been growing and growing every year; and therefore, when you consider that, when you look at this bill is how are we going to pay for these meals, and I think that’s our big 114 110 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING concern is how are these meals gonna be paid for if -- if they are not being paid for by the parents. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Okay. So, how -- do you have an idea of what’s the highest number that people may not have paid in the totality? JEFFREY SIDEWATER: Yes. In our survey -- the survey that we did a few years ago, we had school districts said had as low as $1000 dollars of unpaid debt at the end of the year, which the state requires us to mark as uncollected debt, so it gets wiped off the books, and then we’ve had other districts as high as $90,000 dollars. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): 9-0? JEFFREY SIDEWATER: 9-0, yes. In my district I’ve seen it go up as high as $50,000 dollars of unpaid debt, so it’s a huge problem. It’s a lot of money, and -- and that monies has to come from somewhere. If it doesn’t -- if we don’t have enough ala carte sales to cover that cost and if we don’t have enough catering sales if we do catering or something like that, somebody else has got to kick in that money, and the money that we’re getting from catering or from ala carte sales is already being used to support the program because we’re kind of in the hole to begin with, so now we have to look to the boards of education, towns, municipalities to be able to cover that cost ‘cause it has to be covered somehow because the state requires us to wipe our books clean at the end of the year, and it has to come from other non-federal sources, so it -- it is a concern. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Thank you. Representative Linehan. 115 111 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Thank you for that information. It just sounds to me like maybe there’s a little bit of a disconnect because in your survey you said that districts don’t stop kids from getting lunch anyways. Right? So -- JEFFREY SIDEWATER: Not -- not -- not every -- not - - I know my district doesn’t and many of our colleagues do not stop meals. We continue to feed meals. We have policy in my organization where we’re not going to deny a meal no matter what, and those bills have gone up since then. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Sure. I -- I am just not convinced that this bill would then suddenly give parents the idea that they don’t have to pay anymore because there’s still consequences to not paying. They’re just taken out on parents and not the children, so you know, to publicly shame a child for a parent’s inability to pay is fundamentally wrong. JEFFREY SIDEWATER: I agree. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): I understand that there’s -- [Crosstalk]. JEFFREY SIDEWATER: We -- we all -- we all agree. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Right. JEFFREY SIDEWATER: We all agree. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): So, I understand that there’s a cost associated with nonpayment of the bill, but it in my mind I don’t see how passing a law that says you can’t shame a child will ultimately make those unpaid bills go higher. I don’t see that, and additionally, what I think this bill does because it includes language that says when a school district is trying to collect a debt that they also provide 116 112 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING information regarding a local food pantry, community-based services, and -- and how to apply for free and reduced lunch, and how to apply for the SNAP benefits program. I would think that would -- that information provided to parents every single time they get negative they will see it enough to then actually use that information, and then we’re feeding more kids, freeing up some money within the family that maybe they can then pay the bill. JEFFREY SIDEWATER: We are doing that. Exactly what you said. We’re doing that over and over again. We’re sending out notices to parents. We’re sending -- we’re doing everything we can to qualify anybody that can be qualified for free or reduced priced lunches, either through the direct certification program, which comes from data from DSS. We also have Husky -- that information will allow us -- so we knock a lot of kids off this issue by doing that or having a community eligibility provision. We are notifying parents constantly of how they can apply for benefits, but as I said before, a family of four making $47,000 dollars a year gross income doesn’t qualify for benefits, so those are the ones that -- REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Right. But, in my district, we have people who make a lot more money than that and still utilize the food pantry in town -- in all three of my towns, so it’s not just about government programs. It’s also about providing information where they can go to their food pantry. I represent three towns -- Cheshire, Southington, and Wallingford, and all three of those towns have seen increased usage by families that would be deemed middle class in their food pantries, and so just, you know, I understand you through CREC. I used to work with Dr. Florio. I get that you guys do really great things. 117 113 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING JEFFREY SIDEWATER: Thank you. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): I would expect nothing less from Dr. Florio. JEFFREY SIDEWATER: Thank you. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): But, so I am now looking at - - I’m going through my email and I get a low balance notification. JEFFREY SIDEWATER: Mm-hm. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): It’s so embarrassing. Let’s be honest. JEFFREY SIDEWATER: We do that also. [Chuckling]. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): So, I’m looking at all three of my kids on January 16, had only $3 dollars left in their account, which would not carry them through for the week, and I’m looking on -- at the information, and on here, there is nowhere that says how to apply for free and reduced lunch, where the food pantries are. None of this information is available. JEFFREY SIDEWATER: It should have been provided in the beginning of the school year. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Right. JEFFREY SIDEWATER: And, also through public information, but I agree. We can certainly do better. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): We need to change. We need to do a better job. JEFFREY SIDEWATER: We can add those to the memos. If this is part of the regulation, we will -- we will certainly address that. We can add that. 118 114 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING REP. LINEHAN (103RD): And -- and I hope that even if this bill doesn’t pass -- boy, I hope it passes. Even if it doesn’t, I hope that you’ll take that information back and change that to your -- in your internal regulations to provide that information because I might be making “X” number of dollars in the beginning of the school year and then I lose my job and I’m making nothing at three months in, so when situations change, we have to continually provide that information, and also know that we have to get -- we have to help people get over the fact that they’re not used to asking for help, so we need to provide information on how to get help over and over and over again, but I have to say I’m just -- I’m just still not convinced that by passing this legislation as written that suddenly school districts are going to be saddled with ten times more debt than they’ve ever been before because what you can pay you pay, and when you can’t, you can’t. JEFFREY SIDEWATER: There’s was -- there was just one other concern in the proposed language that we saw, and I just maybe an explanation for that there too. It said, if you look around line 26 or so -- 25 -- but not limited to delayed to refusing to serve such child lunch, breakfast, or other such feeding. Now, your intent is not to say that we are going to allow ala carte sales also to be -- this needs to be very clear that we’re only going to provide a meal to a child. We’re not going to let them buy snacks and other things with that. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Correct. So, -- JEFFREY SIDEWATER: But, when you say other such feeding, that can be a little misinterpreted -- REP. LINEHAN (103RD): That was not the intent. I appreciate you pointing that out to us, and if you 119 115 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING wouldn’t -- is that in your written testimony because I don’t have it in front of me? JEFFREY SIDEWATER: I -- I -- we didn’t have a lot of time to prepare this, but I -- REP. LINEHAN (103RD): I understand that. If you could just shoot me an email. JEFFREY SIDEWATER: I’ll send you something. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): That would be really great because that is important to note, so -- JEFFREY SIDEWATER: Okay. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Thank you very much. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): So, I’m going to ask you to put your recommendations in writing so we’ll have something to look at for the whole committee. JEFFREY SIDEWATER: We’ll put that together for you. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Thank you. JEFFREY SIDEWATER: Representative -- REP. WILSON PHEANIOUS (53RD): For point -- point of information -- JEFFREY SIDEWATER: Sure. REP. WILSON PHEANIOUS (53RD): Thank you. What is the cost or the average cost for a school lunch meal right now? JEFFREY SIDEWATER: Every district is able to set their own prices based on their economic situations. The federal reimbursements are somewhere in the $3.50 range. Plus, we get a little bit of state support for there too, so that’s to cover everything. That’s covering food, labor, supplies, 120 116 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING overhead, everything, so our reimbursement is coming around $3.50, and that’s about the cost of a meal for a full -- that’s a full lunch. Breakfast $20 dollars or so or $2.40 or so maybe for a breakfast. REP. WILSON PHEANIOUS (53RD): And, because I haven’t had a child in school for about 45 years [laughing], maybe you can refresh my memory. [Laughing]. JEFFREY SIDEWATER: Grandkids. C’mon, grandkids. REP. WILSON PHEANIOUS (53RD): Yep, but they’re not here either. [Laughing]. They’re in Seattle. But, are parents at the beginning of the year are you told -- do you pay by the month or the -- or how does it work? JEFFREY SIDEWATER: We notify -- we send out notifications. We’re required to send out notifications to parents telling them what the prices of meals are. We send meal applications out at that time. In my system, I have an online system so parents can apply online. We have our family and community specialists also that work with the parents that hand out and help them complete applications. They also will call up parents who are showing up as negative balances and ask them did you apply, can you apply, why didn’t you apply, so we try to get them also, so we -- we do outreach at least in our district, and I think many other districts are doing the same thing too, that they’re doing outreach to parents to let them know what the prices are and how to apply for benefits and things like that, but if this -- if we need to do something more often or more frequently based on the regulation, we’ll certainly do that as well. 121 117 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING REP. WILSON PHEANIOUS (53RD): The underlying premise of this bill seems to be that no child should be singled out or feel singled out in the distribution of food at lunchtime so that there’s no chance that, you know, that they’re, you know, shamed or feel shamed or feel ashamed. Do you -- is there -- that seems like such a simple goal to me that -- that somehow children not have to know -- JEFFREY SIDEWATER: We -- we’re totally in support of that. REP. WILSON PHEANIOUS (53RD): That their parents owe money or how much they owe, or -- JEFFREY SIDEWATER: We -- right. Right. We’re totally in support of that. REP. WILSON PHEANIOUS (53RD): So, there’s nothing - - JEFFREY SIDEWATER: This has to be dealt with the parent at the parent level -- REP. WILSON PHEANIOUS (53RD): Right. JEFFREY SIDEWATER: At an adult level. This is not to deal with the kids, so we’re not going to turn kids away from meals. It’s costly though. It’s costly when we do that, and we’re already seeing the effect of the cost of not turning kids away from meals. REP. WILSON PHEANIOUS (53RD): And, is there anything in the rules that says that you cannot accept -- say if there was a philanthropist or somebody who was willing to help pick up the cost of those unpaid meals, is there anything that says you can’t accept that? 122 118 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING JEFFREY SIDEWATER: Not -- not that I’m aware of. No. No. We’ll -- we’ll take funds from any place we can get them. REP. WILSON PHEANIOUS (53RD): All right. Thank you. JEFFREY SIDEWATER: Yes. REP. WILSON PHEANIOUS (53RD): No. I’m fine. Thank you. JEFFREY SIDEWATER: No. Okay. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Representative Kokoruda. REP. KOKORUDA (101ST): Thank you. Of the $47,000 dollar asset limits, is that set by the federal government? JEFFREY SIDEWATER: Yes. It is. It’s a federal poverty guideline that goes throughout the whole country. The only ones that have any exceptions to that would be Alaska and Hawaii. They have a little bit higher because of the cost of living in Alaska and Hawaii, but it’s -- it’s -- it’s not indexed. Regionally, unfortunately, I -- I’ve asked our -- our federal representatives several times about that, and it’s an issue that they haven’t touched. It’s the poverty guidelines are set by the federal government. REP. KOKORUDA (101ST): And, that is a real problem for, you know, a high-cost of living state -- JEFFREY SIDEWATER: It is. REP. KOKORUDA (101ST): For that not to be considered, and then my last question which isn’t directly related to what we’re talking about as far as paying for lunch. But, what are you folks doing 123 119 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING about the -- I keep hearing about the incredible amount of waste with lunch for children. Do you see this as a big of problem as I’m hearing about what’s thrown away every day? JEFFREY SIDEWATER: We have gone through some waste studies and things like that. There are federal regulations actually that they’re being proposed right now that are going to maybe modify, slightly tweak some of the regulations so we don’t have to serve everything that we’re required to serve that’s ending up in the trashcans, so some of the fruits and vegetables that are forced on the meal tray that kids have to take are being looked at right now. That’s another controversial issue that I don’t know that it’s for this committee to talk about, but that is something that the federal government is looking at too to see ways that we can prevent waste based on the requirements. REP. KOKORUDA (101ST): Thank you. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): So, does that include recycling the food to someone else instead of -- JEFFREY SIDEWATER: We have to go by the state health department regulations for that, and -- SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Connecticut State Health. JEFFREY SIDEWATER: Connecticut State. We have a long list of items that we can reuse and not reuse, so we distribute that to all of our food service staff. Sharing tables used to be allowed in certain places. Now, the sharing tables are limited because of health concerns of that, but there are certain items that -- you know, we always encourage kids to share whatever they can with their classmates at the time of service there, so if somebody else is hungry 124 120 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING and they didn’t want to eat their apple, their friend can give them an apple. That’s not a problem sharing, but leaving it and sometimes it’s left for snacks. If it’s a sealed item and it’s not a you know potentially hazardous food item, that it’s something that could be reused or used for snack or even you know taken back to the classroom for an afternoon snack and things like that, so we try to do that. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): I remember seeing a bill recently. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): I think we’re talking about it tomorrow. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Yeah, so it -- it’s -- [Crosstalk]. JEFFREY SIDEWATER: About sharing or sharing tables? SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Well, not wasting the food, trying to find another way to recycle it with so many kids going home hungry and not -- and maybe having a dinner. JEFFREY SIDEWATER: Both in Hartford and CREC we -- we have facilities set up there so that if we have a lot of leftover food at the end of the week or something like that, we’ll send it to a shelter. We have arrangements with shelters. We have one right across the street from where I work at and we bring food to them at the McKinney Shelter all the time to make sure, so we try to utilize it as best as we can even if we have leftovers, so. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): So, we may need to talk to you some more about that because we’ve got to figure it out instead of wasting all this food and kids 125 121 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING being hungry and finding a way to make it work. All right? JEFFREY SIDEWATER: Okay. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Thank you. Anybody else? JEFFREY SIDEWATER: All right. Thank you. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Thank you. Raymond Ortiz. RAYMOND ORTIZ: Good afternoon. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Good afternoon. RAYMOND ORTIZ: I’d like to welcome the committee for allowing me to speak today. My name is Raymond HB 5142 Ortiz, and I testify today both as a human services worker in the field of -- of children and families and as a parent. I come today to testify on the proposed bill of S.B. 92, AN ACT CONCERNING CHILDREN’S SERVICES TO REQUIRE THE DCF TO CONDUCT A STUDY TO DETERMINE WHETHER POLICY AND PROCEDURE CHANGES ARE NECESSARY. This is a very personal issue, but in my exploration of trying to get support, I’ve uncovered that many other families had a similar situation. My child, Brooklyn Ortiz was removed from her mother’s care in Connecticut on December 1, 2017, and it was against a judge’s order. A day before the removal, Judge Ginocchio specifically said not to hold the father, myself, in contempt of a visitation violation. I think that the removal process and the reunification procedure needs to be reviewed. Piggybacking off that issue, once my daughter was removed, there were seven available family members, four of the seven were foster care certified already including a paternal aunt four blocks from the facility in Danbury, and the department refused to consider contact or review the possibility of placement with family. 126 122 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING Therefore, not allowing the biological bond to continue with the -- with the family. Along with preserving the biological bond, the department has failed and has policy in place -- I might add -- of -- I have a 13 year old in New York from a previous marriage and the department is restricting my 13- year-old from having regular visitation with my four-year-old in Connecticut. I have been -- I have been trying to obtain a visitation plan from the department, and it’s clearly stated in the statute 17a-10a that siblings no matter what situation is going on with the parents have a right to visit with each other. Currently, my girls have not seen each other for 19 months. I think that that issue needs to be reviewed as well. [Crying]. Along with that, are clinical services that have been restricted from myself and my four-year-old. I have requested family therapy with my four-year-old. She’s going through a lot of changes, of course, being with strangers and in foster care, and the department has restricted me from obtaining a social worker and having regular sessions with my daughter. It’s been over two years, and I have also uncovered that -- that it’s actually in the law to allow a parent to seek clinical support and have a social worker assist in the separation from the family. I’ll briefly just add also that I think that H.B. 5142, AN ACT CONCERNING CHILDREN’S SAFETY. I’m very grateful that the foster parent that was chosen is capable, willing, and a loving person. That’s usually not the case, especially in New York where I work. I think foster parents need to be more trained, qualified in situations, specifically where my daughter suffered a second-degree burn. She did not take the child to the doctor or report it to DCF, and I discovered the burn eight days after it 127 123 February 18, 2020 aa COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN 1:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING occurred, and I think that prohibits the child from obtaining the proper care, also notifying the parents. There’s also a policy in place with DCF, but that also was not adhered to. I know I’m out of time, but those were the main issues that I wanted to bring up. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Thank you, sir. Did you send this in writing? RAYMOND ORTIZ: I did not. I got off the plane at 7:30 this morning, and found out that there was a hearing, and I ran over here from LaGuardia Airport. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Okay. I hope you ran in a car. [Laughing]. RAYMOND ORTIZ: [Laughing]. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Thank you for taking the time to come here and give that. I’d really appreciate it if you could just send us that in writing so we have it on the record to look at. We can go back and look at it. RAYMOND ORTIZ: Absolutely. I can do that. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Any questions? Comments? Thank you so much. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Thank you. RAYMOND ORTIZ: Thank you. Appreciate it. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): IS there anyone else? I finished the sign in sheets. Is there anyone else who would like to give testimony on any of the bills? All right. Well, I’m gonna adjourn this meeting, and thank you all of you members for being here. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Thank you. 128 Quality is Our Bottom Line Committee on Children Public Hearing Tuesday, February 18, 2020 The Connecticut Association of Health Plans Testimony Submitted in Opposition to H.B. No. 5144 (RAISED) AN ACT REQUIRING HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR PEDIATRIC AUTOIMMUNE NEUROPSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS ASSOCIATED WITH STREPTOCOCCAL INFECTIONS AND PEDIATRIC ACUTE-ONSET NEUROPSYCHIATRIC SYNDROME. The Connecticut Association of Health Plans respectfully urges the Committee's opposition to HB 5144 AAC The Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal Infections. While the bill may be well intentioned, it must be considered in the context of the larger debate on access and affordabilityand within the context of federal health care reform and the applicability of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (PP A CA). Please consider past testimony submitted by the Department of Insurance relative to another proposed mandate under consideration which urges the Committee to understand the future financial obligations that new or additional health insurance mandates may place on the State of Connecticut and taxpayers stating that: In simple terms, all mandated coverage beyond the required essential benefits (as will be determined by HHS) will be at the State's expense. Those costs may not be delegated to the individual purchaser of insurance or the insurer. Thank you for your consideration. 280 Trumbull Street I 27th Floor I Hartford, CT 06103-3597 I 860.275.8372 I Fax 860.541.4923 I www.ctahp.com 129 CHILDREN’S COMMITTEE February 18, 2020 The Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM) is Connecticut’s statewide association of towns and cities and the voice of local government - your partners in governing Connecticut. Our members represent 99% of Connecticut’s population. We appreciate the opportunity to testify on bills of interest to towns and cities. HB 5144 Requiring Health Insurance Coverage for Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated With Streptococcal Infections and Pediatric Acute- Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome CCM has concerns with HB 5144. This proposal would create new mandated expansions of health insurance coverage for pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections and pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome. CCM is sympathetic to the intent of this proposal. However, state-mandated expansions of health insurance coverage would increase insurance costs for towns and cities. These increased costs would result in higher premiums for municipal employers and most likely property tax increases. The non-partisan Office of Fiscal Analysis (OFA) has identified similar mandated coverage proposals to be “STATE MANDATES” on municipalities. OFA has concluded that such “…coverage requirements may result in increased premium costs when municipalities enter into new health insurance contracts after January 1…”.1 CCM urges the Committee to (1) obtain detailed fiscal analyses on the impact these proposals would have on our towns and cities – particularly on local programs and services and (2) hold this proposal until further analyses are conducted. If you have any questions, please contact Zachary McKeown of CCM at [email protected]. 1 OFA Fiscal Notes SB 376, SB 212, SB 208, 2018. 130 Monday, February 18, 2020 Dear Representative Linehan, Senator Moore, and Members of the Committee On Children, I am writing in support, if there are specific changes, to Raised Bill 5144: An Act Requiring Health Insurance Coverage For Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated With Streptococcal Infections and Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome. The passage of this bill, with appropriate changes, proposed by ASPIRE.Care and Gabriella Tru will positively impact children and their families suffering from Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS). I'm a Self-Advocate for Mental and Behavioral Health. I'm a member of the Keep The Promise Coalition. I live with Child Trauma, Anxiety, Bipolar Depression, ADHD, I know what is to struggle with the Darkness from a very young age. I have 14 years old with Autism and co-occurring issues like myself, and 8 years old with high Anxiety, very "sensitive", Sensory Issues, OCD, and Tics both suffering from PANS/PANDAS/Autoimmune Encephalitis (P/P/AE). P/P/AE was a lot easier to detect with my youngest because he is more "neurotypical". Both have different types of levels, and different types of Flare-Ups, as Dr. Swedo indicates at her last Webinar to the Autism Research Institute back on November 5, 2019, https://www.autism.org/pans- pandas-research-updates/ As she explains "P/P/AE behaves like Autism" then, why wouldn't our kids receive the treatments and supports they need? my youngest has had seven streps in 2 years and a half, and five months ago we discovered he has Candida as well thanks to the knowledge of our Dentist...why did any of the 5 pediatricians in the old practice back in VA, or the other 5 either here in CT ever mentioned it? None of those 10 believe it or did anything, their only thought it is controversial ... Autism is controversial. I was able to only count with 2 pediatricians, one knowledgeable that I found 5 months before moving out of VA, and the pediatrician who diagnosed my son with autism at age 3 in NJ. I contacted him last year under distress and he's been a God Sent, he's been a great support and help who doesn't think I'm crazy. At every other post-infection my youngest symptoms flare up or something new appear, a new tic, obsession, or his anxiety gets worse, finally after researching and understanding better we've been 131 working with a Functional/ Integrative Doctor, Not only to repair my kids, my family's guts, but as well our Immune Systems. I don't want my boys to suffer as long as I have to find the right resources. I don't want to see any more families suffering trying to find an answer or some kind of help. This is why I created North Haven Special Needs Advisory Group, SNAG, with the main purpose to educate, and to advocate for better services about Mental and Behavioral Health. And this why I'm here today... We need your help! With the right treatments, Positive and Preventive interventions, and supports, our families are able to succeed, are able to give back, to be productive citizens. Early treatment within the first year of onset remits the majority of children. Left untreated, the child will often struggle with lifelong neurological and psychological problems. Without insurance coverage, our families are incurring financial costs up to tens of thousands of dollars. Preventive treatment for neuro-immune conditions can save both insurers and beneficiaries in the long- run. Under current conditions, insurance companies cover lifelong psychiatric costs, including psychiatric hospitalization, for neuropsychiatric conditions which, if treated early, could be mitigated. Furthermore, many of our children are being misdiagnosed and unnecessarily medicated for psychiatric conditions such as autism, anxiety, mood disorder, bipolar depression, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, and childhood schizophrenia among other ones, prior to even being considered for an underlying neuro- immune medical condition. Within the next documentary found on Amazon Prime, My Kid Is Not Crazy, (featuring interviews by Dr. Leckman from Yale, and Dr.Swedo from NIMH) you will be able to observe the stress and despair we feel day by day, not able to reach the medical services our kids need. Dr. Leckman's Assessment is covered now under 4 insurances only, the first intake appointment is about $1000, without counting others’ appointments, or labs, or treatments, and sadly they only do Assessment, those who treat, or do there best are not covered. 132 The lack of knowledgeable providers, the lack of insurance coverage makes our lives unbearable, waiting for our kid’s conditions to get worse with time as Dr.leckman explains in the documentary. For this reason, I’m here today hoping to educate you, hoping to educate other providers, other families, and our insurance companies to help us cease the pain that this devastating disease is inflicting upon us. Provided for your convenience, you’ll find other information from national medical organizations trying to educate other medical providers on how to properly diagnose and treat P.A.N.D.A.S / P.A.N.S 1) Dr. Susan Swedo was the lead researcher on PANDAS at NIMH, she is now the Chief Science Officer at the PANDAS Physicians Network (Only medical personnel can join). And she presents a very educational webinar on how to diagnose and treat PANS/PANDAS https://www.pandasppn.org/cme/?fbclid=IwAR3jge9ZHvWa0DdEx26bnN34Ja6AbR2Fybg3-xaLFBd7WUl- 19NmAPgpfew 2) From the National Institute of Mental Health: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/pandas/index.shtml 3) The Foundation for Children With Neuroimmune Disorders offers an ongoing opportunity for medical providers to consult via private group video meeting with leading experts in neuroimmune disorders. The foundation also offers free Clinician Membership to medical providers (including nurses, school nurses). Benefits include: -2020 CME series at no cost. The 2020 CME series will be recorded and available to access for 12 months -Priority registration in both CME as well as ongoing case series Q&A. -Quarterly newsletter compilation of new relevant research. https://www.neuroimmune.org/qa-with-experts.html 133 4) Our friends at https://aspire.care/ Please join us in further educating and advocating for families such as mine as we continue to overcome challenges within the healthcare system. Sincerely, Monica Hatton 103 Daniel Dr, North Haven, CT 540 429 5367 [email protected] 134 HB 5144 Esteemed Professionals, I’d like to invite you to join the efforts of many families like mine to educate and to advocate for our children’s well-being. We hope by educating our Health Care Providers, other families, and our legislators, we will be able together to advocate at a state and national level for insurance coverage, to include neuro- immune disorders like PANS and PANDAS. Other states, like Delaware and Illinois, have already achieved this, while there is pending legislation in dozens of other states, including Oregon, Ohio, Texas and Massachusetts. Early treatment within the first year of onset remits the majority of children. Left untreated, the child will often struggle with lifelong neurological and psychological problems. Without insurance coverage, our families are incurring financial costs up to tens of thousands of dollars. Preventive treatment for neuro-immune conditions can save both insurers and beneficiaries in the long-run. Under current conditions, insurance companies cover lifelong psychiatric costs, including psychiatric hospitalization, for neuropsychiatric conditions which, if treated early, could be mitigated. Furthermore, many of our children are being misdiagnosed and unnecessarily medicated for psychiatric conditions such as autism, anxiety, mood disorder, bipolar depression, Obsessive- Compulsive Disorder, and childhood schizophrenia among other ones, prior to even being considered for an underlying neuro-immune medical condition. Within the next documentary found on Amazon Prime, My Kid Is Not Crazy, (featuring interviews by Dr. Leckman from Yale, and Dr.Swedo from NIMH) https://mykidisnotcrazy.com/ you will be able to observe the stress and despair we feel day by day, not able to reach the medical services our kids need. I personally have the intake package from Dr. Leckman, but only the first intake appointment is about $1000, without counting others’ appointments, or labs, or treatments… The lack of knowledgeable providers, the lack of insurance coverage makes our lives unbearable, waiting for our kid’s conditions to get worse with time. For this reason, I’m here today hoping to educate you, hoping to educate other providers, other families, and our insurance companies to help us cease the pain that this devastating disease is inflicting upon us. Provided for your convenience, you’ll find information from national medical organizations trying to educate other medical providers on how to properly diagnose and treat P.A.N.D.A.S / P.A.N.S 135 1) Dr. Susan Swedo was the lead researcher on PANDAS at NIMH, she is now the Chief Science Officer at the PANDAS Physicians Network (Only medical personnel can join). And she presents a very educational webinar on how to diagnose and treat PANS/PANDAS https://www.pandasppn.org/cme/?fbclid=IwAR3jge9ZHvWa0DdEx26bnN34Ja6AbR2Fybg3- xaLFBd7WUl-19NmAPgpfew 2) From the National Institute of Mental Health: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/pandas/index.shtml 3) And last, The Foundation for Children With Neuroimmune Disorders offers an ongoing opportunity for medical providers to consult via private group video meeting with leading experts in neuroimmune disorders. The foundation also offers free Clinician Membership to medical providers (including nurses, school nurses). Benefits include: -2020 CME series at no cost. The 2020 CME series will be recorded and available to access for 12 months -Priority registration in both CME as well as ongoing case series Q&A. -Quarterly newsletter compilation of new relevant research. https://www.neuroimmune.org/qa-with-experts.html Please join us in further educating and advocating for families such as mine as we continue to overcome challenges within the healthcare system. Sincerely, Monica Hatton 136 Alissa Johnson 45 Clinton Avenue Maplewood, NJ 07040 [email protected] February 16, 2020 The Honorable Liz Linehan The Honorable Marilyn Moore Legislative Office Building, Room 4011 Legislative Office Building, Room 3300 Hartford, CT 06106-1591 Hartford, CT 06106-1591 Dear Chairwoman Linehan and Chairwoman Moore, I am a public policy consultant with 20 years of experience conducting policy research and analysis for state and federal policymakers, non-profit organizations and the private sector on health policy matters, including maternal and child health. Today I write as a parent of a child suffering from Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) to support the passage of H.B. 5144 subject to specific amendments. The passage of the bill with appropriate changes will significantly improve access to care and reduce financial burdens for affected families. I strongly support the Committee’s efforts to aid those contending with PANDAS and Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Symptoms (PANS). However, the requirements set forth in “subsection b” of sections 1 and 2 will result in harmful unintended consequences for the PANDAS/PANS community as there are no FDA approved treatments for the disorders. I urge the Committee to remove “subsection b” of sections one and two. Alternatively, the Committee could amend “section a” to ensure that families receive any necessary treatment as deemed appropriate by a medical professional, including intravenous immunoglobulin. I also implore the Committee to add a provision regarding the use of acceptable billing codes for PANDAS/PANS to allow billing of insurers for these services. The language used in Maryland 2020 S.B. 4751 as introduced, for example, would address these concerns. In closing, I applaud the Committee for taking action to help families facing unimaginable hardships as a result of PANDAS/PANS. Although I am not a Connecticut resident, the Committee’s leadership on this issue provides hope for myself and the PANDAS/PANS community as other states will take note. Sincerely, Alissa Johnson 1 Available at http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/sb0475 137 February 15, 2020 Dear Representative Linehan, Senator Moore, and Members of the Children’s Committee, I am writing in support of HB5144: An Act Requiring Health Insurance Coverage for Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections and Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome. However, believe that a few revisions should be made. The passage of this bill, with appropriate changes, will positively impact children and their families suffering from PANS/PANDAS. I can personally attest to the tremendous financial burden of having a child with an illness, I need to break the bank to treat. 1. This bill should include treating the numerous underlying triggers involved with PANS/PANDAS, including Lyme, mold, Epstein Barr virus, and others. 2. This bill should include the coverage of Doctors of Naturopathic Medicine. Insurance coverage should also include any lab work they order. There are not enough physicians that understand the complexities of this disorder, nor are they trained to treat all underlying causes of immune dysfunction. So, we need to broaden the list of qualifying physicians. In my daughter’s case, Naturopathic Physicians did an amazing job or restoring my daughter’s immune system, and treating her with so much success. However, it has been a bit of a financial burden to shoulder many out of pocket costs. 3. Also, Section (b)*1 must be removed from the bill. Otherwise, Bill 5144 is not supportable and should not be passed. There are zero FDA approved treatments for PANS/PANDAS. IVIG is being used for so many disorders off label. This section of the bill puts PANS/PANDAS patients at a significant risk of losing coverage for current and future treatments. Unfortunately, we have seen insurers use language within a PANS/PANDAS patient’s file to deny coverage for being diagnosed with PANS/PANDAS or merely having the cluster of symptoms that align with a diagnosis. For example, if a PANS/PANDAS patient has been prescribed IVIG, and it is covered under Primary Immunodeficiency, this bill allows insurers to deny IVIG because the patient also has PANS/PANDAS. This would be a devastating and possibly life-threatening denial. Even if the doctor can change that denial through a lengthy peer-to- peer review, valuable treatment time will be lost. This scenario could happen with any treatment recommended for PANS/PANDAS. I can only support this bill, if these three issues are addressed. Jennifer Kozek Oxford, CT 138 February 18, 2020 Dear Representative Linehan, Senator Moore, and Members of the Committee, I am writing in support, if there are specific changes, to Raised Bill 5144: An Act Requiring Health Insurance Coverage For Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated With Streptococcal Infections and Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome. The passage of this bill, with appropriate changes, will positively impact children and their families suffering from Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS). The PANS/PANDAS community sincerely needs insurance coverage; however, Section (b)*1 must be removed from the bill. Otherwise, Bill 5144 is not supportable and should not be passed. First, there are zero FDA approved treatments for PANS/PANDAS. FDA approval is tough to get, and the process is slow. Nine diseases have FDA approval for IVIG, but over 200 disorders are using IVIG successfully off label. Second, this section of the bill puts PANS/PANDAS patients at a significant risk of losing coverage for current and future treatments. Unfortunately, we have seen insurers use language within a PANS/PANDAS patient’s file to deny coverage for being diagnosed with PANS/PANDAS or merely having the cluster of symptoms that align with a diagnosis. For example, if a PANS/PANDAS patient has been prescribed IVIG, and it is covered under Primary Immunodeficiency, this bill allows insurers to deny IVIG because the patient also has PANS/PANDAS. This would be a devastating and possibly life-threatening denial. Even if the doctor can change that denial through a lengthy peer-to-peer review, valuable treatment time will be lost. This scenario could happen with any treatment recommended for PANS/PANDAS. Therefore, I cannot support this bill with this language in it. I am linking to a PANS/PANDAS insurance bill from Maryland. I would fully support the language of this bill. *2 Please read it for your consideration when editing this current bill. Receiving a PANS diagnosis has completely sidelined our family. It is terrifying, and devastating to watch as your child suffers through it. It’s greatly emotional as well as extremely expensive to try to treat. My son woke up as a different child. A 10yo child who loved being social, loved playing sports and playing with friends is no longer the child he was. He is irritated, upset, scared, anxious, and severely ill. He has separation anxiety to the point of him needing to know where I am every second of the minute, cannot leave the house to make it to school, has skipped his sports games, and has become so sad and depressed. His mental health has declined steeply, and his physical health is suffering too from the Lyme, and co infections. This isn’t my son. He is gone. It’s heartbreaking to see a child in agony and not be able to give him answers of when he will feel like the “old boy” he once was. With PANS/PANDAS you have to try so many different therapies, protocols, supplements and medicines to see what will work. All the doctor appointments, and all the actual poking and prodding you have to see your child endure is so emotional. These therapies are so expensive to have to continually try and if they work, you continue to use them regardless of the cost. When your child is sick and suffering you will do whatever you can to get them well even if that means losing your home. We have another child in our family, and she suffers as well watching her brother go through all these hardships. I know she is feeling for him deeply just at 7 years old. I truly cannot express to you how incredibly unsettling, sad, and difficult it is to navigate this specific syndrome and all that comes along with it. Having PANS (autoimmune encephalitis) has greatly affected his school participation and function. He’s late often not by choice but because of his obsessive compulsiveness which overrides his ability to rationally think. He has now dropped off from actively participating in school to doing his best to even stay in the room. He needs an alternative plan, a 504 so we can accommodate him at this time. He’s made such a drastic decline we are working with his team at school to come up with ways to keep him in school. At this very time, we cannot get an official 504 until we see the specialist. 139 This is not an easy road for parents seeking help for their children. Many of these physicians that understand autoimmune encephalitis do not accept insurance as payment. Insurance companies do not recognize this condition. This is an area that must change, a typical child being treated for this condition is in upward of $15,000 out of pocket. I know many families struggling financially to provide the care needed for these children and do so in a timely manner. Waiting too long to get any treatment covered can become a life or death situation for some. We cannot do family trips, dinners out, and we cannot do what most families do for fun because we are always saving as much as we can for my sons medical expenses. My second child suffers greatly because activities like gymnastics and dance have been tailored down to be able to conserve more funds for her brother. Birthday parties are far and few between because spending extra money even 25 dollars adds up quickly, and we know we can be saving that towards his expenses. It’s the little things that people take for granted, that we cannot do because of the incredibly high cost of trying to treat his condition. This has really taken a toll on family life. Regardless we will do everything we have to do for my son because we just want him well and back to being able to be a child. With that I do believe it’s important to support the bill, and raise awareness among the medical profession and community about this medical issue. Please remove section b of Raised Bill 5144: An Act Requiring Health Insurance Coverage For Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated With Streptococcal Infections and Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome and use the Maryland bill language as your guide and I will support the bill and urge your support too. Thank you for your time, Michele. Glastonbury *1 (b) Each individual health insurance policy providing coverage of the 11type specified in subdivisions (1), (2), (4), (11), (12) and (16) of section 1238a-469 of the general statutes delivered, issued for delivery, renewed, amended or continued in this state on or after January 1, 2021, shall provide coverage for outpatient prescription drugs approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration for treatment of pediatric neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections and pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome. *2 Maryland SB 475 MD SB 475 Information: https://legiscan.com/MD/text/SB475/2020 140 '*'.=D0><>< ' "'($ ) !'#4($"" ))0 ",' ) # #(*%%$')0 ) ''(% # (0)$ A=@@ 2 %(( $ ) ( !!0, ) %%'$%' ) # (0, !!%$( ) +!. "%) !'##) ' " ! ((* ' # '$") ($# ) $#(2 6$""*# ).( #'!.#( #(*'#$+' 2 $,+'0 ) $#89= ( #$)'"$+ '$") !!0 ) (#$)(*%%$')!#( $*!#$)%((2 '()%'$!", ) () $#89 () )) '/'$3%%'$+4)')"#)( $' 62 ($#%'$!" 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(#2$"6 6)-)6@CA6><>< = 141 $#(*" # # "%'$+ # ) #(*'#$+' % ,$*!!!$,) " $' "%$')#)(%)( $ '#'$+'.2 () '(0 ''2 '*"*!!0 > 142 $!!00$" ."+1 ." 01/9 .1.9ÂÉÃÁÃÁ 0/0!$"9"$++$/0$"0$ ÆÂÅÅ !s [ Qh ]dd]hIG j] ÄÀÃÃ [ Ej .IfkQgQ[O I 9I !<[G $kg ZIZDIgh 0PI I Dg] 143 E]ZZk[Qjs Y]]Xh N]gq 144 Monday, February 17, 2020 Dear Representative Linehan, Senator Moore, and Members of the Committee On Children, I am writing in support, if there are specific changes, to Raised Bill 5144: An Act Requiring Health Insurance Coverage For Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated With Streptococcal Infections and Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome. The passage of this bill, with appropriate changes, will positively impact children and their families suffering from Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS). The PANS/PANDAS community sincerely needs insurance coverage; however, Section (b)*1 must be removed from the bill. Otherwise, Bill 5144 is not supportable and should not be passed. 1. There are zero FDA approved treatments for PANS/PANDAS. FDA approval is tough to get, and the process is slow. Nine diseases have FDA approval for IVIG, but over 200 disorders are using IVIG successfully off label. 2. Section b puts PANS/PANDAS patients at a significant risk of losing coverage for current and future treatments. Unfortunately, we have seen insurers use language within a PANS/PANDAS patient’s file to deny coverage for being diagnosed with PANS/PANDAS or merely having the cluster of symptoms that align with a diagnosis. For example, if a PANS/PANDAS patient has been prescribed IVIG, and it is covered under Primary Immunodeficiency, this bill allows insurers to deny IVIG because the patient also has PANS/PANDAS. This would be a devastating and possibly life-threatening denial. Even if the doctor can change that denial through a lengthy peer- to-peer review, valuable treatment time will be lost. This scenario could happen with any treatment recommended for PANS/PANDAS. Therefore, I cannot support this bill with this language in it. I am linking to a PANS/PANDAS insurance bill from Maryland. I would fully support the language of this bill. *2 Please read it for your consideration when editing this current bill. I’m the parent of a child with PANS. He improved greatly after bring treated for Lyme Disease. Treatments for Lyme Disease are not FDA approved for the diagnosis of PANS. Please remove section b of Raised Bill 5144: An Act Requiring Health Insurance Coverage For Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated With Streptococcal Infections and Pediatric Acute- Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome and use the Maryland bill language as your guide and I will support the bill and urge your support too. Best regards, Lisa Rupe Niantic, CT *1 (b) Each individual health insurance policy providing coverage of the 11 type specified in subdivisions (1), (2), (4), (11), (12) and (16) of section 1238a-469 of the general statutes delivered, issued for delivery, renewed, amended or continued in this state on or after January 1, 2021, shall provide coverage for outpatient prescription drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment of pediatric neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections and pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome. *2 Maryland SB 475MD SB 475 Information: https://legiscan.com/MD/text/SB475/2020 145 Monday, February 16, 2020 Dear Representative Linehan, Senator Moore, and Members of the Committee On Children, I am writing in support, if there are specific changes, to Raised Bill 5144: An Act Requiring Health Insurance Coverage For Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated With Streptococcal Infections and Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome. The passage of this bill, with appropriate changes, will positively impact children and their families suffering from Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS). The PANS/PANDAS community sincerely needs insurance coverage; however, Section (b)*1 must be removed from the bill. Otherwise, Bill 5144 is not supportable and should not be passed. First, there are zero FDA approved treatments for PANS/PANDAS. FDA approval is tough to get, and the process is slow. Nine diseases have FDA approval for IVIG, but over 200 disorders are using IVIG successfully off label. Second, this section of the bill puts PANS/PANDAS patients at a significant risk of losing coverage for current and future treatments. Unfortunately, we have seen insurers use language within a PANS/PANDAS patient’s file to deny coverage for being diagnosed with PANS/PANDAS or merely having the cluster of symptoms that align with a diagnosis. For example, if a PANS/PANDAS patient has been prescribed IVIG, and it is covered under Primary Immunodeficiency, this bill allows insurers to deny IVIG because the patient also has PANS/PANDAS. This would be a devastating and possibly life-threatening denial. Even if the doctor can change that denial through a lengthy peer-to-peer review, valuable treatment time will be lost. This scenario could happen with any treatment recommended for PANS/PANDAS. Therefore, I cannot support this bill with this language in it. I am linking to a PANS/PANDAS insurance bill from Maryland. I would fully support the language of this bill. *2 Please read it for your consideration when editing this current bill. I would like to take these few moments to emphasize the critical nature of this bill to those constituents in your districts who will directly benefit from its passing. PANDAS/PANS/AE are debilitating in all aspects to a child’s life, their parents emotional and financial well being and the school system in which they attend. Inappropriate and ineffective treatments that do not address the medical condition cost the insurance companies and the state of Connecticut and do not help heal the child. A short overview of causation is that it is a rogue immune system response to an illness such as strep throat or other infection that causes the body to make antibodies attacking the brain in these children. This attack causes brain inflammation and can result in seizures, psychosis, tics, OCD, food restriction to name just a few. For us personally, our daughter presented with nearly every possible symptom. Delaying advanced treatment results in continued brain inflammation that requires longer and more expensive treatment protocols. We are doing both the state and the very insurance companies that may oppose this bill a service in requiring coverage for the treatments ordered by these children’s physicians according to published standards of care. With prompt and appropriate treatment these children can recover and live a productive and normal life; without appropriate treatment they can potentially be debilitated and reliant on state and federal services for their entire life. The cost to the state for a constituent on lifelong disability is a cost we would like to avoid. Treatments required for severe cases are may include IVIG, high dose IV steroids and Rituxan (an immunosuppressant). IVIG helps by introducing healthy antibodies into the system to retrain children’s immune system to function properly. 146 The number of children with pans / pandas can be as high as 1 in 200 however only very severe cases require these more invasive interventions. By passing this legislation you allow us to restore our children and return them to the greatest potential they were born to fulfill. Please remove section b of Raised Bill 5144: An Act Requiring Health Insurance Coverage For Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated With Streptococcal Infections and Pediatric Acute- Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome and use the Maryland bill language as your guide and I will support the bill and urge your support too. Best regards, Anita Serpa-Smith 36 Crestview Lane (917) 364-9617 *1 (b) Each individual health insurance policy providing coverage of the 11type specified in subdivisions (1), (2), (4), (11), (12) and (16) of section 1238a-469 of the general statutes delivered, issued for delivery, renewed, amended or continued in this state on or after January 1, 2021, shall provide coverage for outpatient prescription drugs approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration for treatment of pediatric neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections and pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome. *2 Maryland SB 475 MD SB 475 Information: https://legiscan.com/MD/text/SB475/2020 147 February 15, 20 Dear Representative Linehan, Senator Moore, and Members of the Committee On Children, I am writing in support, if there are specific changes, to Raised Bill 5144: An Act Requiring Health Insurance Coverage For Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated With Streptococcal Infections and Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome. The passage of this bill, with appropriate changes, will positively impact children and their families suffering from Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS). The PANS/PANDAS community sincerely needs insurance coverage; however, Section (b) of Raised Bill 5144*1 must be removed from the bill. Otherwise, Bill 5144 is not supportable and should not be passed. First, there are zero FDA approved treatments for PANS/PANDAS. FDA approval is tough to get, and the process is slow. Nine diseases have FDA approval for IVIG, but over 200 disorders are using IVIG successfully off label. Second, this section of the bill puts PANS/PANDAS patients at a significant risk of losing coverage for current and future treatments. Unfortunately, we have seen insurers use language within a PANS/PANDAS patient’s file to deny coverage for being diagnosed with PANS/PANDAS or merely having the cluster of symptoms that align with the diagnosis. For example, if a PANS/PANDAS patient has been prescribed IVIG, and it is covered under Primary Immunodeficiency, this bill allows insurers to deny IVIG because the patient also has PANS/PANDAS. This would be a devastating and possibly life-threatening denial. Even if the doctor can change that denial through a lengthy peer-to-peer review, valuable treatment time will be lost. This scenario could happen with any treatment recommended for PANS/PANDAS. Therefore, I cannot support this bill with this language in it. I am attaching a PANS/PANDAS insurance bill from Maryland. I would fully support the language of this bill. *2 Please read it for your consideration when editing this current bill. Early and thorough treatment is crucial to an optimal outcome. Children who are treated early and appropriately within the first year of initial onset often recover. Conversely, children who do not receive timely and complete medical treatment may require more invasive protocols to heal. Due to a lack of insurance coverage for PANS, the process of denials and appeals delays or prevents crucial immune therapy, which can lead to a worsening of symptoms and long-term disability due to untreated brain inflammation. Patients who are not appropriately treated may remain affected both neurologically and psychologically throughout their entire childhood and into their adulthood. It is fiscally more responsible to identify and treat this illness than to create a situation of life-long care. Failure to treat the patient places a significant burden on the patient and their social, educational, and family Alliance to Solve PANS & Immune-Related Encephalopathies • PO Box 100, Cottleville, MO 63338 • [email protected] www.aspire.care 148 systems. We must help these families now. We must minimize the financial, emotional, and physical impact of this disease by providing insurance coverage for PANS/PANDAS. Current research in the PANS shows there are multiple etiologies. Still, the research field is elucidating that it is a type of autoimmune encephalopathy (inflammation and swelling of the brain) typically triggered by a common infection such as strep, mycoplasma pneumonia, and others. Currently, physicians are prescribing medically necessary and effective treatments for PANS/PANDAS, which include but are not limited to: long term antibiotics, steroids, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), and in rare, severe cases, plasmapheresis. Doctors consider the use of IVIG in a small subset of patients who have severe symptoms; IVIG is deemed to be disease-modifying and can halt the autoimmune process. Ideally, patients will recover with the least invasive treatment if diagnosed and treated appropriately by treating the source of inflammation and infection and halting the autoimmune process so these patients can live healthy lives. Alliance to Solve PANS & Immune-Related Encephalopathies (ASPIRE) speaks with doctors, therapists, families, and educators every day. PANS/PANDAS may only affect a small population, as physicians and researchers still consider it rare. Still, the impact on these children, their families, as well as their community is substantial. ASPIRE sees the burden this disorder puts on families. In addition to the difficulty of caring for a child with this disorder, many families must shoulder the additional financial stress of selling their homes, incurring credit card debt, and using life savings to treat their children. This disease negatively impacts home life due to having to manage symptoms of OCD, separation anxiety, rage, restricted eating, sleep issues, and more. Multiple siblings may have PANS. Caregivers often have to leave work to provide the required in-home support of a medically sick child. Not only does it affect the family unit, but also the repercussions of leaving children medically untreated impacts the school system. Children commonly miss a significant amount of school and require multiple supports while in school. They often require special education services (IEPs and 504 plans) as symptoms can include significant regressions in handwriting, fine motor, math skills, school refusal, and behavioral regression. When PANS is not treated, children can require special education throughout their time in school as versus a short time period. A vote for this legislation will provide doctors with the ability to treat our children in the manner that their professional experiences dictate without burdening families with the additional task of fighting with insurance companies. The prolonged denial and appeal process of insurance coverage delays treatment for these children and puts them at risk of further decline and potential long-term disability. Please help our doctors make the best medical choices without worrying about the implications of insurance company denials. Critically ill children in Connecticut need your help to receive appropriate medical intervention. We must help these families now. We must minimize the financial, emotional, Alliance to Solve PANS & Immune-Related Encephalopathies • PO Box 100, Cottleville, MO 63338 • [email protected] www.aspire.care 149 and physical impact of this disease by providing insurance coverage for PANS. We are hopeful that one day all insurers will cover PANS, but families in Connecticut simply can not wait for this happen; it is paramount you and your fellow legislators support and pass Raised Bill 5144 with part b removed. Your constituents must be given the opportunity to access insurance coverage when confronted with PANS and the medical challenges it creates. Please join your fellow legislators who support Raised Bill 5144 with part b removed. This is a bi-partisan issue. Please reach out to me for additional information via email or phone. Thank you for your time and consideration. Thank you for your continued efforts to assist these families in our community, so our children grow up and reach their full potential. Best regards, Gabriella True ASPIRE, President Home Address: 91 Hartwell Road West Hartford, CT 06117 Email: [email protected] Mobile: 562-480-7560 *1 (b) Each individual health insurance policy providing coverage of the 11type specified in subdivisions (1), (2), (4), (11), (12) and (16) of section 1238a-469 of the general statutes delivered, issued for delivery, renewed, amended or continued in this state on or after January 1, 2021, shall provide coverage for outpatient prescription drugs approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration for treatment of pediatric neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections and pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome. *2 Maryland SB 475 MD SB 475 Information: https://legiscan.com/MD/text/SB475/2020 Alliance to Solve PANS & Immune-Related Encephalopathies • PO Box 100, Cottleville, MO 63338 • [email protected] www.aspire.care 150 ! 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"# #$!#! # #/(; ;/0:*; :/(33 (773@ ;6 (33 7630*0,:*65;9(*;:(5+/,(3;/),5,-0;73(5:0::<,++,30=,9,+699,5,>,+05;/,";(;,6569 (-;,9(5<(9@ "# # $!#! # #/(; ;/0: *; :/(33 ;(2, ,--,*; (5<(9@ 154 PANS/PANDAS Basic Facts & Legislative Update PANS/PANDAS is a clinical condition defined by acute onset of Obsessive Compulsive Symptoms (OCD) and/or severe eating restrictions and at least two of the following concurrent cognitive, behavioral, or neurological symptoms: Anxiety/Separation Anxiety Deterioration in school performance (Loss of math Emotional Lability and/or Depression skills, handwriting changes, & ADHD-like behaviors) Irritability, Aggression,b Severe Sensory or motor abnormalities including tics Oppositional Behavior Somatic symptoms, including sleep disturbances, Behavioral/Developmental Regression enuresis or urinary frequency PANS PANS diagnostic criteria require an acute onset of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or eating restrictions, with concurrent symptoms in at least two of seven PANS neuropsychiatric categories, including cognitive, behavioral, neurological, and somatic is caused by symptoms. Symptoms may include separation anxiety, emotional lability, depression, an infectious trigger or other irritability, aggression, vocal and/or motor tics, sensory abnormalities including non-infectious hallucinations, developmental regression, sleep difficulties, and urinary frequency. agents such as Infections, metabolic disturbances, and other inflammatory reactions can trigger PANS. environmental Infectious triggers include upper respiratory infections, influenza, strep, mycoplasma triggers. pneumonia, and lyme borreliosis, among others. (1) PANDAS PANDAS, a subset of PANS, is associated with group A Streptococcus (GAS) infections. Not all patients have a positive strep throat culture or elevated immune responses. PANDAS Although elevated GAS antibody tests are typically observed with immunologic is associated complications of a GAS infection, it is recognized that these tests are frequently falsely with group A negative.(2) The onset of symptoms can occur within days of contracting strep, or within Streptococcus (Severe cases of PANDAS are considered to be (GAS ژ.several months of the inciting infection infections. Antigens on the strep bacteria’s cell wall ژ.autoimmune encephalitis of the basal ganglia provoke the production of antibodies that cross-react with brain tissue, mostly in the Basal Ganglia, leading to neuroinflammation and the complex symptoms of PANDAS. symptoms follow a relapsing/remitting course. Initial triggers may differ fromژPANS/PANDASژ,After the initial onset secondary triggers. During each recurrence, symptoms can worsen, and new symptoms may occur. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. In mild cases, children might function well enough to continue to attend school. In ژ.severe cases, symptoms can become life-threatening due to extreme food restriction, impulsivity and/or suicidality are misdiagnosed with a psychiatric illness and prescribed only psychotropic ژPANS/PANDAS ژMany children with medications rather than being evaluated and treated for an underlying infection. According to a consortium of experts convened by the National Institute of Mental Health, appropriate treatment for these disorders is a three- pronged approach that incorporates psychotherapeutic interventions, antimicrobial treatment, and immunomodulation and/or anti-inflammatories. Early diagnosis and treatment can lead to lasting remission. Conversely, patients whose symptoms are not correctly diagnosed and treated close to initial onset have progressively severe episodes with increased loss of normal function (unable to attend school, inability to socialize or participate in extracurricular activities, unable to leave the house). Severe cases may require extended hospitalizations in psychiatric units and may result in death (accidents due to impulsive behavior, starvation due to severe food restrictions, or by suicide). 155 PANS/PANDAS Basic Facts & Legislative Update Diagnostic and Treatment Guidelines Epidemiology The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), led by Dr. Susan Swedo, has Peak age at onset = 6.5 years studied PANS for nearly thirty years.(5) The PANS Research Consortium (3) (PRC), a group of clinicians and researchers from leading universities and Boys outnumber girls (3) ژhospitals, fields of immunology, infectious disease, microbiology, approximately 2:1 neuroimmunology, neurology, pediatrics, psychiatry, and rheumatology lead 1 in 250 children have the way by continuing with research and writing clinical diagnostic and impairing symptoms treatment guidelines. The PRC published a consensus of diagnostic criteria in the Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology in 2015.(6) (estimates from clinic populations (3) In 2017, the PRC published treatment guidelines in the Journal of Child and 5 – 10% of grade-school aged -These treatment guidelines children have observable GAS ژ(Adolescent Psychopharmacology.(7, 8, 9, 10 were developed by experts from over 24 academic institutions, including related neurologic and (4)ژ Georgetown, Columbia, Yale, Harvard, and Stanford and pool data and behavioral symptoms clinical experience from over 1000 PANS patients. These guidelines represent Average age of diagnosis is best practice recommendations. The guidelines are divided into four between 4-13 years of age sections: Overview (7), Part I-psychiatric and behavioral interventions (8), Part Nationwide, 33% of children II-use of immunomodulatory therapies (9), and Part III-treatment and see more than five doctors prevention of infections(10). before being correctly Treatment Summary diagnosed According to Dr. Susan Swedo, “preliminary data suggest that with appropriate treatment early in the course of illness, and effective use of antibiotics prophylaxis, we may be able to prevent up to 25-30% of childhood mental illnesses.”(11) If treated promptly and appropriately, patients can recover completely; if not, neuropsychiatric symptoms can worsen and become chronic. Individualized treatment protocols are dependent on the severity and course of PANS symptoms along with a physical exam and lab testing. "Treatment of PANS involves a three-pronged approach that utilizes psychiatric medications when appropriate to provide symptomatic relief, antibiotics to eliminate the source of neuroinflammation, and anti- inflammatory and immune modulating therapies to treat disturbances of the immune system.”(7) Remove the inflammatory source Mild to moderate PANS cases are often managed with antimicrobial treatments. with antibiotic and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory Treat the disrupted immune system therapy. Moderate to severe PANS cases often with immune modulating and/or require prednisone and psychotropic medications. A anti-inflammatory interventions. small but significant subset, estimated to be 10-15% Antimicrobial of diagnosed children, do not significantly improve Alleviate symptoms with Treatment psychotherapeutic with these treatments thus require treatments, including immunomodulatory therapy such as intravenous psychotherapies. 3-Pronged immunoglobulin (IVIG), therapeutic plasmapheresis PANS (also known as plasma-exchange), or other Treatment modalities. PANS/PANDAS Basic Facts & Legislative Update What is the impact on Connecticut children? The true incidence of PANDAS/PANS is currently unknown. Members of PANDAS/PANS Collaborative Consortium estimate PANDAS/PANS to affect 1-2% of the pediatric population (13), while PANDAS Network reports the incidence at 1 in 200 children.(14) A rate of 1 in 200 children suggests there may be as many as 3,563 Connecticut children suffering from PANS. However, the vast majority of these children have not been identified.(12) Children with PANS/PANDAS frequently receive diagnoses of Tourette’s, OCD, generalized anxiety disorder, depression, bipolar, oppositional defiant disorder, mood disorder, conduct disorder, anorexia, autism, and even childhood schizophrenia. This is not a small number of children who may be affected by PANDAS/PANS. We must do better in recognizing and treating this condition. How can insurance coverage impact Connecticut PANS/PANDAS families? PANS can generally be diagnosed clinically based on symptoms and some lab work. Treatment typically includes treatment of infection, prevention of future infections, psychiatric and behavioral interventions, and immune-based therapies. Often, prompt treatment of PANS requires no more than antibiotics and steroids. The mental health, motor skills, and cognitive functioning of many children is promptly restored with simple, safe, cost-effective medical treatment. When PANS is not diagnosed and treated, children often require special education and occupational therapy services throughout their time in school. Generally, the longer a child remains undiagnosed and untreated, the higher the costs to treat PANS. ژ The cost of treating these sick children becomes more significant as the insurers deny treatment. Children with untreated or undertreated PANS will have to access a wide range of services throughout their lifetimes: special education, mental health and social services, and continual medical care. This costs the state more money than the treatments insurance companies are consistently denying. ژ Children with PANS often require special education services (IEPs and 504 plans) as symptoms can include significant regressions in handwriting, fine motor, math skills, and behavioral regression. When PANS is not diagnosed and treated, children can require special education throughout their time in school as versus a short period of time. Where does Connecticut stand compared to other states in addressing PANS? 44 states are working on or have passed legislation related to PANS. Currently, 5 States have passed bills mandating insurance coverage for PANDAS/PANS. The states that have passed insurance coverage mandates are: Illinois, Arkansas, Delaware, Minnesota, and New Hampshire. In addition, 10 states have developed advisory councils that raise awareness and make recommendations for doctors, therapists, and schools related to promoting access to care and treatment. 157 PANS/PANDAS Basic Facts & Legislative Update Sources Issue 1, Febژ,Kiki Chang, MD, et al. Special Issue on Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome, JCAP, Vol 25 - 1 1, 2015 ژ 2 - Hysmith ND, et al. Prospective Longitudinal Analysis of Immune Responses in Pediatric Subjects After Pharyngeal Acquisition of Group A Streptococci. J Pediatr Infect Dis Soc. 2017;6:187. https://doi.org/10.1093/jpids/piw070 ژ 3 - Swedo S, Leckman J, and Rose, N: From research subgroup to clinical syndrome: Modifying the PANDAS criteria to describe PANS (Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome). Pediatrics and Therapeutics 2, 2012. do: 10. 4172/2161-0665.1000113. ژ 4 - Murphy, T.K., Snider, L.A., et al., Relationship of movements and behaviors to Group A Streptococcus infections in elementary school children. Biol Psychiatry. 2007 Feb 1;61(3):279-84. ژ 5 - Pediatric Developmental Neuroscience: Information About PANDAS. www.nimh.nih.gov. National Institute of Health. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/labs-at-nimh/research-areas/clinics- and-labs/pdnb/web.shtml. 2016. ژ 6 - Chang, K., et al. Clinical Evaluation of Youth with Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS): Adolescent ژRecommendations from the 2013 PANS Consensus Conference. Journal Of Child and Psychopharmacology. Volume 25, Number 1, 2015. ژ 7 - Swedo SE, Frankovich J, Murphy TK. Overview of treatment of pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol. 2017;27:562-5. https://doi.org/10.1089/cap.2017.0042 8 - Thienemann M, Murphy T, Leckman J, et al. Clinical management of pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome: Part I- psychiatric and behavioral interventions. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol. 2017;27:566–73. https://doi.org/10.1089/cap.2016.0145 9 - Frankovich J, Swedo S, Murphy T, et al., 2017. Clinical management of pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome: Part II— use of immunomodulatory therapies. J. Child. Adolesc. Psychopharmacol. 2017;27:574-93. http://doi.org/10.1089/cap.2016.0148 ژ 10 - Cooperstock MS, Swedo SE, Pasternack MS, Murphy TK. for the PPC. Clinical Management of pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syn- drome: Part III—treatment and prevention of infections. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol. 2017;27:594- 606. http://dx.doi.org/10.1089/cap. 2016.0151. ژ 11 - Swedo S. (2016). Pediatric Acute Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome/Autism [presentation slides]. Retrieved from http://aricinference.com/?p=1904. ژ Under 18 – 20% = 713, 057 .3,565,287ژ = https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/CT - Population estimates, July 1, 2019 - 12 .in 200 kids w/ PANS = 3565 kids with PANS in CT 1 ژ.children in CT 13 - Kovacevic, M. PANDAS/PANS: Current Diagnostic Guidelines in Practice. CGH Medical Center, Sterling, IL. 30 Nov. 2016. Grand Rounds Lecture. ژ 14 - PANDAS Network. Understanding-pandaspans/statistics/. Retrieved from http://www.pandasnetwork.org. 2016. 158 PANS/PANDAS Legislative Advocacy Insurance Coverage in the States Illinois Two laws have been passed to help PANS/PANDAS families with insurance coverage. Named after two of the children of the advocates that drove the legislation, Charlie's Law of 2017, was the first law of its kind in the US. The law requires all group or individual policies of accident and health insurance or managed care provide coverage for treatment ofژ,amended, delivered, issued or renewed after July 18, 2017ژplans that are pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections and pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANDAS/PANS), including but not limited to, the use of ژintravenous immunoglobulin therapy (IVIG).1 providing that for billing and diagnosis ژEffective on August 23, 2019, a second law passed streptococcal infections andژpediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated withژ,purposes syndrome shall be coded as autoimmune encephalitis until a codeژpediatric acute onset neuropsychiatric neuropsychiatric disordersژassigned and provides that coverage for treatment of pediatric autoimmuneژis pediatric acute onset neuropsychiatric syndrome may not beژassociated with streptococcal infections and diagnosis of autoimmune encephalopathy or autoimmune encephalitis.2ژdenied due to a The legislative efforts in IL led to policy changes in the other states by the Health Care Service Corporation (affiliated with BCBS) which include Illinois, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. In these states, the IVIG policy RX504.003, Immunoglobulin (Ig) Therapy (Including Intravenous [IVIG] and Subcutaneous Ig [SCIG] states that Intravenous Immunoglobulin "may be considered medically necessary" when these criteria are met: Diagnosed with moderate to severe PANDAS/PANS (must rule out more specific disorders before starting IVIG therapy [autoimmune encephalitis, central nervous system vasculitis, neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, infectious encephalitis, etc.] IgA deficient, ANDژnotژAND Laboratory confirmation that the patient is Documentation that the patient is free of strep infections and other treatable infections, AND One course of therapy at dose limit of 2 grams/kg of child's weight (1 gm/kg per day for 2 days).3 Delaware This Act requires that individual, group, state employee, and public assistanceژ.Effective August 29, 2018 insurance plans provide coverage for treatment of pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections and pediatric acute onset neuropsychiatric syndrome. Arkansas The law establishes a clinic and an interdisciplinary panel through the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences. That panel will determine diagnostic criteria and make recommendations concerning mandating insurance coverage for the following legislative session in 2020. Upon passage, all insurance companies and health benefit plans that are licensed in Arkansas will provide coverage for the treatment of PANS and PANDAS diagnosed according to the established diagnostic criteria recommended by the interdisciplinary team. Expected completion 2021.5 Minnesota Effective January 1, 2020. Every health plan must provide coverage for treatment for pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections (PANDAS) and for treatment for pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS). Treatments that must be covered under this section must be recommended by the insured's licensed health care professional and include but are not limited to antibiotics, medication and behavioral therapies to manage neuropsychiatric symptoms, plasma exchange, and immunoglobulin.6 159 PANS/PANDAS Legislative Advocacy Insurance Coverage in the States New Hampshire This law took excellent advantage of the parity laws that are a part of the ACA. The Parity and Addictions prevents group health plans and health insurance issuers that provide ژ(Equity Act of 2009 (MHPAEA mental health or substance use disorder benefits from imposing less favorable benefit limitations on those benefits than on medical/surgical benefits.7 Effective on September 19, 2019. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, each insurer that issues or renews any policy of [group] accident or health insurance and each nonprofit health service corporation under RSA 420-A and health maintenance organization under RSA 420-B providing benefits for disease or sickness in the state of New Hampshire shall provide benefits for treatment and diagnosis of certain biologically-based mental illnesses under the same terms and conditions and which are no less extensive than coverage provided for any other type of health care for physical illness. Under Coverage for Certain Biologically-Based Mental Illnesses, it reads as follows: including pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders, when ژ,f) Obsessive-compulsive disorder) treatment, including the use of intravenous immunoglobulin therapy, is ordered by a physician. This law will sunset on July 1, 2024.8 References for Bills & Policies 1- IL HB2721 - https://legiscan.com/IL/bill/HB2721/2017 2-IL HB2846 - https://legiscan.com/IL/bill/HB2846/2019 3- Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical Policies-RX504.003 Immunoglobulin Therapy (Including Intravenous Ig [IVIG] and Subcutaneous Ig [SCIG]) - http://www.medicalpolicy.hcsc.net/medicalpolicy/activePolicyPage?lid=jdsqzq4i&corpEntCd=IL1 4- DE HB386 - https://legiscan.com/DE/bill/HB386/2017 5- AR SB252 - https://legiscan.com/AR/bill/SB252/2019 6- MN HF306 - https://legiscan.com/MN/bill/HF306/2019 7- CMS.gov - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services - https://www.cms.gov/cciio/programs-and-initiatives/other-insurance- protections/mhpaea_factsheet.html 8- NH SB224 - https://legiscan.com/NH/bill/SB224/2019 160 ǡ ͳǡʹͲʹͲ ǡǡ ǡ ǡ ǡ ͷͳͶͶǣ Ǧ Ǥǡ ǡ Ǧ ȋȌǤ Ȁ Ǣ ǡ ȋȌȗͳǤǡ ͷͳͶͶǤ ǡ ȀǤ ǡ Ǥ ǡʹͲͲ Ǥ ǡ Ȁ Ǥǡ Ȁǯ Ȁ Ǥ ǡ Ȁ ǡ ǡ ȀǤ ǦǤ Ǧǡ 161 Ǥ ȀǤǡ Ǥ Ȁ Ǥ Ǥȗʹ Ǥ ʹͳȀʹǤ Ǥ Ǥ ǯ Ǥǡ ǡ Ǥ Ǥ Ǥ ǡ ͷͳͶͶǣ Ǧ Ǥ ǡ 162 HB 5144 ͵Ͷ ǡͲͺͻ ʹͲ͵ǦͺͷͺǦʹͷͶ ȗͳȋȌ ͳͳ ȋͳȌǡȋʹȌǡȋͶȌǡȋͳͳȌǡȋͳʹȌȋͳȌ ͳʹ͵ͺǦͶͻǡ ǡǡ ͳǡʹͲʹͳǡ Ǧ Ǥ ȗʹͶͷ Ͷͷ ǣ ǣȀȀ Ǥ ȀȀȀͶͷȀʹͲʹͲ CC: Rep. Gail Lavielle 163 Connecticut Education Association Policy, Research, & Government Relations Governance Capitol Place, Suite 500 Ray Rossomando, Director Jeff Leake • President 21 Oak Street, Hartford, CT 06106 Capitol Place, Suite 500 Thomas Nicholas • Vice President 860-525-5641 • 800-842-4316 • www.cea.org 21 Oak Street Stephanie Wanzer • Secretary An affiliate of the National Education Association Hartford, CT 06106 David Jedidian• Treasurer (860) 525-5641, 800-842-4316 Executive Director Donald E. Williams Jr. Testimony of The Connecticut Education Association Before the Committee on Children Re: HB 5145 AAC The Annual Reporting of the Number of Verified Acts of Bullying in Schools February 18, 2020 Good afternoon Senator Moore, Representative Linehan, Senator Kelly, and Representative Green, and distinguished members of the Committee on Children. The Connecticut Education Association, which is an organization representing active and retired teachers from over 150 school districts across Connecticut, respectfully submits comments regarding HB 5145. CEA commends this committee for revising the bullying statute last session to more comprehensively address school climate. However, we do not support the proposed change in reporting requirements proposed in HB 5145. HB 5145 would eliminate a requirement for school districts to annually report the number of bullying incidents to the State Department of Education. While the proposal in HB 5145 may be well intentioned, we are concerned that eliminating reporting could have unintended consequences. Reporting helps to shine a light on areas that require attention, such as the condition of school climate. Eliminating reporting requirements could compromise efforts to improve school learning conditions. One only has to look at news reports from earlier this month to recognize the risks of removing reporting requirements on issues affecting students. A recent news report by the New Haven Independent uncovered the intentional misreporting of student suspension by a charter school chain in New Haven. This same chain was cited years ago by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office for Civil Rights for delivering excessive discipline to children of color. Our concern is that if there were no statewide reporting requirement for issues, abuses could run rampant. Without the statewide collection of bullying data, very real problems would get swept under the rug — a problem that already occurs but would only be made worse by eliminating reporting requirements. Thank you for your consideration. 164 Testimony of Special Education Equity for Kids in Connecticut (SEEK) Before Committee on Children on H.B. 5145 February 18, 2020 Thank you for the opportunity to testify on House Bill 5145. This testimony is on behalf of Special Education Equity for Kids in Connecticut or SEEK-CT. SEEK is a statewide organization of parents, providers, advocates and attorneys working to protect and enhance the rights of students with disabilities and their parents. We appreciate the opportunity to appear before this committee. Simply stated, Connecticut’s current law on bullying is far more positive and enlightened that the dominant paradigm throughout the State. Many school administrators remain focused on punishing the behavior. Consequences would be fine if they were effective. But excluding misbehaving children – through suspension and expulsion – merely exacerbates the inappropriate behavior, in many cases. At the same time, school administrators are frequently loath to characterize any conduct as bullying, preferring to minimize it as teasing or horseplay. And, for many, restorative justice means a half-hearted apology from the bully. Students with disabilities, whether identified for special education or not, are disproportionately both the victims of bullying and the perpetuators of bullying; not infrequently, the same student is both. We need to create school climates of safety and compassion. This means focusing on the need that the child is expresses through bullying. And it means focusing on the pain suffered by the child who is bullied. It does not mean sweeping it under the rug. The Social and Emotional Learning Collaborative is at work identifying initiatives that work, drafting a model school climate policy, and encouraging districts and schools to adopt positive safe school policies that focus on restorative justice rather than punishment, that address student needs before they manifest in maladaptive behavior. Promoting social and emotional 165 learning is not enough, however. We need to take steps to compel school districts and school administrators to abandon counterproductive policies of punishment and exclusion. And we need to make Social Emotional Learning a critical part of the teacher education curriculum and the standard operating modality for schools throughout the state. We must train teachers and administrators in how to mediate disputes, taking into account the serious power imbalances that may exist. HB 5145 seeks to eliminate the requirement that local school boards report incidents of bullying to the State Department of Education. We in SEEK like data. It gives us evidence of what is working and what is not. In Connecticut, we compel local school districts to report to the State on bullying, on restraints and seclusions, on referrals to the police, on expulsions and suspensions. Reporting leads to the publication of data. The more incidents the school board reports -- whether they are of bullying or of restraint and seclusion or of exclusion -- the worse the reputational damage to the school district. The result has been that school officials frequently refuse to characterize as bullying behavior that is clearly bullying. The same is true for restraint and seclusion and for exclusion. So, the reports have not been accurate or reliable. Worse, however, in the case of bullying, is that, by failing to characterize certain behaviors as bullying, schools have failed to take the sort of actions that were appropriate and that are mandated by the statute. The answer, of course, is not eliminating the reporting requirement. The answer is to make the reporting meaningful and consistent across districts. Today, this Committee is considering eliminating the reporting requirement on bullying. Is reporting on restraint and seclusion next? SEEK sees no valid reason to repeal the reporting to the State Department of Education of incidents of bullying. For that reason, we oppose House Bill 5145. 166 The appropriate action for school administrators to take in many cases of harassment, teasing, bullying and the like is talking, listening, understanding. Victim/offender mediation conducted by trained mediators, peace-making circles, making honest amends are all effective approaches. Certainly, there are mean perpetrators and severely harmed victims. But we don’t make mean kids less mean by suspending or expelling them and we don’t mediate the damage to the victim by harming the perpetrator. Indeed, it is almost a cliché that bullied children become bullies. Embarrassing the bully or excluding the bully serves to perpetuate the behavior. Being bullied, teased, and abused remains a major issue for students with disabilities. Creating a safe school climate through social emotional learning and restorative justice is the answer. Some schools are moving in that direction, but more needs to be done to force this approach throughout the system. We need to add to the teacher education curriculum, we need to compel districts to adopt SEL programs, we need to train mediators, we need to dramatically reduce expulsions, out-of-school suspensions, and the use of school resource officers for in-school discipline. Further, both students who bully and students who are the victims of persistent bullying need to be evaluated for eligibility for special education. Bullies often have an emotional disturbance that can be remediated through special education services. Victims can acquire emotional disturbances by being bullied. There is another issue that needs to be addressed. Parents who believe their child has been bullied are frequently frustrated by their inability to get any meaningful information about the investigation and the actions taken as a result. All too often, these parents mistakenly think that severely punishing the bully will somehow benefit their child. Still, consistent with the protection of student privacy, we need to find a way to communicate to parents in a way that builds confidence that their child will in a safe and loving environment. 167 Testimony of the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity Presented to the Committee on Children February 18, 2020 *S.B. No. 87 (Raised) An Act Concerning Eligibility For The Office Of Early Childhood's Child Care Subsidy Program For Victims Of Domestic Violence. *S.B. No. 89 (Raised) An Act Concerning School Lunch Debt. *S.B. No. 91 (Raised) An Act Concerning A Program To Provide Free Swimming Lessons To Individuals Under The Age Of Eighteen. *H.B. No. 5145 (Raised) An Act Concerning The Annual Reporting Of The Number Of Verified Acts Of Bullying In Schools. *H.B. No. 5146 (Raised) An Act Establishing A Youth Suicide Prevention Pilot Program ǡǡ Ǣ ǡ ǡǡǡȋ̶̶ȌǤ ǡǤ Ǥ ǣ 1. Raised Bill No. 87: AN ACT CONCERNING ELIGIBILITY FOR THE OFFICE OF EARLY CHILDHOOD’S CHILD CARE SUBSIDY PROGRAM FOR VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. a. The statement of purpose for Raised Bill No. 87 is “To allow a victim of domestic violence to access the child care subsidy program established by the Office of Early Childhood. b. The Child Care Subsidy Program helps low to moderate income families pay their child care expenses. The program is administered by the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood. Proposed Bill No. 87 intends to amend the eligibility requirements for the program in order to establish an expedited approval process for applications to the child care subsidy program for an applicant who is a parent of a child and alleging to be a victim of abuse. c. When considering the eligibility of such an applicant, the income of the alleged abuser shall not be considered, so long as the applicant does not live with the 168 alleged abuser. Further, priority intake and eligibility systems with preferences given will be provided to a parent alleging to be a victim of domestic violence. 2. Raised Bill No. 89: AN ACT CONCERNING SCHOOL LUNCH DEBT a. The statement of purpose for Raised Bill No. 89 is “To prohibit disciplinary action against public school children for unpaid school lunch charges and to allow any public or private parties to donate to payoff such debt.” b. Raised Bill No. 89 proposes to repeal Section 20-215 of the general statutes and replace it with new language. Under current law, schools may serve food and may charge but no more than the cost incurred to provide the food. A board should provide free meals to children whose economic needs require it. c. Under this bill, no board would be allowed to identify or stigmatize a child for unpaid meals, but they may reach out to the child’s parents about the outstanding balance. Further, boards may accept gifts to pay off student lunch debt. d. In Connecticut and across the country, school lunch debt has been on the rise. School districts are mandated by Connecticut statute to have a food sharing policy in place. In the past, school districts in the state targeted students with lunch debt. Districts have gone as far as giving students with lunch debt cheese sandwiches rather than the regular lunch, which indicated to their classmates that they were unable to pay for school meals. Most districts have stopped this practice and have focused more on educating parents about the free or reduced lunch application process, but we must ensure that we are not adding insult to poverty without finding other means of ensuring that children are nourished. e. In 2018, food service workers in the Groton School District spearheaded a fundraising event to support the students and families who have lunch debt. Schools have created Go Fund Me Pages, too. Just this year, students at North Hardin High School used their Senior Class Project to raise money to cover the school’s lunch debt, which is estimated to be around $30,000. 3. Raised Bill No. 91: AN ACT CONCERNING A PROGRAM TO PROVIDE FREE SWIMMING LESSONS TO INDIVIDUALS UNDER THE AGE OF EIGHTEEN a. The statement of purpose for Raised Bill No. 91 is “To require the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to establish and administer a program to provide free swimming lessons to individuals under the age of eighteen.” 18-20 Trinity Street, 2nd Floor, Hartford, CT 06106 169 4. (10) Raised Bill No. 5145: AN ACT CONCERNING THE ANNUAL REPORTING OF THE NUMBER OF VERIFIED ACTS OF BULLYING IN SCHOOLS. a. The statement of purpose for Raised Bill No. 5145 is “To eliminate the requirement that each school under the jurisdiction of a local or regional board of education annually report the number of verified acts of bullying in such school to the Department of Education.” b. The proposed bill states, “Each local and regional board of education shall develop and implement a safe school climate plan to address the existence of bullying and teen dating violence in its schools.” The bill lists multiple aspects that should be included in the plan, including an anonymous reporting system, requirements for school personnel to report and instances of bullying that they know about, and requiring the school climate specialist to conduct an investigation if a bullying report is submitted. Annually, the department has to submit a report on the status of its efforts, including an analysis of the responsive actions taken, an analysis of students responses, any recommendations it may have regarding additional activities or funding to prevent bullying in schools. c. Through our work at the SEL and School Climate Collaborative, we have spent a lot of time considering a Model School Climate Policy, which includes a school climate specialist (who does have the responsibility of investigating incidents of bullying), among other required processes to address bullying. Our Collaborative’s task is to identify not only the Model School Climate Policy, but also to develop an assessment for screening students in grades 3-12, to determine if any students are at risk for suicide, and to develop a biennial state- wide school climate survey. d. In Connecticut between 2011-2013, 1 in 6 students reported being bullied online, and 1 in 5 students reported being bullied in school. We know that students who report frequent bullying are at a high, long-term risk for suicide- related behavior. But bullying behavior does not exist in a vacuum-- students who bully often need support, too. Moving toward a less-punitive, more restorative way of addressing bullying will be better for all students. Through our work with the Collaborative, we have talked a lot about the importance of creating a way of addressing bullying that is restorative for everyone involved. Further, with the establishment of a biennial school climate survey, students will be prompted to have more opportunities to share how safe they are feeling in 18-20 Trinity Street, 2nd Floor, Hartford, CT 06106 170 schools. Ultimately, using that information to establish better relationships among students and staff may have the effect of lessening bullying incidents. 5. Raised Bill No. 5146: AN ACT ESTABLISHING A YOUTH SUICIDE PREVENTION PILOT PROGRAM. a. The statement of purpose for Raised Bill No. 5146 is, “To require the Department of Children and Families and the Office of the Child Advocate to establish a youth suicide prevention pilot.” b. The pilot program would provide youth suicide prevention training to employees who regularly work with children. The Department of Children and Families and the Office of the Child Advocate may contract with a nongovernmental entity that provides evidence-based suicide prevention training. c. Through the SEL and School Climate Collaborative, we have been tasked with developing an assessment for screening students in grades 3 through 12 to determine whether such students are at risk for suicide. Moreover, in our discussions among the Collaborative, as well as the research we have done, we have learned how much we didn’t know when working with students and youth with suicidal ideations. It’s imperative that we work quickly to support these populations. d. Between 2018 and 2019, the youth suicide rate in Connecticut doubled. Research has shown that depression and other mental health disorders have been shown to be increasing in youth, but nobody knows why. All adults who work with children need to be able to recognize the signs, and be prepared to support students who are feeling suicidal. 18-20 Trinity Street, 2nd Floor, Hartford, CT 06106 171 STATE OF CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES x x Public Hearing Testimony x Committee on Children x February 18, 2020 To: Sen. Marilyn Moore, Chair Rep. Liz Linehan, Chair Sen. Kevin Kelly, Ranking Member Rep. Robin Green, Ranking Member Distinguished Members of the Committee on Children From: Vannessa Dorantes, Commissioner Department of Children and Families Re: HB 5146, An Act Establishing a Youth Suicide Prevention Pilot Program The Department of Children and Families (DCF) would like to offer the following comments on HB 5146, An Act Establishing a Youth Suicide Prevention Pilot Program. DCF, along with several state and community partners, has been on the forefront of youth suicide prevention and training for the last several years. An integral part of that practice is our participation in and support of the CT Suicide Advisory Board (CTSAB). Tim Marshall of DCF, Andrea Iger Duarte of the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services and Tom Steen co-chair this volunteer body, which is comprised of state officials, community-based providers and advocates, and suicide attempt and loss survivors. The CTSAB examines and promotes evidence-based prevention curriculums. Through the efforts of the CTSAB, Connecticut has various curricula for suicide prevention that are already utilized throughout the state. Such evidence-based curricula include Question Persuade Refer (QPR), Signs of Suicide (SOS), Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), Assessing and Managing Suicide Risk (AMSR) and Safe-TALK. These curricula are designed for various target populations. QPR is the most popular and relevant of the trainings since it is intended for the general population and can be completed in less than a half a day. It is known as the "CPR" of behavioral health. Over the years, DCF, the Office of the Child Advocate and the CTSAB have funded or performed numerous prevention trainings and several QPR train-the- trainer programs. While we support the spirit of this bill, we feel strongly that several pieces of the proposal need to be clarified. First, if state funding is made available to support a youth suicide prevention curricula, we should not be creating a new training program but rather focus on the already existing evidence-based 172 curricula listed above. More specifically, the legislature would get the most out of its investment by supporting QPR training across the state. Secondly, the current funding streams for youth suicide prevention activities do not include any state dollars, but rather are exclusively federal grant dollars through the Garrett Lee Smith Suicide Prevention Grant, the Community Mental Health Services Block Grant and the Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant. Those dollars support evidence-based prevention trainings, community services and suicide prevention materials, such as our “1 Word, 1 Voice, 1 Life” campaign which can be found at www.preventsuicidect.org. All other activity depends entirely on volunteer work performed by the CTSAB members. Any new or expanded activities would require the appropriation of additional funding. We believe much of the intention of the bill is currently being achieved through the work of the CTSAB. We are available to work with the proponents of this legislation to determine the appropriate legislative action to ensure any person who is considering self-harm can access the help he or she needs. 173 STATE OF CONNECTICUT OFFICE OF THE CHILD ADVOCATE 999 ASYLUM AVENUE, HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT 06105 SB 91 SB 87 Sarah Healy Eagan HB 5146 Child Advocate TESTIMONY OF THE OFFICE OF THE CHILD ADVOCATE FOR THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT IN SUPPORT OF THE FOLLOWING BILLS: H.B. No. 5146 AN ACT ESTABLISHING A YOUTH SUICIDE PREVENTION PILOT PROGRAM COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2020 Senator Moore, Representative Linehan, Senator Kelly, Representative Green, and all other distinguished members of the Committee on Children: This testimony is being submitted on behalf of the Office of the Child Advocate (“OCA”) in support or in response to the above referenced Bill. The obligations of the OCA are to review, investigate, and make public recommendations regarding how our state-funded systems meet the needs of vulnerable children. OCA supports the goals of House Bill 5146 which seeks to train and inform community members regarding suicide prevention efforts. Such training is essential to combat the growing numbers of children who seek to end their own lives. OCA looks forward to partnering with this Committee and other necessary stakeholders, in particular our colleagues at the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services and the Department of Children and Families—the current co-chairs of the State’s Suicide Advisory Board—to ensure this legislation is well positioned to build on existing initiatives regarding suicide prevention training. Suicidality and despair are a real phenomenon among children Between January 2001 and December 2019, Connecticut has lost 165 children to suicide. Boys accounted for 61% of those suicide deaths and girls accounted for 39%. For the past 8 years, girls have been dying at a similar rate as boys. Although the numbers are small relative to the total population. Youth suicide has a devastating impact to the youth’s family, school, and community, and 1 174 the ripple effect of each tragedy cannot be overstated. A death from suicide is a death like no other, it carries shame, stigma, and concerns for contagion. TheTThe Connecticut SuiciSuicidede AdvisoryAdvisory BoaBoardrd Connecticut Suicide Data 2018: Seven Youth Suicides (7) ¾ Suicide has risen to be the second leading cause of death nationwide for children age 10 and above. ¾ Historically, most children who died from suicide were white, but children of color are increasingly represented in this child fatality group. ¾ The age of children attempting and dying from suicide has been trending younger and younger over the last 15 years. ¾ All of the children who died from suicide in 2018 were between the ages of 11-17, with a median age of 16; 4 children were boys and 3 were girls. Six of the children died from asphyxia by hanging. Centers for Disease Control’s Youth Risky Behavior Survey—Connecticut Data According to the Department of Public Health, the Connecticut School Health Survey (CSHS) is a school-based survey of students in grades 9 - 12, with randomly chosen classrooms within selected schools, and is anonymous and confidential. It is also nationally known as the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). The health survey previously had two components, the Youth Behavior Component (YBC), and Youth Tobacco Component (YTC), and has been successfully administered in Connecticut since 2005. Below are excerpts from one of the state’s recent reports. 18.4 % -- The percentage of youth in grades 9 through 12 who responded yes to the question of whether they had done something to purposely hurt themselves without wanting to die. Hispanic youth now lead this category with affirmative responses. 26.9% -- The percentage of youth who responded that they had felt sad or hopeless for more than two weeks during the previous year. More than 1/3 of girls participating in this survey 2 175 answered “yes” to this question. Of those answering yes to this question, only a quarter of those youth stated that they got the help that they needed, a decrease of 14 percentage points since 2005. 13.5% -- The percentage of youth who responded that they had seriously contemplated attempting suicide in the previous 12 months. Girls of color now lead this category. 8.1% -- The percentage of youth who responded that yes, they had tried to attempted suicide in the previous 12 months. Black youth recently led in this category. The above-referenced data tells us we have much work to do to ensure that children are growing up healthy, safe, and strong. They are telling us what they need. We must listen. No child should feel they have to resort to self-harm, and communities supporting and interacting with youth must be informed and empowered to assist. Connecticut Suicide Advisory Board (CTSAB) DCF and DMHAS co-chair this volunteer body composed of state officials, community-based providers and advocates, and suicide attempt and loss survivors. The CTSAB examines and promotes evidence-based suicide prevention curriculums. The mission of the CTSAB is described here: https://www.preventsuicidect.org/resources/training/, and is embodied in its 1 Word, 1 Voice, 1 Life campaign. The collaborative emphasizes the following on its website: In order to prevent suicide, it is imperative that lay-persons up through professionals gain the knowledge and practice to become competent in identifying individuals at risk of suicide and connecting them to help, just as with First Aid Through the efforts of the CTSAB, Connecticut has various curricula for suicide prevention already utilized throughout the state, including Question Persuade Refer (QPR), Signs of Suicide (SOS), Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASSIST) and others. These curricula are designed for various target populations. QPR is the most popular and relevant of the trainings, since it is for the general population and can be completed in less than a half a day. It is known as the "CPR" of behavioral health. Over the years, DCF, the Child Advocate’s Office, and the CTSAB has funded or performed numerous prevention trainings and several QPR train-the-trainer programs. The CTSAB authored the state’s Strategic Plan for Suicide Prevention, which emphasizes the need for community-based training to promote youth wellness and reduce youth suicide risk. No state appropriation for suicide prevention work Despite the critical nature of the collaborative’ s mission, the work of the CTSAB is entirely supported by federal grant dollars and volunteer time. This work receives no specific state line item. It may be worth considering that similar work going on in the neighboring state of Massachusetts receives a 4 million 3 176 dollar line item appropriation.1 Funding would go a long way to helping state and local leaders scale up suicide prevention programs and training. Recommendations Prevention efforts should capitalize on existing evidence-based trainings such as QPR and work to scale up training efforts in local communities. The State should provide a specific appropriation for this work to support critical community training efforts. S.B. 91 AN ACT CONCERNING A PROGRAM TO PROVIDE FREE SWIMMING LESSONS TO INDIVIDUALS UNDER THE AGE OF EIGHTEEN. The OCA strongly supports efforts to increase access to affordable and free swimming lessons for children in Connecticut. From a recent publication issued by the Office of the Child Advocate and the state’s Child Fatality Review Panel: Drowning is a leading cause of death for all children. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, for every child who dies from drowning, another five receive emergency department care for nonfatal submersion injuries. Children 1 to 4 years old have the highest drowning rates and are most at-risk, though teens are often at risk as well. Teens are at risk for drowning because they may not wear a life jacket while boating, they may not be aware of risks and safety measures in bodies of water, may not be able to judge water conditions, overestimate their own swimming ability (particularly when with friends), may use alcohol or drugs while on or in the water, or have not learned how to swim.2 Over a recent 7 year period of time in Connecticut 39 children died from drowning. 12 of these children were ages 1 to 3, and 12 of these children were age 13 to 17. Black and Hispanic children are disproportionately affected by drowning. Nearly 65% of children who drowned in CT were Black or Hispanic. Research also tells us that children with certain disabilities are at significantly greater risk of drowning. For example, children with autism are 160 times more likely to die from drowning than their peers.3 Among the very top strategies to reduce drowning emergencies and fatalities are 1) ensuring adequate supervision for all children in the water; 2) ensuring water safety education for all children; and 3) helping children learn to swim. Swimming lessons are not accessible to all children and many children never learn to swim. Swimming is a life skill and protection from accidental and untimely death. The state should take steps to ensure 1 https://budget.digital.mass.gov/bb/h1/fy19h1/brec_19/act_19/h45131026.htm. 2019 saw a MA line item of 4.01 million dollars for the state’s Suicide Prevention and Intervention Program, including the provision of statewide and community-based suicide prevention, intervention, post-intervention and surveillance activities. 2 Unintentional Drowning Deaths of Children in Connecticut January 1, 2011- December 31, 2018. https://www.ct.gov/oca/lib/oca/OCA_Final_Drowing_Prevention_and_Data_2019.pdf. 3 Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health. 4 177 that all children, regardless of race, gender, disability, and family income level have access to this critical help. S.B. 87 AN ACT CONCERNING ELIGIBILITY FOR THE OFFICE OF EARLY CHILDHOOD'S CHILD CARE SUBSIDY PROGRAM FOR VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OCA supports all efforts to increase access to affordable and high quality licensed child care for young children, particularly children who have experienced adverse childhood experiences including witnessing or being otherwise victimized by family violence. In households with domestic violence, 50% are households with children. Most are children under the age of five and most have had multiple incidents of violence. According to the Attorney General’s National Task Force on Children Exposed to Violence, exposure to violence in any forms harms children, and different forms of violence have different negative impacts. In that regard, intimate partner violence within families puts children at high risk for severe and potentially lifelong problems with physical health, mental health, and school and peer relationships as well as disruptive behavior. Witnessing or living with domestic or intimate partner violence often burdens children with a sense of loss or profound guilt and shame because of their mistaken assumption that they should have intervened or prevented the violence or, tragically, that they caused the violence.4 Access to reliable and affordable child care is an important support and service for young children and their families, particularly families struggling with trauma, treatment and service needs. Sincerely, Sarah Healy Eagan Sarah Healy Eagan, Esq. Child Advocate State of Connecticut 4 Connecticut Improving Outcomes for Children & Youth Exposed to Family Violence Workgroup, co-chaired by the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Office of the Child Advocate (Jan. 2015), report found on the web: https://www.ct.gov/oca/lib/oca/improving_outcomes.pdf. 5 178 HB 5146 Please submit for the record Distinguished Committee Members, Since counseling families & first responders after the Sandy Hook, CT Massacre it has become my mission to help prevent homicidal and suicidal events. My article was published in a public health journal. Our Flawed Mental Health Policies and Their Possible Link to the Disastrous State of Mental Health in America https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/adf864 5952e212cf6f4dbba74bebef2350ca16.pdf -Jenn Kozek Oxford, CT 179 Science, Public HealthPolicy, An Institute for Pure a11dThe Law and Applied Knowledge (IPAK) Volume 1:3-10 Public Health PoJicy August 1, 2019 Initiative (PHPI) ~ IPAK PHPI Our Flawed Mental Health Policies and Their Possible Link to the Disastrous State of Mental Health in America Jennifer Giustra-Kozek, MS, LPC, Licensed Psychotherapist, CMHIMP, Certified Mental Health Integrative Medicine Practitioner Institute for Pure and Applied Knowledge Public Health Policy Initiative Abstract Mental Health policy in America should address the growing need to help people live the happiest and best life possible, and support them in getting there. Recovery from mental health issues is founded on the principle that people can take on meaningful roles in the community and heal from mental health challenges when they receive the support they need. Are they receiving the help they need? Unfortunately, policymakers and mental health providers are so convinced that these individuals have an organic or genetic mental illness that they have called off the search for a better understanding of these conditions. When they start recognizing the epidemic of suicide and violent behavior, they call for more psychiatric labels and more psychiatrists to prescribe medication. However, few acknowledge that medication does nothing to address the conditions that derail the brain in the first place. Conventional medicine can be incredibly helpful when someone needs surgery, but when it comes to more nuanced disorders such as these, our Western doctors are trained to virtually ignore science that points to nutritional solutions, [1] [2] [3) [4] therapies, and holistic approaches-even when the latter are not only cheaper and more effective but sometimes the only good option. [5] Instead, they turn to psychiatric medication. Drugs often only mask symptoms without considering dangerous side-effects. Antidepressants, anti-anxiety medication, and stimulants are driving people to mania, paranoid delusions, suicidal ideation, death, and psychosis.[6] One study appearing in JAMA Psychiatry found that an estimated ninety-thousand patients per year visit emergency departments because of adverse psychiatric drug events."[?] Our pharmaceutical companies, news outlets and regulatory agencies are steering us away from the truth. It is time we separate biological facts from corporate fiction, and start changing the medical paradigm when treating these conditions. Copyright © IThe AuthorI - Published Under the Creative Commons License ShareAlike · (See https://creativecommons.org/licenses/) Keywords Mental health, functional medicine, failing health policy, medication, conflict of interest 180 Contents 2. Genetics is Not the End of Our Story 1 Mental Health as a Genetic Condition 4 Studies have attempted to discover genetic etiology; 2 Genetics is Not the End of Our Story 4 however, for a genetic influence alone to create a 3 Root Causes are Ignored 4 mental health epidemic would be against the funda 3.1 Genetic Mutations ...... 4 mental laws of nature. A shared risk factorfrom the environment has tremendous biologic coherence. 3.2The Standard American Diet (SAD) 5 [9] The growing fieldof epidemiology and molecu 3.3 Nutritional Deficiencies at the Root .. . 5 lar biology, and the role of the environment in the 3.4 Food Sensitivities ...... 5 etiology of mental illness has become more evident. 3.5 PANDAS ( or PANS) ...... 6 [10] Research scientist James Lyons-Weiler agrees by explaining that, "Genes don't define us. The 3.6 Heavy Metal Toxicity ...... 6 effect of the environment is apparent at the neu 3.7Emotional Wounds and Trauma ...... 6 roanatomic level in the brain." [ 11] In truth, the en 3.8Sleep Deprivation ...... 6 vironment in which we live and breathe, genetically modified foods and the chemicals we eat and in 3.9 Medications ...... 7 ject have a direct influenceon the expression of our 4 Pharmaceutical Companies Have Hijacked genetic code, by altering the expression of genetic Healthcare 7 information. In the study of disease, researchers in 5 Resistance to Looking Deeper 7 the field of epigenetics are increasingly finding that the "turning "on or off' our genes are preventing 6 Summary 8 us from detoxing these toxins effectively. These References 8 mutations inhibit the body's ability to digest food, transport substances between cells, and utilize es sential nutrients appropriately.[5] Yet, we are not 1. Mental Health as a Genetic addressing environmental factors in the treatment Condition of mental health disorders. It is taught that our family history is one of our best indicators of potential risk for developing mental 3. Root Causes are Ignored disorders and many other common diseases. We have been trained· to believe that mental illnesses 3.1 Genetic Mutations tend to run in families, that segments of our DNA Altering our DNA creates genetic mutations and are passed down from parents to children at concep wreaks havoc on all of our metabolic processes. tion and that having a close relative with a mental And, when the body cannot digest food, utilize disorder could mean we are at a higher risk. This nutrients and detoxify, it can directly affect men model bodes well with the pharmaceutical com tal health. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase pany's appetite to develop drug treatments. Ac (MTHFR) gene mutations affect40 to 60 percent of cording to a bulletin published by (WHO) World the population and inhibit the body's ability to trans Health Organization, genetics impacts the devel form vitamin B12 into vital folate enzymes. A nor opment of treatment greatly. "The concept of a mal MTHFR gene can convert vitamin B12 to fo drug target, against which compounds can be tested late (B9), an essential vitamin for brain, spine, and for inhibitory or facilitative activity, is central to nerve health. Vitamin B12 is vital to brain health - modern processes of drug development." [8] specifically detox. Deficiencies of essential B vita mins and mutations preventing the correct methyla tion can lead to developmental problems, mood dis- 181 Sci, Pub Health Pol, & Law Our Flawed Mental Health Policies- July 30, 2019 turbances including increased anxiety and depres adolescents. They reported that "there are numerous sion. Faulty expression of the COMT gene[12] can potential biological pathways by which diet quality also cause a variety of problems, including irritabil may have an impact on mental health in children ity, hyperactivity, mood swings, OCD, sleep issues, and adolescents." [20] A poor-quality diet that is and lower frustration and pain tolerance. The "War lacking nutrient-dense foods may lead to nutrient rior Gene" MAO-A [13] (Monoamine oxidase A) deficiencies, which has been associated with mental is one of the two genes that encode mitochondrial health issues. For example, the dietary intake of enzymes. It is responsible for catalyzing the oxi folate, zinc, and magnesium is inversely associated dizing amines, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, with depressive disorders,[21] whereas dietary long dopamine, and adrenalin. Mutation of this gene re chain omega-3 fatty acids are inversely related to sults in Brunner syndrome. MAO dysfunction (too anxiety disorders. [22] The gut microbiome has be much or too little MAO enzyme activity) is thought come a topic of significant interest as of late, with a to be responsible for many psychiatric and neurolog new focus specifically on psychiatric disorders. The ical disorders including depression, mood swings, human body hosts an enormous abundance and di OCD, schizophrenia, substance abuse, migraines, ir versity of microbes, which performa range of essen regular sexual maturation. It is also associated with tial and beneficial immune and metabolic functions. behaviors associated with attention deficit disorder In a June 2016 volume of the Journal of Molecular. (ADD) [14] and autism. Psychiatry, the authors examined how microbes in the gut affect brain function, and how imbalances of 3.2 The Standard American Diet (SAD) gut bacteria can lead to mental illness. "Evidence Neurotoxic chemicals and foods are void of es is now emerging that, through interactions with the sential nutrients can lead to obsessive thoughts, gut-brain axis, the bidirectional communication sys depression, and violent behavior. There are ex tem between the central nervous system and the treme amounts of refined sugar/salt and thousands gastrointestinal tract, the gut microbiome can also of chemicals allowed in the American food and influence neural development, cognition, mood, and drink supply. Many of them are harmless, but oth behavior." [23] Functional medicine M.D.s recog ers such as artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, nize how poor diet, pesticides, antibiotics, steroid emulsifiers, high fructose corn syrup, sugar, and use and other factors are influencingbrain function hydrogenated vegetable oil. [15] Glyphosate found by destroying healthy gut bacteria and negatively in our food supply is not compatible with human shaping the gut microbiome. [24] biochemistry, it causes cancer [16] [17] and is neu rotoxic. [18] A CSPI report, Food Dyes: A Rain 3.4 Food Sensitivities bow of Risks, [19] further concludes that the nine Often not recognized in the mainstream mental artificial dyes approved in the United States are health model, food allergies and sensitivities can carcinogenic, cause hypersensitivity reactions and profoundly impact mental health. Dr. Melvyn R. behavioral problems. Werback, M.D. explores nutritional influences on aggressive behavior in the Journal of Orthomolec 3.3 Nutritional Deficiencies at the Root ular Medicine. The antibodies produced when a Our food supply is highly processed and refined. person consumes food that they have an intolerance These foods do not contain adequate healthy pro to can cause intestinal permeability and trigger in tein, and many vital nutrients get stripped away. flammation in the brain. This can lead many mental Many vitamins and minerals that are essential to health symptoms, including increased anxiety/OCD, our brain health are replaced with synthetic substi insomnia, brain fog, hyperactivity, impulsivity, ir tutes. In a 2014 article in the American Journal of ritability, and rage. [25] An immune reaction to Public Health, researchers evaluated the relation everyday foods can provoke aggressive behavior. ship between diet and mental health in children and Reactions range from irritability to aggression to 5 182 Sci, Pub Health Pol, & Law Our Flawed Mental Health Policies- July 30, 2019 psychosis. Some of the more common food intoler [34] The problems with toxic metals are rarely em ances are gluten, dairy, com, soy, and nuts. phasized in medical schools, and for that reason, they are often not treated by mainstream doctors. 3.5 PANDAS ( or PANS) Heavy metal toxicity can come froma variety of As described in the book Brain Under Attack, PAN sources, including but limited to pesticides, vacci DAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Dis nations, cookware, foil, medication, baking powder, orders ) is associated with an unresolved strep infec refined and processed food, table salt, ground water, tion. It wreaks havoc on the immune and neurologi and beauty products. It is essential that more doc cal system, causing brain encephalitis/inflammation. tors join the field of functional and orthomolecular [26] Symptoms associated with this autoimmune medicine to adequately address this condition. disorder are facial tics, OCD symptoms, anorexia, depression, paranoia, irritability, hyperactivity, sleep 3.7 Emotional Wounds and Trauma disturbances, and psychosis. Pediatric Autoim Stressful situations and traumatic event(s) that can mune Neuropsychiatric Disorders (PANS) can be . be caused by a barrage of mental health conditions triggered by other infections, as well as mold and such as anxiety and depression. The more sensitive toxins. Published reports indicate that Epstein Barr, and less resilient a person is the more vulnerable herpes, varicella zoster, mycoplasma pneumonia, a person is to developing it. Types of upsetting Lyme and other tick born infections are often trig scenarios including but not limited to a death of gers. [27] [28] [29] Many physicians who treat a a loved one, divorce, an accident, a move, school large number of Lyme patients acknowledge that pressure and bullying, as well as an abusive home Lyme Disease can cause "Lyme Rage," which in environment. More emphasis needs to be placed on cludes psychosis and violent behavior. More than providing services and therapies they need. These one hundred peer-reviewed medical journal articles services should include psychotherapy and Eastern are linking tick-bornediseases to mental symptoms Medicine bodywork practices such as, acupuncture, and quite a few that reference Lyme-induced rages. massage, and chiropractic care, which are known [30] As Dr. Kenneth Bock, M.D. points out in his interventions to help people struggling with mental book, Healing New Childhood Epidemics, PAN health. [35] [36] Unfortunately, the pharmaceutical DAS/PANS seriously impacts the brains of children companies have captured public health policy, and with the diagnosis. The infection attacks the physicians often do not recommend these necessary brain's basal ganglia, causing severe thought mal treatments. When they are recommended, treat functions and maladaptive behavior. The affected ments such as acupuncture are not always covered person could flyinto uncontrollable rages and vio by insurance. lent behavior. [31] 3.8 Sleep Deprivation 3.6 Heavy Metal Toxicity Sleep problems and mental health are closely con Heavy metals can cause illness, aging, genetic de nected, yet not enough emphasis is placed on it. Har fects, and mental health challenges and should be vard Medical School published an article in 2009, more widely acknowledged. Heavy metals such as that linked sleep deprivation with mental health mercury, fluoride, cadmium, aluminum, and lead impairments. "Neuroimaging and neurochemistry can cause brain damage and inflammation. They studies suggest that a good night's sleep helps foster can promote depression, anxiety, aggressive, antiso both mental and emotional resilience, while chronic cial, and violent behaviors. [32] [33] Today, human sleep deprivation sets the stage for negative think ity is exposed to the highest levels of toxic heavy ing and emotional vulnerability." [37] In a 2011 metals in recorded history, and unique biochemi pediatric OCD study published in the Journal of cal, genetic, and nutritional factors can make cer Anxiety Disorders, researchers founda strong corre tain people more susceptible to the effects of them. lation between insufficient sleep and severe compul- 6 183 Sci, Pub Health Pol, & Law Our Flawed Mental Health Policies- July 30, 2019 sive behavior. [38] Individuals are often prescribed save lives. Yet, we must realize that many only a potentially dangerous sleep medication by their offer a quick suppression of symptoms by using physician, without searching deeper to understand artificial chemicals and do not fix anything. They the root causes of the problem. Patients are not carry the potential to cause many adverse effects. provided the metabolic workup that is required, nor Itseems fundamentally irrational. We should look offered natural treatments or remedies. Suggesting to discerndisease otigins with laboratory technol that nutritional deficiencies are linked to sleep dis ogy coupled with good old fashion doctoring. The turbances is considered "radical" by conventional Household Physician -A 20th Century Medica is medical standards. Perhaps this is because there is a twelve-volume text dating back to 1918 includes no money in plant medicine and nutrition. "the latest discoveties in medicine and the most ap proved methods of treatment." There is a section on 3.9 Medications "Diseases of the Brain" that targets explicitly stress, The very medicines aimed at reducing mental health convulsions, and illness of the mother during ges symptoms can have the potential to create more. tation, excessive use of mercury, and issues of the They have known for at least 35 years that psy bowels and digestive tract. The text then discusses chotropic medications have the potential to induce treatments such as sea baths and the importance depression, bipolar, anxiety, OCD, psychosis-like, of minerals, necessary treatment of constipation or manic-like symptoms. One small example: psy "when the bowels are bound," the use of "magne chotic symptoms from Ritalin can include hearing sia" (magnesium), and tonics for debility (herbal voices; visual hallucinations, urges to harm oneself, treatments such as chamomile and cinnamon). urges to harm someone else, suicide, severe anxiety, euphoria, grandiosity, paranoid delusions, confu 5. Resistance to Looking Deeper sion, increased aggression, and irritability. [39] Be Unfortunately, many people are unaware that there sides psychiatric medication there are other classes are healthier and more natural solutions available. of drugs that have also been known to cause psy Some of these people are resistant to change and chiatric symptoms including steroids and antihis look for a quick fix. A doctor may recommend tamines [40]. exercise and dietary changes for weight loss or im proved health. We resist, often looking for the eas 4. Pharmaceutical Companies ier and/or cheaper way out. Another issue is that Have Hijacked Healthcare disease equals big money. Pharmaceutical compa nies have set out to discredit alternative medicine Our doctors treated "deranged minds" and "bound - especially in those areas of most significant drug bowels" with nutrition, gut rehabilitation, and detox profits, such as cancer, heart disease, psychiatric ification long before mainstream medicine came disorders, and allergies. These companies aren't around in the early 1900s. Examination of med only in the business of saving lives. They're also in ical textbooks published before the 1920's prove the business of inflating the profit margins on their this point. The power of plants and the purpose of drugs as much as possible. According to research healing dates back to biblical times. In truth, our firms, these drug companies use the term "scien ancestors searched for underlying causation and im tific evidence" as a political definition to control plemented diet, and natural practices a long time the FDA and National Institutes of Health. They before pharmaceuticals were introduced to the pub buy investigative journalists with their advertising. lic in the late 1900s. Slowly, these early holistic According to Robert, F. Kennedy, Jr.: practices were abandoned to make way for new ad vancements in medicine. Newer often forgets the Seventy percent of the news adver older and wiser, leaving behind the tried and true. tising revenue come from pharmaceu Modern interventions and modern medicines can tical ads. And if you watch television 7 184 Sci, Pub Health Pol, & Law Our Flawed Mental Health Pollcies- July 30, 2019 any night and watch the network news, to manage the health of their patients. We need you'll see they become just a vehicle more due diligence in our healthcare system. And for seJling pharmaceuticals. [41) we need to stop the pharmaceuticals from leading us away from the truth. Just handing out medica They pay doctors and psychiatrists to speak on their tions to address symptoms and hoping the client behalf (as so-called "Key Opinion Leaders") and follows through with recommended weekly indi offer up expensive trips and steep payments. They vidual psychotherapy appointments, is not enough. block financial contributions by using terms like Studies reveal psychiatric medications increase the "unproven treatments," and many "charitable or risk of suicide, violence and homicide at all ages. It ganizations" are pharma front false not-for-profits. seems that the" unanticipated side effects of these Congress seems entirely controlled as well. These medications can be the final trigger in a homicidal are only some of the practices of pharmaceutical or suicidal event.[43) [44) [45] [46) companies that spend millions of dollars to imple ment carefully designed plans. R. Webster Kehr of the Independent Cancer Research Foundation says, References "The FDA, NlH, NCI, ACS and medical schools CIJ C. Bernard Gesch, Sean M. Hammond, and are their puppets." [42) When "alternative" therapy Sarah E. Hampson and. Influence of sup treatments or modalities are recommended, the con plementary vitamins, minerals and essen ventional medical system will often discredit and tial fatty acids on the antisocial behav discourage it. Wikipedia even mentions how the ior of young adult pl'isoners-Randomized, medical community refers to alternativemedicine placebo-controlled trial . The British Journal as "folk knowledge" and homeopathy as"quackery." of Psychiatry, 101:22-28, 2002. I PubMed I. It seems clear that there are some self-serving rea C21 sons for those labels. For example, pharmaceutical University of Southern California. 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I have served as the New London Country Chapter representative, the Vice President, the President, and now hold the position of Advocacy Chair. I am also the Director of the Youth Service Bureau in The Town of Montville, and I am also currently the Juvenile Review Board Case Manager. The many hats we wear as youth service bureau workers includes a great deal of work in the realm of prevention, which is actually part of our statutory mandate in CGS. 10-19m. We appreciate the inclusion of YSBs in the provisionary language of the bill, and hope that we remain part of the conversation as things move forward. We have an already positive relationship with the Department of Children and Families. YSBs also have many years of experience in the usage and delivering of evidence-based programming and services to the populations which we serve on a daily basis. We look forward to working with the Committee on Children members to prevent all occurrences of youth suicide in the state of Connecticut. Please feel free to reach out to either myself or any YSB staff for further support of information. A complete listing of the 102 YSBs can be found at www.ctyouthservices.org . Thank you for your time in reviewing this testimony. Respectfully: Barbara A. Lockhart, MS [email protected] 188 Testimony of Howard Sovronsky, LCSW Chief Behavioral Health Officer at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, to the Children’s Committee Regarding HB 5146, An Act Establishing a Youth Suicide Prevention Pilot Program February 18, 2020 Senator Moore, Representative Linehan, members of the Children’s Committee, thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts about House Bill 5146, An Act Establishing a Youth Suicide Prevention Pilot Program. My name is Howard Sovronsky and I am the Chief Behavioral Health Officer at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. I am submitting this testimony in support of this proposal because too many children and adolescents in Connecticut are dying by suicide or suffering from the trauma and consequences of failed suicide attempts. Before commenting on the bill, I want to provide some background about Connecticut Children’s, a nationally recognized, 187-bed not-for-profit children’s hospital driving innovation in pediatrics. With over 2,900 employees and 1,190 on our medical staff, we are the only hospital in the State dedicated exclusively to the care of children. Our focus on children differentiates us from all other hospitals in Connecticut in several key ways including: our payer mix—more than half of our care is for patients who rely on Medicaid and we receive almost no Medicare payments; our exclusion from the provider tax—which means we were not part of the hospital lawsuit and recent settlement; and our costs, which are predictably higher because children need more hands-on care. One third of all children in our state who are seen in an emergency room with behavioral health concerns are treated at Connecticut Children’s. As you might imagine, depression and suicidal ideation, or threats of self-injury are the most common presenting problem. During FY 2019, 3,750 children and adolescents were seen in Zone C, that part of the Emergency Room specifically designed to meet the unique needs of those experiencing a behavioral health crisis. Recognizing the growing incidence of suicide, we are now screening all children above the age of 10 for suicidal ideation. In the past 6 months, 9,300 children were screened in the emergency room including those coming in for a medical condition. 15% of those children screened tested positively for risks of suicide. This does not include those children who are admitted each year with serious medical complications resulting from failed suicide attempts. At Connecticut Children’s, we have taken innovative approaches to address the behavioral health needs of our children and their families, including launching a Behavioral Health Transitions clinic that offers treatment to these families while they are being connected to supports in their own communities. We know the work we do in our Emergency Department for young people who are emotionally distraught and the behavioral health supports we provide within our in-patient medical services are critically important in preventing adolescent deaths by suicide, but working to prevent youth suicide must be a communitywide and grassroots effort as well. 189 The good news is that treatment is available as long as we can identify these young people early enough and make sure that they are connected with appropriate levels of care. That is why I strongly support this bill that will provide training and clear referral protocols for those staff who interact most with our children and adolescents. Sensitizing youth workers, school personnel, youth service bureaus, youth athletic programs, and employees of municipal social service agencies, will create an army of individuals with the tools necessary to engage in early identification and referral in an effort to prevent the life changing actions taken by a child who is distraught, depressed, and consumed with thoughts of harming themselves. Thank you for your consideration of our position. If you have any questions about this testimony, please contact Jane Baird, Connecticut Children’s Senior Director of External Relations, at 860-837-5557. 2 of 2 190 STATE OF CONNECTICUT Ned Lamont OFFICE OF EARLY CHILDHOOD Governor Beth Bye Susan Bysiewicz Commissioner Lt. Governor Testimony of Beth Bye, Commissioner Office of Early Childhood Before the Committee on Children S.B. 87 – An Act Concerning Eligibility for the Office of Early Childhood’s Child Care Subsidy for Victims of Domestic Violence Tuesday, February 18, 2020 Good morning Senator Moore, Representative Linehan, Senator Kelly, Representative Green and distinguished members of the Committee on Children. My name is Beth Bye, Commissioner of the Office of Early Childhood. I am here today to testify concerning S.B. 87 – An Act Concerning Eligiblity for the Office of Early Childhood’s Child Care Subsidy for Victims of Domestic Violence. The Connecticut Office of Early Childhood advances a two-generation family-centered approach in our pursuit of optimal health, safety and learning outcomes for young children. Through our core programs, we support infant and toddler care, preschool, after-school care, child care and youth camp licensing, home visiting, and early intervention to address developmental delays. The Office of Early Childhood is working toward better coordinated, cost-effective services that support Connecticut’s youngest children and families. We fully appreciate the intent of S.B. 87. Victims of domestic violence are living in an extremely vulnerable situation. Child care provides a parent peace of mind that their child is in a safe and stable place. In 2019, the Office of Early Childhood was made aware of a domestic violence situation where a working parent with young children was denied Care 4 Kids due to residency requirements. The mother secured new housing apart from her abuser, which made her eligible for Care 4 Kids. As a result of access to child care, the parent could take on more work hours and improve her family’s economic stability. There are many other populations who are on our mind as we set policy, including families with young children experiencing homelessness, teen parents, and children with developmental needs, disabilities or health care needs. As we work to build a more integrated, coherent and inclusive child care system, we will do what we can to increase access for these populations. The language in SB 87, as written, raises questions about how the Office of Early Childhood would be able to make a determination whether an individual is a victim of domestic violence. There is concern that our agency does not have the expertise or resources to make that determination. We would be happy to further discuss this area of our concern. Furthermore, we have fiscal concerns about this bill. Thank you for your time and attention. The Office of Early Childhood is committed to work together – with legislators, the executive branch, providers, advocates and parents - to better serve our families with young children. Phone: (860) 500-4412 ∙ Fax: (860) 326-0554 450 Columbus Boulevard, Suite 301 Hartford, Connecticut 06103 www.ct.gov/oec Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer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estimony of Susie DiVietro, PHD Research Scientist at Injury Prevention Center at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, to the Children’s Committee Regarding SB 87, An Act Concerning Eligibility for the Office of Early Childhood’s Child Care Subsidy Program for Victims of Domestic Violence February 18, 2020 Senator Moore, Representative Linehan, members of the Children’s Committee, thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts about Senate Bill 87, An Act Concerning Eligibility for the Office of Early Childhood’s Child Care Subsidy Program for Victims of Domestic Violence. My name is Susie DiVietro and I am a Research Scientist at the Injury Prevention Center at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. I am submitting this testimony in support of this proposal because providing much-needed assistance to victims of domestic violence helps keep kids and families safer. Before commenting on the bill, I want to provide some background about Connecticut Children’s and our work. Connecticut Children’s is a nationally recognized, 187-bed not-for-profit children’s hospital driving innovation in pediatrics. Our Injury Prevention Center is dedicated to reducing injuries and deaths among the pediatric population. Since our founding, the Injury Prevention Center has sought to educate the public on practical measures that they can take to keep themselves and their children safe. Victims of domestic violence often face seemingly insurmountable obstacles to living lives that are free from violence and abuse. Often victims and their families are already involved with various social support systems, yet face many hurdles in trying to access appropriate services while providing a safe environment for their families. Economic abuse is pervasive, leaving victims disconnected from financial resources and desperate. Child care is often one of the biggest items in a family’s budget, and high-quality child care provides important opportunities for children to develop, explore, and grow. Providing victims of domestic violence with the Office of Early Childhood’s Child Care Subsidy Program will allow parents to work or attend school with the confidence that their child is safe and cared for. This subsidy can have an enormous impact on the lives of victims of domestic violence and their families. Thank you for your consideration of our position. If you have any questions about this testimony, please contact Jane Baird, Connecticut Children’s Senior Director of External Relations, at 860-837-5557. 194 Committee on Children Public Testimony of the Connecticut Women’s Education and Legal Fund (CWEALF) S.B. 87: An Act Concerning Eligibility for the Office of Early Childhood’s Child Care Subsidy Program for Victims of Domestic Violence Submitted by: Madeline Granato, Policy Director February 18, 2020 The Connecticut Women’s Education and Legal Fund (CWEALF) is a statewide nonprofit that advocates for and empowers women and girls in Connecticut, especially those who are underserved or marginalized. For forty-six years, CWEALF has advocated for policies that advance the economic security of women across our state, promote gender equity in the workplace, and combat discrimination. Through CWEALF’s Legal Education Program, we also provide information, education, referrals, and bilingual advocacy to the Connecticut community to ensure that all individuals in our state have access to legal justice. The majority of CWEALF’s clients are low-income women with at least one dependent. Many of CWEALF’s clients experience domestic or intimate partner violence. CWEALF urges the Committee to support S.B. 87: An Act Concerning Eligibility for the Office of Early Childhood’s Child Care Subsidy Program for Victims of Domestic Violence, which will allow a victim of domestic violence to access Care 4 Kids. For many survivors of domestic violence, concerns over their ability to provide financially for themselves or their children are a significant reason to stay in or return to an abusive relationship. When survivors of violence have access to resources that advance their economic security, including access to the social safety net, paid sick and safe days, safe housing, and affordable childcare, they and their families are much more likely to remain financially secure. Due to lack of affordable child care options, domestic violence survivors often rely on their abusive partners or ex-partners, or the abuser’s family members, to provide childcare, which places survivors in danger of further or increased physical and/or emotional abuse. Abusers may also intentionally cancel or change their plans to provide childcare as a tactic to interfere with the victim’s work. Many survivors of domestic violence remain in abusive relationships simply because they cannot afford to leave. Access to affordable and quality child care significantly increases victims’ safety and stability. CWEALF urges the Committee to support S.B. 87 and advance the economic security and safety of domestic violence survivors in our state. 195 ccalov Testimony Supporting Member Organizations SB 87, AAC Eligibility for the Office of Early Childhood's Child Care Subsidy Program for Victims of Family Vlolence Committee on Children February 18, 2020 Ansonia, CT Good afternoon Senator Moore, Representative Linehan and members of the committee. CT Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV)is the state's leading Bridgeport, CT voice for victims of domestic violence and those who serve them. Our 18 member organizations provide essential services to nearly 40,000 victims of domestic violence each year. Services provided include 24-hour crisis response, emergency Danbury, CT shelter, safety planning, counseling, support groups and court advocacy. We urge your support of SB 87. Dayville, CT The proposed bill defines domestic violence as a person who has been abused or subjected to extreme cruelty by physical acts that resulted in or were threatened to result in physical injury; sexual abuse; sexual activity Involving a child in the home; being forcedto participate in nonconsensual sexual acts or activities; threats of or Enfleld, CT attemptsat physical or sexual abuse; mental abuse; or neglect or deprivation of medical care. It would add parents fitting this description as a priority group for Care 4 Kids. It would also prevent an abuser's income from being considered in a survivors application for Care 4 Kids. This would help to make it easier for survivors CT Greenwich, of domesticviolence to become independent. 1 in 4 women experience domestic violenceand financial abuse occurs in 99% of Hartford, CT domestic violence cases. Financial abuse can include forbidding the victim to work or sabotaging work opportunities, not allowing the victim access to bank accounts and controlling how money is spent, refusing to pay child support, ormanipulating the divorce process. Many survivors leave an abusive relationship with little or no Meriden, CT resources as a result of financial abuse. Making sure that an abuser's income is not counted when applying for Care 4 Kids would provide a more accurate picture of a survivor's financial situation. Mlddletow11, CT Survivors need to work in order to support themselves and their children when leaving an abusive relationship, but child care in the United States is becoming n unaffordable for most families. If survivors cannot afford child care they may be New Britain, CT unable to go on interviews or they may miss work because they cannot afford to send their child to day care. Being Included as a priority group for the child care subsidy program would make it easier for survivors of domestic violence to access childcare so that they can work to support their family. New Haven, CT Access to child care also provides an opportunity to support children exposed to domestic violence. Child care can offer a safe, stable environment for children and provide them an opportunity to create positive relationships with other adults and New London, CT their peers. Having a safe environment and positive relationships can ease a child's anxiety and help to improve their social emotional development. Norwalk, CT We strongly urge you to support SB 87 which would be one important way to support survivors of domestic violence in achieving financial independence. Sharon, CT Tess Leone Intern UConn MSW '20 Stamford, CT Forquestions pleasecontact Liza Andrews, Director ofPubfic Policy & Communication,at [email protected] 655 Winding Brook Drive Suite4050 Glastonbury,CT 06033 Torrington, CT 860.282.7899 860.282.7892Fax www.ctcadv.org 196 Written Testimony by the American Beverage Association Before the Connecticut Committee on Children S.B. 88 - An Act Concerning Children’s Menus February 18, 2020 Chairwoman Linehan and Chairwoman Moore and members of the Committee, thank you for the opportunity to comment on S.B. 88 – An Act Concerning Children’s Menus on behalf of the American Beverage Association (ABA) and its members who produce and distribute most of the refreshment beverages sold in Connecticut. The ABA is the trade association representing the non-alcoholic beverage industry. ABA represents beverage producers, distributors, franchise companies and support businesses that employ nearly 3,000 people in the state, with a direct economic impact of $2.2 billion. ABA members offer consumers hundreds of brands, flavors, and packages, including regular and low- / no- calorie soft drinks, bottled water and water beverages, 100 percent juice and juice drinks, sports drinks, ready-to-drink teas and coffees, and milk. ABA’s Default Beverages in Children’s Meals Policy The ABA and America’s leading beverage companies recognize that parents are more than capable of making the food and beverage choices that are best for their families. When it comes to their youngest children, we have repeatedly heard from parents that they believe that water, milk or juice are the best options. It should be up to a parent to decide if their child can have another kind of beverage as part of a meal or snack at home, or when they are out to eat. This is why we are committed to working with our restaurant customers and policymakers across the country who are interested in adopting the following default beverages in children’s meals: x Water – Water, sparkling water or flavored water, with no added natural or artificial sweeteners; and/or • Milk – Flavored or unflavored nonfat or low-fat (1 percent) dairy milk or non-dairy beverage that is nutritionally equivalent to fluid milk (i.e. soy milk) in a serving size of 8 ounces or less; and/or • Juice – 100 percent fruit or vegetable juice, or fruit and/or vegetable juice combined with water or carbonated water, with no added natural or artificial sweeteners, in a serving size of 8 ounces or less. This language is consistent with the “Smart Snacks in Schools” rule that was implemented by the United States Department of Agriculture as part of the “Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010.” It is also consistent with the new children’s meal standard enacted by the New York City Council and Delaware Legislature in 2019. American Beverage Association – 1275 Pennsylvania Ave, NW – Washington, DC 20004 – 202-463-6732 Classified - Confidential 197 America's beverage companies have long believed it is important to listen to and support parents. That's why we implemented national School Beverage Guidelines almost a decade ago to remove full-calorie beverages from schools and why our member companies don’t market to children under the age of 12. These actions keep parents in the driver’s seat to decide what’s best for their children. Conclusion The ABA and its member companies are committed to offering our consumers choices and we support the intention of S.B. 88, but respectfully request the Committee consider the ABA’s Default Beverages in Children’s Meals Policy in place of the current language in S.B. 88. We would fully support this legislation if 100 percent fruit and/or vegetable juice and flavored nonfat or low-fat milks were included as default beverage options, consistent with the science-based nutrition standards for beverages laid out in the Smart Snacks in Schools Rules and enacted laws in New York City and Delaware. When similar legislation was introduced in 2019 the sponsors were receptive to these recommendations and hope the committee will consider them again. It’s important to have consistent standards for the benefit of parents and to avoid the confusion and frustration from a patchwork of policies. American Beverage Association – 1275 Pennsylvania Ave, NW – Washington, DC 20004 – 202-463-6732 Classified - Confidential 198 TESTIMONY OF TRINITY HEALTH OF NEW ENGLAND SUBMITTED TO THE COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN CARLOS BROWN REGIONAL VICE PRESDIENT COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELL BEING Tuesday, February 18, 2020 SB 88, An Act Concerning Children’s Menus Ǥ SB 88, An Act Concerning Children’s MenusǤ ǡǯ ǡ ǡ Ǥ ǡ ǡ ǡǦ Ǥ ͳ͵ǡͲͲͲ Ǥ ʹͷǡͲͲͲ ǡͶͲǡͲͲͲ ͷǡͲͲͲǤ ǡ ǡ ǡ ǡ Ǥǡ ̈́͵Ͷ Ǥ ǯǤ ǯǤ ǡǡ Ǥǡ ǡǡ Ǥ ǫ ǡ Ǥ 1000 Asylum Avenue, 5th Floor • Hartford, CT 06105 • 860-714-1900 • TrinityHealthOfNE.org 199 ǡǡǤ ǦͳͺǤͷΨǡ Ǥ Ǥ Ǥ Ǥ Ǥ ǡ ǡ ǡ ͺͲǦͳͶǦͲͶ͵̷Ǧ ǤǤ 1000 Asylum Avenue, 5th Floor • Hartford, CT 06105 • 860-714-1900 • TrinityHealthOfNE.org 200 r-Olt YOUTHOf.V!lLOi'M iiiNT 1'011'IJ�A�1'1W �MNG FOJ?. 500Al >!1'5PONS:tB1UTY John L Cattelan Executive Director, Connecticut Alliance of YMCAs S.B. 88, AN ACT CONCERNING CHILDREN'S MENUS Committee on Children February 18, 2020 Senator Moore, Representative Linehan and members of the Children Committee, thank you for the opportunity to testify today. My name is John Cattelan and I am here today on behalf of the Connecticut Alliance of YMCAs. The Alliance represents 21 YMCAs across the state of Connecticut. I'm here today to urge the members of this committee to support S.B. 88, An Act Concerning Children's Menus. The bill requires a restaurant that sells a combination of food items and a beverage, sold together at a single price, and primarily intended for consumption by children, to make the default beverage offe red with the meal a healthful option. This bill does not ban the sale of soda! A sugary drink can still be provided with a children's meal at no additional cost, but the customer must explicitly ask to replace the healthful drink with a sugary beverage. 201 The Connecticut Alliance of YMCAs is keenly aware of the staggering rates of childhood obesity rates in Connecticut. Thirty-th ree percent of the children in Connecticut are obese or overweight. This is not just a problem, this is an epidemic. I would suggest that if thirty-three percent of the children in our state where impacted by some type of disease, the Connecticut General Assembly would rise to the occasion to try to solve this problem. Sugary beverages are a top source of calories in children's diets and do not typically provide any positive nutritional value. Drinking just one sugary drink a day increases a child's likelihood of bei ng overweight by 55 percent. S.B. 88 will improve children's health by setting nutrition beverage sta ndards for children's meals served in Connecticut. Childhood obesity impacts a child's long-term health and performance in the classroom. It can also have a lifelong psychological effect on a child. The direct measurement of height and weight in an Every Smile Counts Obesity Survey from 2012 revealed that almost one-third (31. 7%) of Connecticut students in kindergarten and 3rd grade are overweight or obese. 202 Dr. Rebeca London from Stanford University stated it's been esta bl ished that there's a link between students' obesity or physical fitness and academic achievement. According to a 2015 research study that was published in Pediatric Obesity, children who are overweight or obese are frequently victimized by peers and being overweight is one of the most prevalent reasons for peer harassment reported by youth. We are all aware regarding the long term impact of bullying. According to the Connecticut Department of Health, overweight children and adolescents are at risk for many serious physical, social and mental health problems - both during their youth and as adults. The Connecticut Alliance of YMCAs understands the need to develop more comprehensive anti-obesity strategies that go beyond simply imposing a ban on certain beverages and requiring exercise, but this is a start in the ri ght direction. We believe it's very clear that if we want our children to become productive adults in our society, we must continue to address the childhood obesity epidemic. 203 Connecticut Department of Public Health Testimony Presented Before the Committee on Children February 18, 2020 Commissioner Renée D. Coleman-Mitchell, M.P.H. 860-509-7101 Senate Bill 88, An Act Concerning Children’s Menus The Department of Public Health (DPH) provides the following information regarding Senate Bill 88, which aims to require restaurants to include certain beverages on children's menus and in children's meals. Thank you for the opportunity to testify on this important issue. While DPH takes no position to the intent of this legislation, this bill goes beyond the purview of regulatory oversight assigned to certified food inspectors in Connecticut. Senate Bill 88 is in response to a nutritional and wellness issue, which does not fall under the realm of food safety duties. Therefore, the agency does not support the development of regulations as a means of enforcement to this bill, since Section 19a-36 of the Connecticut General Statutes is not intended to address nutritional issues. Thank you for your consideration of this information. Phone: (860) 509-7269, 410 Capitol Avenue - MS # 13GRE, P.O. Box 340308 Hartford, CT 06134 An Equal Opportunity Employer 204 Re: SB 88: AN ACT CONCERNING CHILDREN'S MENUS Dear Members of the Committee on Children, I urge you to reconsider SB 88. I oppose this bill because as written, this bill would eliminate flavored milk from children’s menus. As a Connecticut dairy farmer, I would like you to consider 3 important factors before voting on this bill. First, no other beverage offers the nutritional value of milk (flavored or unflavored). A single serving of milk provides 8 grams of protein along with 9 essential nutrients: calcium, potassium, phosphorus, protein, vitamins A, D and B12, riboflavin and niacin. Secondly, fluid drinking milk is locally sourced 365 days/year. This is one ingredient on the menu that is in fact coming from our local farm families every day of the year and on average travels less than 100 miles from farm to plate. In just 48 hours, milk travels from farm to store, making it a truly fresh food option. Third, Connecticut is home to just under 100 farm families that work hard every day to provide this local, nutritionally packed food source. These families are working hard to both maintain our rural landscapes (70% of Connecticut’s open space is maintained by dairy farmers) while producing an incredibly valuable source of protein and nutrition. The impacts of limiting what type of milk our children can access from children’s menus will have a ripple effect to our farms. Please reconsider eliminating flavored milk from children’s menus. It provides children a valuable serving of protein and nutrients that no other beverage offers, it’s local and fresh every day of the year, and for these reasons, it deserves to stay on the menu. Thank you, Amanda Freund 342 Norfolk Road East Canaan, CT 06024 205 Susan Hastings Hastings Farm LLC 472 Hill Street Suffield, CT 06078 RE: SB No. 88 An Act Concerning Children’s Menus Dear Chairperson, As a resident of Connecticut and a dairy farmer I am writing to you to express my concerns with SB 88 which would require restaurants to include certain beverages on children’s menus and in children’s meals, and why I don’t support this bill. I believe the goal of SB 88 is to limit the amount of sugar children are consuming in the beverages they drink by restricting the selections to drinks with no or very little added sugar. In doing so this bill is unfortunately eliminating flavored milk as a choice of beverage. Flavored milk is a nutrient-dense beverage which can help children improve their diet quality, and help meet the recommended daily servings of dairy. There is research that shows that flavored milk contributes just 3% of added sugars to kid’s diets versus sodas and fruit drinks, which account for close to half of the added sugar, and provide much less if any nutritional value. The benefit of all the nutrients available in milk far out weight the small amount of added sugar, why take away this nutritious choice of beverage? Another benefit of flavored milk is it’s a great workout recovery drink. Children going out to eat after participating in a sports event would benefit from having a glass of chocolate milk. There are quite a few studies available that support this, more information is available at www.nationaldairycouncil.org if you are interested. Section 1 (c) of the bill states that restaurants are not prohibited from selling a beverage that is not included on a children’s menu as part of a grouped children’s meal upon the request of the customer. So why not just include the flavored milk in the children’s meal selection if it can be available upon request? Let’s try to encourage consumption of beverages that children enjoy and are good for them. Finally, as a dairy farmer, I want to see our wonderful product available in all it’s forms to everyone with no restrictions on menus. I suggest that the language if SB 88 be changed to include flavored milk in the options available on children’s menus. Thank you for the opportunity of share my concerns with you, and I encourage you to not pass SB 88 as it is written as it would not be in the best interest of children or dairy farmers. Respectfully Submitted, Susan Hastings 206 1034 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215 617-734-6750 February 18, 2020 Representative Liz Linehan Senator Marilyn Moore Co-Chairpersons, Committee on Children State Capitol Building, Room 011 Hartford, CT 06106 Dear Representative Linehan and Senator Moore, I am writing on behalf of New England Dairy & Food Council and New England Dairy Promotion Board regarding HB 88 AN ACT CONCERNING CHILDREN’S MENUS. By law, our organizations cannot take a position on legislation. My purpose in writing today is to provide background on who we are and offer information about flavored milk nutrition that may aid in your deliberations. Our organizations’ mission is to champion New England dairy farm families and the nutritious foods they produce. We are funded by dairy farmers in five New England states (and New York) as part of the dairy Checkoff program, whereby dairy farmers across the country are required to contribute $0.10 per hundredweight of milk produced to fund local dairy promotion. Locally, we receive most of those funds contributed by New England dairy farmers including from the Connecticut Milk Promotion Board. We operate exclusively in five New England states (CT, MA, NH, RI and VT) and work on behalf of dairy farmers in these states to grow demand and trust for New England dairy products. Staffed mainly by registered dietitians, our areas of expertise and focus include school nutrition and youth development, health professional outreach/partnerships, and consumer communications. Public health authorities have identified the increasing rate of childhood obesity as a serious health issue and have taken measures to address it. We share this concern for the health and wellbeing of children and acknowledge there are many proven strategies to address this issue. However, in the process of addressing obesity, flavored milk has become a focus of attention due to its added sugar content. Interestingly enough, research conducted on the health implications of flavored milk has consistently shown that flavored milk is a nutrient-rich beverage choice for children, which may help meet nutrient shortfalls in the diets of children and does not contribute to overweight or obesity. Milk is a nutrient-rich beverage choice for adults and children, and as such has been included in dietary guidance for decades. Like plain milk, flavored milk provides nine essential nutrients per 8-ounce glass, three of which (calcium, vitamin D, and potassium) are considered nutrients of public health concern according to the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. 1 On average, by the time children are 6 years old, they fall below the Dietary Guidelines for Americans’ recommended daily dairy servings, which means they miss out on essential nutrients.2 There is no evidence to suggest that the sugar added to flavored milk has any negative impact on children’s nutrition or health. An analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2009-2010 found that dairy products (including but not limited to milk) made up 207 4% of added sugars in the diets of Americans ages 2 years old and up.1 Comparatively, soft drinks, fruit drinks, and sport drinks—providing no nutritional value—collectively made up 39% of overall added sugars. Leading health and nutrition organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Heart Association have recognized that the small amount of added sugar in flavored milk, which increases palatability, can be an acceptable trade-off for the valuable nutrition it provides.3,4 Furthermore, dairy industry innovation has led to lower sugar formulations of flavored milk that are available for foodservice and restaurant operations. Dairy Management Incorporated, the national checkoff program, partnered with McDonald’s food scientists to develop a reduced-sugar, low-fat chocolate milk with 25 percent less sugar than McDonald’s previous chocolate milk. This formulation became available starting in January 2020 and allows consumers the opportunity to enjoy low fat chocolate milk while gaining the same nutritional benefits of plain milk. While the impact of flavored milk and added sugar has been cited as a concern, the evidence does not support this. One study found that when children consumed flavored milk, they had higher overall milk consumption and calcium intake, drank fewer soft drinks and fruit drinks, and had similar fat and added sugars intake compared to children who did not consume flavored milk.5 Another study found that children and adolescents who consumed flavored milk had higher milk consumption than plain milk drinkers with comparable intakes of key nutrients like vitamin D, calcium, and potassium and no impact on BMI.6 Yet another study found that children and adolescents who drank plain or flavored milk had similar total milk and dairy intake with no statistical differenFH in free sugar intake or body weight measures.7 Research has shown that flavored milk consumption is not associated with an increase in BMI or body weight in adolescents in the U.S regardless of ethnicity.8 I hope that this information provides insight to the Committee on Children about how flavored milk is a nutrient-rich food choice, supplies important nutrients to the diet, and contributes to the overall health and wellbeing of children. Best Regards,g , JennyJ KlMSRKarl, MS, RD Chief Executive Officer New England Dairy & Food Council New England Dairy Promotion Board References 1. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2015 – 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. 8th Edition. December 2015.https://health.gov/dietaryguidelines/2015/guidelines/. 2. Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee. February 2015. Scientific Report of the 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee; Advisory Report to the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. 3. Snacks, Sweetened Beverages, Added Sugars, and Schools. Council on School Health, Committee on Nutrition. Pediatrics. March 2015; 135 (3) 575-583. http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/135/3/575. 4. Johnson RK, Appel LJ, Brands M, Howard BV, Lefevre M, Lustig RH, Sacks F, Steffen LM, Wylie-Rosett J, American Heart Association Nutrition Committee of the Council on Nutrition PA, et al. Dietary sugars intake and cardiovascular health: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation 2009; 120:1011- 1020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19704096. 5. Johnson RK, Frary C, Wang MQ. The nutritional consequences of flavored-milk consumption by school-aged children and adolescents in the United States. J Am Diet Assoc 2002;102:853-856. 208 6. Murphy, Mary M. et al. Drinking Flavored or Plain Milk Is Positively Associated with Nutrient Intake and Is Not Associated with Adverse Effects on Weight Status in US Children and Adolescents. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, April 2018; 108: 631 – 639. 7. Fayet-Moore F, Cassettari T, McConnell A, Kim J, Petocz P. Australian children and adolescents who were drinkers of plai and flavored milk had the highest intakes of milk, total dairy, and calcium. Nutrition Research. June 2019; 66:68-81. 8. Cifelli C, Houchins J, Demmer E, Fuloni III V. The Relationship Between Flavored Milk Consumption, Diet Quality, Body Weight, and BMI z-Score Among Children and Adolescents of Different Ethnicities. FASEB J. April 2016; 30:1154.12. https://www.fasebj.org/doi/abs/10.1096/fasebj.30.1_supplement.1154.12 209 February 18, 2020 Testimony before the Committee on Children in support of S.B. No. 88 AN ACT CONCERNING CHILDREN'S MENUS. Senator Moore, Representative Linehan and members of the Committee, my name is Sally Mancini and I am the Director of Advocacy Resources at the UConn Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity. The UConn Rudd Center’s mission is to promote solutions to childhood obesity, poor diet, and weight bias through research and policy. We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to eat healthfully. Imagine a world where parents can take their children out to restaurants and the healthy choice is also the easy choice—parents and children selecting a beverage in a place where water and plain milk or a milk alternative were offered as the automatic option in kids’ meals, rather than forced to compete alongside sugary drinks like soda and fruit drinks. S.B. 88, a healthy default kids’ meal beverage policy is about making it a little easier for parents. This type of policy has already been passed by three states and 14 municipalities, including New York City and most recently Philadelphia.1 Connecticut parents deserve the same level of support. Sugary drink consumption is cause for concern Sugary drinks (regular soda, fruit drinks, sports and energy drinks, and sweetened teas, coffees, and waters) contribute almost one-half of all added sugar consumed by children and adolescents in the United States.2 On average, children are consuming over 30 gallons of sugary drinks every year—enough to fill a bathtub.3 Sugary drinks, unlike junk foods which may contribute some nutrition to diets, are just “empty” calories. The excess consumption of added sugars, primary through sugary drinks, is a major contributor to the high rates of childhood obesity in the United States,4,5 especially among our most socioeconomically vulnerable children,6 and increases the risk for chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease7 and type 2 diabetes.8 Sugary drinks are inexpensive, in abundant supply, and are highly appealing. Fast food and sugary drinks are heavily marketed to children, especially children of color, often using celebrities and sports stars. In 2017, companies spent $168 million to advertise fast food, sugary drinks, candy, and snacks on Black-targeted TV, compared to $4 million on 100% juice, water, yogurt and other dairy (see Attachment A).9 Public policies, like S.B. 88, are needed to reduce consumption Policy is a powerful tool that can aid in reducing sugary drink intake and improving child nutrition. In an April 2019 policy statement on sugary drinks, the American Academy of Pediatrics 1 210 (AAP) and the American Heart Association (AHA) make this recommendation: “Policies that make healthy beverages the default should be widely adopted and followed.”3 A healthy default beverage policy, like S.B. 88, is one of six key recommendations included in the joint AAP and AHA policy statement on public policies to reduce sugary drink consumption. The UConn Rudd Center encourages the Committee to consider additional policies to improve child health outcomes in our state. UConn Rudd Center healthier kids’ meal research: monitoring a must The Rudd Center has extensively researched restaurants’ healthier kids’ meal policies. We recently examined restaurants voluntary pledges to improve the nutritional quality of their kids’ meals as well as parents’ reported purchases for their children at fast-food restaurants.10,11 Our findings reveal that implementation of these policies requires monitoring. For example, restaurants with voluntary policies listed healthier drinks on their kids’ meal online menus as promised, but not all restaurants removed sugary soda and other soft drinks from kids’ meal menu boards inside restaurants. As currently written, the bill does include a monitoring component, and we encourage the Committee to keep that section intact. We thank the Committee for raising this bill and we welcome questions and/or requests for additional information on the UConn Rudd Center’s research regarding healthier kids’ meals. Sally Mancini, [email protected] 1Center for Science in the Public Interest (2019). State and Local Restaurant Kids’ Meal Policies. Available at: https://cspinet.org/sites/default/files/attachment/CSPI%20chart%20of%20local%20km%20policies%20July%202019.pdf 2 Powell ES, Smith-Taillie LP, Popkin BM (2016). Added sugars intake across the distribution of US children and adult consumers: 1977-2012. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 116(10), 1543-1550. 3 Muth ND, Dietz WH, Magge SN, Johnson RK (2019). American Academy of Pediatrics Policy Statement. Public policies to reduce sugary drink consumption in children and adolescents. Pediatrics, 143(4). 4 De Ruyter JC, Olthof MR, Seidell JC, Katan MB (2012). A trial of sugar-free or sugar-sweetened beverages and body weight in children. N Engl J Med., 367(15):1397–1406 5 Luger M, Lafontan M, Bes-Rastrollo M, Winzer E, Yumuk V, Farpour-Lambert N (2017). Sugar-sweetened beverages and weight gain in children and adults: a systematic review from 2013 to 2015 and a comparison with previous studies. Obes Facts, 10(6):674– 693. 6 Ogden CL, Carroll MD, Lawman HG, et al (2016). Trends in obesity prevalence among children and adolescents in the United States, 1988-1994 through 2013-2014. JAMA, 315(21):2292–2299. 7 Vos MB, Kaar JL, Welsh JA, et al; American Heart Association Nutrition Committee of the Council on Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health; Council on Clinical Cardiology; Council on Cardiovascular Disease in the Young; Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing; Council on Epidemiology and Prevention; Council on Functional Genomics and Translational Biology; Council on Hypertension (2017). Added sugars and cardiovascular disease risk in children: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation, 135(19): e1017–e1034. 8 Malik VS, Popkin BM, Bray GA, Després JP, Willett WC, Hu FB (2010). Sugar-sweetened beverages and risk of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis. Diabetes Care, 33(11):2477–2483. 9 Harris, JL, et. al (2019). Increasing Disparities in Unhealthy Food Advertising Targeted to Black and Hispanic Youth. Rudd Center Report. Available at: http://www.uconnruddcenter.org/targeted-marketing 10 Harris, JL, et al (2017). Are Fast-Food Restaurants Keeping Their Promises to Offer Healthier Kids’ Meals? Rudd Center Report. Available at: http://www.uconnruddcenter.org/files/Pdfs/Healthier%20kids%20meals%20two%20pager_final.pdf 11 Harris, JL, et al (2018). Parents’ Reports of Fast-Food Purchases for Their Children: Have They Improved? Rudd Report. Available at: http://uconnruddcenter.org/files/272- 10%20%20Healthier%20Kids%20Meals%20Parent%20Survey%20Report_Release_8_31_18.pdf 2 211 Attachment A 3 212 As a concerned Parent and a farmer in the state of Connecticut I find it disappointing that a debate regarding keeping Milk flavors in school is even on the table. With Dairy receiving enough flak from marketing convincing the public that plant based alternatives are nutritional substitutes, we should be giving our students every opportunity to enhance their nutritional well being with a calcium dense serving 1x daily. I have worked in schools for the past 5 years and grew disappointed that not only is there no Whole Milk option but there that we also bargain shop for Milk and instead of most districts opting for quality milk products, typically Wades is chosen as a distributor over full bodied, nutrient dense Hood or comparable competitors. We should be promoting local dairy farmers and giving our children the best quality that we can offer, if their preference is for a flavor, we should not discriminate based on student desires. Often, students needing financial support are the ones receiving daily milk through school milk programs. Why should we disadvantage these families more by taking free choice away and continually advocating for low quality nutritional options. It is for these reasons that I believe flavored milk should remain in the school systems. Thank you, Stephanie Maynard 213 Testimony regarding: S.B. 88, AN ACT CONCERNING CHILDREN'S MENUS Submitted By: Marie B. Miszewski, Regional YMCA of Western CT Good afternoon Senator Moore, Representative Linehan, and members of the Committee on Children. My name is and I am President & CEO of the Regional YMCA of Western CT. Thank you for the opportunity to submit testimony in support of S.B. 88, An Act Concerning Children’s Menus. x The bill requires a restaurant that sells a children’s meal to make the default beverage offered with the meal a healthful option. A sugary drink can still be provided with a children’s meal at no additional cost, but the customer must ask to replace the healthy drink with a sugary beverage. x Our YMCA is committed to the nutritional health of the children in our state, and support practices which would help direct families towards health beverage options. All of our Childcare Centers and Summer Day Camps follow the Heathy Eating & Physical Activity standards (HEPA) x All of Connecticut’s YMCAs are aware of the staggering rates of childhood obesity rates in Connecticut. Thirty-three percent of the children in Connecticut are obese or overweight. This is not just a problem, this is an epidemic. x I believe it’s very clear that if we want our children to become productive adults in our society, we must continue to address the childhood obesity epidemic. Conclusion x This bill simply makes it easier for CT parents to make a healthier choice for their kids and I hope members of the Committee on Children will support this legislation. 214 State of Connecticut HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES STATE CAPITOL HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT 06106-1591 DEPUTY SPEAKER REPRESENTATIVE MARY M. MUSHINSKY EIGHTY-FIFTH ASSEMBLY DISTRICT MEMBER ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE FINANCE, REVENUE AND BONDING COMMITTEE LEGISLATIVE OFFICE BUILDING, ROOM 4038 HIGHER EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT ADVANCEMENT HARTFORD, CT 06106-1591 COMMITTEE HOME: (203) 269-8378 CAPITOL: (860) 240-8585 TOLL FREE: 1-800-842-1902 E-mail: [email protected] Testimony of Rep. Mary Mushinsky in Support of SB 88, An Act Concerning Children's Menus, and SB 89, An Act Concerning School Lunch Debt Before the Committee on Children February 18, 2020 1:00 p.m. Room 1B Thank you, Committee on Children, for raising these bills concerning child nutrition. I am a former chairwoman of this committee and children's welfare remains a high priority. SB 88, An Act Concerning Children's Menus, would require beverages on child menus at restaurants include only low sugar, healthy beverages such as water, flavored waters with fruit or vegetable, milk or non-dairy milk alternatives. Beverages with added sugar are implicated in life- long patterns of poor nutrition, obesity and tooth decay that begin in childhood. Illness from poor nutrition in childhood is difficult to fix later in life, when health problems arise. This bill will help children to choose from healthier, low sugar alternatives and lead to healthier adults. SB 89, An Act Concerning School Lunch Debt, will prevent the withholding of meals from students whose parents have not paid the child's food service debt and allow the establishment of a fund to assist those families with an unpaid debt. While I am not aware of any Connecticut incidents, in other states, according to news reports, school officials removed hot meals from the students' trays and threw them in the trash if the family had an unpaid bill. This is cruelty to a child that should be prohibited. It is not the child's fault if parents have failed to pay a food service debt. The result of withholding food is hunger, poor concentration in class, and humiliation for the child. Establishment of a fund for needy students will help the child and the school district. 215 78 Beaver Road, Suite 2A, Wethersfield CT 06109-2201 860-768-1100 • Fax 860-768-1108 • www.cfba.org February 14, 2020 Submitted by Joan Nichols, Executive Director, Connecticut Farm Bureau Association Testimony in Opposition to: SB 88 AN ACT CONCERNING CHILDREN’S MENUS Representative Linehan, Senator Moore and members of the Committee on Children, Connecticut Farm Bureau Association (CFBA) is a private non-profit membership organization representing nearly 2,500 farming families in the state of Connecticut. CFBA is also the leading trade organization for Connecticut dairy farmers. Connecticut Farm Bureau Association opposes any effort to restrict children’s access to milk. Milk is a healthy, wholesome and nutritious beverage. Connecticut dairy farmers take pride in the quality product they produce and rely on Connecticut consumers for their fluid milk market. The CT Department of Agriculture administers the CT Milk Promotion Board and milk promotion efforts, and dairy farms pay into the New England Milk Promotion Board to increase awareness and consumption of milk. Removing consumer access to milk is in direct opposition to these investments and programs. Milk contains nine essential nutrients that improve health; including calcium, phosphorus, protein, vitamins A, D and B12, pantothenic acid, riboflavin and niacin. Flavored milk provides a more attractive option for children to consume these nutrients. CFBA opposes any effort to reduce children’s access to milk. The Voice of Connecticut Agriculture 216 Testimony of Dr. Nancy Trout, MD, MPH Primary Care Pediatrician & Obesity Medicine Physician, Co-Director of the Kohl’s Start Childhood Off Right Program at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center to the Children’s Committee Regarding SB 88, An Act Concerning Children’s Menus February 18, 2020 Senator Moore, Representative Linehan, members of the Children’s Committee, thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts about Senate Bill 88, An Act Concerning Children’s Menus. My name is Dr. Nancy Trout and I am a Primary Care Pediatrician and Obesity Medicine Physician at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center and Co-Director of the Kohl’s Start Childhood Off Right (SCOR) program through the Office for Community Child Health at Connecticut Children’s. The SCOR program’s mission is to prevent childhood obesity by promoting healthy eating habits from birth. I am submitting this testimony in support of this proposed legislation because childhood obesity can lead to adverse health outcomes that often follow kids into adulthood. Before commenting on the bill, I want to provide some background about Connecticut Children’s, a nationally recognized, 187-bed not-for-profit children’s hospital driving innovation in pediatrics. With over 2,900 employees and 1,190 on our medical staff, we are the only hospital in the State dedicated exclusively to the care of children. Our focus on children differentiates us from all other hospitals in Connecticut in several key ways including: our payer mix—more than half of our care is for patients who rely on Medicaid and we receive almost no Medicare payments; our exclusion from the provider tax— which means we were not part of the hospital lawsuit and recent settlement; and our costs, which are predictably higher because children need more hands-on care. It is worth noting that more than half of our inpatient care is for infants and 70% is for children under age 6. Childhood obesity has tripled over the past 30 years and disproportionately affects low- income Black and Latino children. Childhood obesity presents an alarming public health threat, creating staggering health care needs and costs with its associated chronic health conditions including heart disease, diabetes, asthma, joint problems, and mental health issues. The most recent Connecticut Childhood Obesity Report in 2018 estimated that approximately 32% of Connecticut children 2-17 years old are overweight or obese. Among children age 2 to 4 years participating in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program in CT, over 30% are overweight or obese, the 12th highest rate within the 50 states. And 25% of Connecticut 217 children <18 years old drink at least one 12 oz. soda or sugar sweetened beverage per day.1 Over 90% of parents report purchasing at least one fast food meal a week for their child at one of the 4 largest fast food chains, and a recently published study in the American Journal of Public Health showed that less than 20% of meal bundles include healthier sides and drinks. 2 As drink calories can be a substantial portion of a child’s daily calories, having water or milk as the default drink option for all kids’ meals is sound public health policy and will help promote a healthier weight for Connecticut’s children. Eliminating sugar-sweetened beverages will also contribute to better oral health with reduced tooth decay. As I see the increasing rates of obesity in my young patients, where pre-teen and teenage children weighing over 200 pounds with adult diseases such as type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease becoming more common, making simple policy changes such as S.B. No. 88 is a small but essential step toward a healthier population. The bill will not preclude parents from choosing other drinks for their children if they want to purchase them, but it will help make the healthiest choice the easiest choice. As fast food offers parents a convenient and affordable option for feeding their families, we should strive to make these meals as healthy as possible for children. Most parents will welcome the healthier option for their children. As obesity tends to track from early childhood into adolescence and adulthood, early childhood, when children are eating ‘kid’s meals’ is a critical time to ensure that young children are growing at a healthy weight by being given the healthiest choices of food and beverages. Children at ages 2-5 years with a body mass index (BMI) > 85%ile for sex and age are 5 times more likely to be overweight and obese at age 12 than those with a normal BMI.3 A study out of Harvard published in the New England Journal of Medicine last year showed that simulated growth models predict that 57% of today’s 2 year olds will be obese by age 35.4 The costs of obesity on our economy are staggering and will continue to rise. Childhood obesity alone leads to $14 billion in direct medical costs.5 Sugary drink consumption among young children is cause for concern. Last year, the American Academy of Pediatrics, in collaboration with 3 other health care associations, issued a consensus recommendation for healthy beverages for children from birth to 5 years which includes water and unflavored milk as the healthiest options.6 Sugar-sweetened beverages are one of the top contributors to total energy intake for children. Soft drinks are a main source of added sugars intake for young children and have been shown to displace milk in the diet, thereby interfering with nutrition goals for vitamin D and calcium through milk consumption.7 Sugary drinks (soda; fruit, energy, and sports; sweetened teas and waters) have become a staple of the American diet. These drinks are inexpensive, in abundant supply, and are highly 2 of 3 218 appealing. They are heavily marketed to children, and especially black and Latino children, frequently using celebrities and sports stars. More than half of toddlers consume one or more servings of sweetened beverages per day. 8 For every additional daily serving of sugar sweetened beverages, a child’s risk of becoming obese increases by 60%.9 SB 88 gives Connecticut an opportunity to make kid’s meals healthier for the children consuming them. This policy change will have an impact on the health of the children in our state and it is an important step in making the food environment a healthier one. Thank you for your consideration of our position. If you have any questions about this testimony, I am happy to answer them and provide further research on this topic. I can be reached at, [email protected]. Please also feel free to contact Jane Baird, Connecticut Children’s Senior Director of External Relations, at 860-837- 5557. ______ 1. Poulin, S.M. & Peng, J. (2018). Connecticut Childhood Obesity Report, 2018. Hartford, CT: Connecticut Department of Public Health 2. Megan P. Mueller, Parke Wilde, Sara C. Folta, Stephanie Anzman-Frasca, Christina D. Economos, “Availability of Healthier Children’s Menu Items in the Top Selling Quick Service Restaurant Chains (2004–2015)”, American Journal of Public Health 109, no. 2 (February 1, 2019): pp. 267-269 3. Nader, P, et al. Identifying Risk for Obesity in Early Childhood, Pediatrics. Sep 2006; 118(3)e594-e601 4. Ward, ZJ, et al. Simulation of Growth Trajectories of Childhood Obesity into Adulthood, NEJM(2017); 377:2145-53 5. Cawley, J. The Economics of Childhood Obesity, Health Affairs (2010); 29(3):364-71 6. Lott M, Callahan E, Welker Duffy E, Story M, Daniels S. Healthy Beverage Consumption in Early Childhood: Recommendations from Key National Health and Nutrition Organizations. Consensus Statement. Durham, NC: Healthy Eating Research, 2019. Available at http://healthyeatingresearch.org. 7. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; Health and Medicine Division; Food and Nutrition Board. Strategies to Limit Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption in Young Children: Proceedings of a Workshop. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2017 Dec 13. 3, Beverage Intake Guidelines Applicable to Young Children. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK475738/ 8. Sugary Drink Facts, The Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity. www.sugarydrinkfacts.org, accessed February 4, 2019 9. Ludwig DS, Peterson KE, Gortmaker SL. Relation between consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks and childhood obesity: a prospective, observational analysis. Lancet, 357:505-508, 2001. 3 of 3 219 American Heart Association Children's Committee Public Hearing - February 18, 2020 SB 88 AAC Children's Menus Jim Williams, Government Relations Director American Heart Association I would like to thank the leadership and members of the Children's Committee for providing me with the opportunity to comment in favor of SB 88 AAC Children's Meals. The American Heart Association (AHA) has grown into the nation's oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. Onr mission is to be a relentless force fora world of longer, healthier lives. The AHA supports this proposed bill because we strongly believe that it will ultimately help to build healthier lives for Connecticut children. In an attempt at compromise specifically addressing the CT dairyindustry objections over excluding flavored milk from the healthy default menu, we are ok with including flavored milk, the servings for which should be no more than 130 calories, or 8 oz. By highlighting healthy beverages, including milk, their sales are verylikel y to increase. With this proposed compromise, the CT dairy industryshould strongly consider supporting the bill, as did Tammy Anderson-Wise, CEO of the Dairy Council of CA, fortheir state bill which went into effect January l, 2019. Please see two attached pictures of flavoredmilk, both of which arc under 130 calories, and currently in CT schools and at local McDonald's. Our lives are busy, and more and more, we're grabbing a meal on the run or eating out. That's why it's so important that restaurants offer healthy beverage options- especially for children. This bill makes it easier for CT parents to help their kids to grow up at a healthy weight. When passed, it will make healthy beverages (water, sparkling water, flavored water with no added sweeteners, unflavored milk or a nondaily milk alternative) the default choice on children's restaurant menus. This bill also preserves parent choice. It is important to note that when this bill passes, parents remain free to choose and pu rchase beverages that are not included in the offering of healthy choices on the children's menu such as sugary drinks like sports drinks, fr uit drinks, energy drinks, soda or flavored milk. Why is this bill important? According to the CT DPH, 32% of CT children (2-17 years old) are not at a healthy weight.1 This bill specifically addresses the largest source of daily calories in the diets of American children- sugary drinks. Sugary drinks provide nearly half of children's added sugars intake and do not typically provide any positive nutritional value. Despite their calorie 220 count, they are not filling.2 Each extra serving of a sugaiy drink consumed a day increases a child's chance of becoming obese by 60%. The American Heait Association recommends no more than 6 teaspoons of added sugar a day for children over the age of two 2• People living in the U.S. consume an average of 10 teaspoons of added sugar just from sugary drinks alone every day. While the AHA recommends no more than one 8-oz. serving of sugary drinks a week for children, nearly two-thirds of our country's kids consume at least one sugaiy drink every day. That's about ten times the recommended ainount.3 On average, Americans consume 42.7 grains of sugar through beverages daily. This corresponds to approximately 34 pounds of added sugar annually.4 Despite the health risks associated with soda and other sugaiy drink consumption, the majority (74%) of the top restaurant chains' defaultbeverage with a kid's meal is a sugaiy drink. 5 Defaults are the option people automatically receive if they do not choose something else. Changing the default from unhealthy options to healthier ones is an effective way to improve the nutritional quality of children's meals. Evidence from a wide range of fields(including retirement plans, organ donation, and food/nutrition) shows that people tend to stick with defaults and that setting beneficial defaults has high rates of acceptability.6 When Walt Disney theme parks switched to healthier beverage defaults, parents stuck with the healthier option 66% of the time, even though trips to theme parks are typically special occasions and more indulgent options were available. 7 At McDonald's, the change of the default beverage resulted in 21M more low-fat and fat-free milkjugs and 100% apple juice boxes sold over a period of 11 months compared to the same period a year earlier.8 Milk sales increased! This legislation is important because it helps to reduce one of the biggest culprits in the obesity epidemic and change the current norms that sugary drinks should be offered up first to our kids. We know that children who drink sugaiy drinks have greater odds of being at an unhealthy weight than those who consume little or no sugaiy drinks.9This bill simply makes it easier forCT parents to make a healthier choice fortheir kids. We believe it is deserving of your support. Sincerely, Jim Williams State Director of Government Relations [email protected] 221 1CT Childhood Obesity Report, 2018. Estimates of Obesity and Its Risk Faclors among CT Youth. Accessed at https://prntal.ct.gov/ /medi afD epart men ts-and-A gene i es/DP H/ dp hf he ms/nutri tion/PDF /Ch il dhood-Obcs ity- Report-20 l 8-final. pd f?la=en on 2/4/2 0 19. 2Johnson, RK, et al. Dietary sugars intake and cardiovascular health, a scientific statement from theAmerican Heart Association. Circulation. 2009.120(11), 1011-1020. 3Rosinger, A. et al. Sugar Sweetened Beverage Consumption Among U.S. Youth, 2011-2014. NCHS Data Brief. No 271, January 2017. 4 Miller PE, McKinnon RA, Krebs-Smith SM, et al. Sugar sweetened beverage consumption in the U.S.: Novel assessment methodology. Am J Prcv Med. 2013; 45(4):416-421. 5 Ribakove S, Almy J, Wootan MG. Soda on the Me nu: Improvements Seen but More Change Needed fo r Beverages on Restaurant Children 's Me nus. Washington, D.C.: Center for Science in the Public Interest, July 2017. 6Wootan M. "Children's Meals in Restaurants: Families Need More Help to Make Healthy Choices." Childhood Obesity February 2012, vol. 8(1), pp. 31-33. 1Peters J, Beck J, Lande J, Pan Z, Cardel M, Ayoob K, Hill J. "Using Healthy Defaults in Walt Disney World Restaurants to Improve Nutrition." The Behavioral Science of Eating 2016, vol. 1, pp. 92-103. 8Center For Science in the Public Interest. Restaurant Children's Meals: The Faults With Unhealthy Defaults. Accessed at https://www.foodmarketing.org/wp -content/uploads/201 8/06/fact_ sheet_defau!ts _ 2018 _fi nal.pdf on 2/14/2020. 9Morenga LT, Mallard S, and Mann J. Dietary Sugars and Body Weight: Systematic Review and MetaMAnalyses of Randomised Controlled Trials and Cohort Studies. BMJ2013. Available at http://www.bmj.com/contentlbmj/346/bmj.e7492.full.pdf. 222 223 . -=- Trans Fat Og .....___...... ,._� Cholesterol 5mg · 2°/o Dietary Fiber Og _. 0010. TotalSu gars 20g -.·· 18o/o Includes 99Added . Sugars . Protein 8g Vit. D 3mcg 15°/o • Calcium 294m9250/o . Iron 1 mg 6°/o • · . .... Potas. 429mq10 °/� "'The% Daily Valuetells you howmuch . a nutrielt ina� ollooi (X)lllnb ut�s IDa diet b .• da� 2,()1)1)�lori�sa day � uS$I . � nultbM, 224 American Heart Association The CT Dairy Industry Should Support SB88 AAC Children's Menu's. It Is likely to Lead to Increased Milk Sales AND a Public Health Win ! Tammy Anderson-Wise is the CEO of th e Dairy Council of California, Sacramento, Calif. California legislation making milk, water 'default' beverages at restaurants That is good news forthe dairy community and public health. Share to FacebookShare to TwitterShare to LinkedlnShare to PrintShare to Email New California legislation makes consuming healthy drink options easier for kids and families while eating on the go. The Healthy-By-Default Kids' Meal Drinks bill (SB 1192), which was signed into California law in September 2018, makes healthy beverages - water, sparking water, flavored water with no added sweeteners and milk-the default beverages for children's meals at resta urants. While fa milies can still ask for beverages such as soft drinks, lemonade and fruit-flavored juices, the law nudges children and families to make healthy choices, which is good news for the dairy communityand public health. The law will go into effect in January 2019 and comes at an important time when diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease remain critical public health concerns. "At Dairy Council of California, we proactively educate our partners, both in the dairy community and in public health, on current research regarding the health benefits of milk and dairy fo ods. While we value our unique role, all dairy producers and processors can play a role in elevating the health of children and fa milies by supporting initiatives that make the healthy choice the easy choice." Th is article was accessed at .b!!.Qs://www. d airyfood s.co mI biogs/14:!i_<;!_in'.- foods- b!og/post/932 75-ca I iforn ia-feg islatlon-m a king-mi I k-wa ter- defa u It-beverages-at-re stau rants on 2/13/20. For more information contact American Heart Association Director of Government Relations Jim Williams at [email protected] 225 Connecticut Association of Boards of Education, Inc. 81 Wolcott Hill Road, Wethersfield, CT 06109-1242 - (860) 571-7446 - Fax (860) 571-7452 - Email [email protected] Testimony submitted to the Committee on Children February 18, 2020 SB 89 AN ACT CONCERNING SCHOOL LUNCH DEBT The Connecticut Association of Boards of Education is concerned that the broad language of SB 89, An Act Concerning School Lunch Debt, may have unintended consequences. School districts make great efforts to insure that students are not hungry. Many provide breakfast, weekend back pack meals, and summer food programs, as well as meeting the needs of students eligible for Free and Reduced Price Lunch. To do this, however, they must have a sustainable food service program. Operating a school lunch program is exceptionally challenging due to federal requirements and minimal funding. Each district is required to have a process for how they handle negative lunch balances and to inform families of this process. Some of the good practices used by school districts would be prohibited by this bill. For example, some school lunch programs offer an “alternative lunch” –available for purchase by students who do not care for the lunch of the day, and also available to students who lack the funds to pay for lunch. In this way, there are students eating the same lunch –some who paid, and some who did not. We urge you to encourage the dissemination of best practices for dealing with this issue, rather than enacting specific prohibitions. Donations are sometimes provided by the public or community groups to the food service programs to cover school lunch program debt. However, districts cannot rely on donations to operate the program. Since the National School Lunch Program does not allow food service programs to carry or cover negative student balances, food service must bill the school district for the remaining balance. Thank you for your attention to these concerns. 226 STATE OF CONNECTICUT STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Connecticut General Assembly Children’s Committee Testimony of Commissioner Miguel A. Cardona February 18, 2020 Good morning Representative Linehan, Senator Moore, Senator Kelly, Representative Green, and members of the Children’s Committee. I am Miguel Cardona, Commissioner of the Department of Education. I am sorry that I am unable to join you in person today, but I would like to offer you written testimony regarding SB 89, An Act Concerning School Lunch Debt. The Department agrees with the intent of this proposal that students should not be shamed or overtly identified when their school meal accounts enter into deficit or they have not brought money to school to pay for breakfast and lunch. Over 90% of Connecticut school districts participate in the USDA National School Lunch Program and the USDA requires that each district develop policies addressing the charging of school meals by students. The policies must be communicated to parents and guardians and implemented consistently. The USDA allows districts to design policies that meet the needs of their school community, are fair and reasonable, yet ensure fiscal solvency. Most districts rely on the federal reimbursement to operate their school lunch and school breakfast programs, with some additional funding from the state in the form of state match, breakfast subsidies, and an additional 10-cents per meal from the Healthy Foods Initiative. Districts must balance the provision of healthy meals to students with ensuring adequate revenue to continue to responsibly operate school meal programs and provide the highest quality meals in compliance with federal requirements. Most districts are not provided with district funds to support the school meals programs. Federal regulations for districts participating in the National School Lunch Program require schools to reconcile school lunch debt in the district’s federally funded food service account. State policy requires that they do this annually. By allowing unlimited meals, snacks and beverages to students with unpaid debt, the impact of the proposed legislation would result in significantly increasing the cost of unpaid meal charges that, under federal regulations, districts must reimburse to the federal food service account. In the 2019 school year, some school districts were assessed between $4,000 in a small charter school, to as much as $90,000 in a larger district. By not being able to balance the provision of food to students with the costs associated with providing those food items, districts will encounter substantial increased costs related to students’ unpaid meal charges. It should be noted that students who are eligible for free meals are always provided with full access to all school meals. In many of our largest districts, all students are provided breakfast and lunch at no cost regardless of their income, through a federal program titled the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). Students most likely to incur meal debt in school meal accounts are those students whose family income, as determined by federal income thresholds, is such that the student must pay for school meals at the full price or at a reduced-price. An unintended consequence of this proposal is that it creates a disincentive for families to provide meal money for students capable of paying for meals. Additionally, students whose families have not completed and returned the federally required household income application used to determine eligibility for federal school lunch subsidies may also incur school meal debt. These students may be eligible for free meals, but are 227 not able to be determined as such without completing the income application. An additional unintended consequence of this proposal is that it creates disincentives for families to return the income applications to determine eligibility for free or reduced-price school meals. Therefore, regardless of families’ ability to pay, this proposal serves as a disincentive to pay for meals or to seek the option for free meals. The Department recommends amending the proposed language to allow school districts to implement the following with regard to students with unpaid school meal debt: x Require districts to provide breakfast and lunch meals, encompassing all meal components required in USDA reimbursable meals available to all students, and allow districts, at their discretion, to limit meals to one breakfast and one lunch per day and limit access to food items outside of a full meal, including but not limited to a la carte items. The Department and the USDA have developed guidance for school districts regarding strategies to prevent and address school meal debt and student shaming including: regular and proactive communication with families on school policies, ensuring that payment methods are easy for families to access, timely communication with families when meal debt occurs, and ensuring that there is no overt identification or shaming of students with school meal debt. I appreciate you taking this information into consideration as you move this bill forward and would be happy to meet with you to discuss this issue further. 228 Good afternoon My name is Tonya Clark I live in Danbury CT, am a single parent, and I am a high school teacher in Connecticut, I am writing to express my support for S. B. no. 89. I know firsthand the struggle that families have at various times financially, but at the same time do not qualify for free or reduced lunch. There have been times throughout my children’s life that I struggled to provide them with lunch from time to at school and knew I could not afford at that moment to have them buy lunch. I am fortunate in that those times over the years have been only a few, but many families struggle periodically with financially insecurity that would not qualify for free or reduced lunch. I see far too often kids not eating at my high school, it is because they are waiting for mom or dad’s payday and that last few days before that are tough for family, but they still make too much for lunch assistance. I have had students tell me that they got an after-school job at a place that serves food, so they wait to eat until they get a break at work because at least it is free for them at that time. My own son confided in me once that one of his classmate’s family was having financial problems due to his father being out of work for a brief time and was going hungry during the day. I sent my son to school with extra food at lunch to share. Imagine if for that brief time that family did not have worry about their child going hungry or being embarrassed to ask for help for a short time. We cannot as a society let children be shamed and go hungry at school. It is that simple. What are we if do that? I would rather allow every kid to get lunch at school as part of their schooling than let one more child be hungry and ashamed. I will gladly pay a few extra pennies in taxes to be a state where we care about our children. Tonya Clark Danbury CT 229 $&!%#%# &' "#"!! " #! !! !, -! + " !! !! " "" ! "!! #! !! !" # #"" "" "#"* #! !! !% !'%"! !(! !# " "!( !" " !(!"( # ! # "!) % ! ! !"! "! ! #! !! " !* ! #!(#"! """ ( $ ! ! $ !* # ! !% ( %$ # ! !# !" "" " " " " !!!#" "$ ' #!" !"""! # * ! # !" "" !"! ! %!"# "%" # " # !! , # !-* ! !" $"""!"# "%" # # !# "!(! ! $ !""% ' !" !" # !* !!# !""# ! " #" %!! " "!" $ " "!!"#" ! # #!"! ' "* ## ! !" " # ! # !* ! """" " # ! " % "! !" 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We live in one of the richest states in one of the richest countries in the world. The fact that “school lunch debt” is even a term that exists is both heartbreaking and unacceptable. These are children who are hungry. Don’t give them “alternate meals” that embarrass them or make them feel like less of a human than their peers simply because their families don’t have the means to pay for lunch daily. If my taxes go up a few dollars so kids in grammar school don’t have to go into debt to eat, so be it. Michael Thompson 234 Testimony Submitted to the Committee on Children February 18, 2020 Senate Bill 89 School Lunch Debt Greetings members of the Committee on Children, My name is Becky Tyrrell, I am the Chairperson of the Plainville Board of Education, a member of the CREC (Capital Region Education Council) Council and Federal Relations Chair for CABE. I also work for EdAdvance, the Regional Education Service Center in the Northwest corner of the state, as the Food Service Director. I address you today regarding SB 89 An Act concerning Lunch Debt. In my role at EdAdvance, I act as the Food Service Director in 6 School Districts in the region. Operating a school lunch program is exceptionally challenging due to federal requirements and minimal funding. However, dealing with students with negative lunch balances is the most difficult and sensitive issue we face. Each district is required to have a process for how they handle negative lunch balances and we are also required to inform families of this process. In my experience, Food Service workers do everything possible to avoid reaching the point at which students are restricted from purchasing the meal of their choice. Letters, phone calls and emails are sent to parents and guardians. Unfortunately when funds are not provided and in accordance with the process, students are provided an alternate meal. We provide students with a meal that is offered daily as an alternate for students who may not like the meal(s) offered. Therefore, a student with the alternate meal is not singled out as not having funds. We also make sure we inform the students, in the upper grades, and the teacher or Social Worker in the younger grades so that students are not surprised when receiving the alternate meal. The truth is no matter how hard we try to make this process work smoothly it is never something the Food Service staff wants to do. The other truth is that following this process motivates parents or guardians to send funds for their student’s meals. Without such a process, Food Service Programs would be left without any recourse. Donations are sometimes provided to the Food Service program to cover negative lunch debt from generous community members or groups. This is greatly appreciated however we can’t operate a program in the hopes of getting donations to cover our costs. 235 As you may be aware, the National School Lunch Program does not allow Food Service to carry or cover negative student balances. Therefore, at the end of the year, Food Service will bill the School District for the balance remaining. As a Board of Education member, I know these balances can quickly become a large unexpected expense to the School District Budget. Ideally, as a Food Service Director, I would advocate for all students to be provided meals at no cost. This is currently happening in some of our economically challenged schools through the Community Eligibility Program (CEP). CEP is the great equalizer and removes the issue of negative balances from the school lunch and breakfast programs. However, until that happens, I ask you to consider the impact of SB 89 as it relates to disallowing Food Service from providing alternate meals to students with negative balances. The use of alternate meals is the most effective tool available to Food Service to prevent excessive debt. Food Service staff never wants to provide alternate meals but if done thoughtfully we can prevent the negative impact to students. Thank you for your time and consideration. Becky Tyrrell Chairperson Plainville Board of Education 174 West Main Street Plainville, CT 06062 860-978-2477 236 ͺͻǡ ǯǡ ǡ Ǥ ʹͷǤ Ǥ Ǥ Ǥ Ǥ ǯ Ǥ ǯǯ ǡ Ǥ ǯ Ǥ Ǥ Ǥ Dz dzǤǯ Ǥ Dzdz Ǥ 237 ǯ ǡǡ Ǥ ǯ Ǥ Ǥ ǯ Ǥ ǯ ǡ Ǥ ǯǤ ǡ ǡ ǡ Ǥ ǡ ǡ Ǥ ǡǡǡ ǡ Ǥ Ǥ 238 Testimony of Kevin Borrup, DrPH, JD, MPA Associate Director of the Injury Prevention Center at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, to the Children’s Committee Regarding SB 91, An Act Concerning a Program to Provide Free Swimming Lessons to Individuals Under the Age of Eighteen February 18, 2020 Senator Moore, Representative Linehan, members of the Children’s Committee, thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts about Senate Bill 91, An Act Concerning a Program to Provide Free Swimming Lessons to Individuals Under the Age of Eighteen My name is Kevin Borrup and I am the Associate Director of the Injury Prevention Center at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. I am submitting this testimony in support of this proposed legislation because we know that swimming lessons and water safety education can reduce the risk of child drowning deaths. Before commenting on the bill, I want to provide some background about Connecticut Children’s and our work. Connecticut Children’s is a nationally recognized, 187-bed not-for-profit children’s hospital driving innovation in pediatrics. Our Injury Prevention Center is dedicated to reducing injuries and deaths among the pediatric population. Since our founding, the Injury Prevention Center has sought to educate the public on practical measures that they can take to keep themselves and their children safe. Through research, we know what works and swimming safety is no different. Keeping kids safe in and around the water involves three components; education, swim lessons, and fencing/barriers. The proposed bill would require the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to address one of these elements by requiring that they administer free swimming lessons for children. Swimming lessons are an effective strategy in reducing drowning risks. In one multi-state study that looked to the effectiveness of swim lessons, swim lessons were found to reduce the risk of drowning in 1 to 4 year olds by as much as 88%. The Injury Prevention Center at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center strongly supports the lifesaving measures contemplated in this bill. Thank you for your consideration of our position. If you have any questions about this testimony, please contact Jane Baird, Connecticut Children’s Senior Director of External Relations, at 860-837-5557. References: Brenner, R. A., Taneja, G. S., Haynie, D. L., Trumble, A. C., Qian, C., Klinger, R. M., & Klebanoff, M. A. (2009). Association between swimming lessons and drowning in childhood: a case-control study. Archives of pediatrics & adolescent medicine, 163(3), 203-210. Ramos, W. D., & Anderson, A. R. (2017). A reasoned action approach assessment of instructional youth swim safety messaging. International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education, 10(2), 7. 239 FOR VOiffH t>!ClteLOl>MHMT l'OR HOA!."fl!Y UlllN� r-D!I.SO�IAt ll£Sl'Ot,$1�1UTY John L Cattelan Executive Director, Connecticut Alliance of YMCAs S.B. 91, AN ACT CONCERNING A PROGRAM TO PROVIDE FREE SWIMMING LESSONS TO INDIVIDUALS UNDER THE AGE OF EIGHTEEN Committee on Children February 18, 2020 Representative Linehan, Senator Moore and members of the Committee on Children, thank you for the opportunity to testify today. My name is John Cattelan and I am here today on behalf of the Con necticut Alliance of YMCAs. The Alliance represents 21 YMCAs across the state of Connecticut. I'm here today to urge the members of this committee to support S.B. 91, An Act Concerning a Program to Provide Free Swimming Lessons to Individuals Under the Age of Eighteen. In 2008, Governor M. Jodi Rell esta blished Water Safety Week during the end of June. Free swim lessons where provided at state parks and YMCAs across Connecticut. Th e purpose was to encourage fa milies to have a safe and enjoyable summer experience, while encouraging fa milies to spend more time outdoors but more importantly teach children how to swim. 240 The lessons where funded by the Con necticut .Department of Environmental Protection, along with the Department of Children and Fa milies and the Department of Public Health. This proposal is very importa nt for many reasons. First of all, I would like to make the members of the committee aware of the fact that two children, in the United States, die every day because of drowning. Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children 1 to 4 years old and is the second leading cause of death for children from 5 to 14 years old. This is unaccepta ble but it is also preventable. This is particularly a problem in Connecticut's large cities. National research study conducted by the USA Swimming Foundation the University of Memphis and University of Nevada-Las Vegas, found that 60 percent of African American and 45 percent of Hispanic children ca nnot swim compared to 40 percent of Caucasian children. Additionally, 79 percent of children in families with household income less than $50,000 have no/low swimming ability. Participation in formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by 88 percent among children aged one to four years. (Source : Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine 2009) 241 The YMCAs in Connecticut consider it a priority and a responsibility to prevent drowning and teach people how to swim and be safe around water. Our YMCAs provide over 40,000 children and adults with swimming lessons every year via classes and their attendance at a Y summer camp. That is why we strongly support Senate Bill 91. 242 Testimony on behalf of The Connecticut Recreation and Parks Association, Inc. Before the Committee on Children February 18, 2020 Senate Bill 91 – An Act Concerning a Program to Provide Free Swim Lessons to Individuals Under the Age of Eighteen The Connecticut Recreation and Parks Association, Inc. (CRPA) is a nonprofit charitable organization. Our mission is to support the recreation and park profession and steward the future of public parks and recreational opportunities in Connecticut in order to promote active lifestyles, livable communities, and quality of life for all who call Connecticut home. CRPA represents over 750 individual professionals from municipal, nonprofit and private, park, recreation and camp organizations, as well as over 130 of the 169 municipal park and recreation departments in Connecticut. CRPA applauds the committee for their efforts to ensure that every child has access to swim lessons as that is the most effective means of combating drowning. CRPA takes this issue very seriously as municipalities provide the majority of swim lessons throughout the state. CRPA recommends additional language be included which would allow the state to provide appropriations to municipalities to offer free lessons in their existing programs. This would allow for greater efficiency and less duplication of services between both entities. We would additionally suggest the removal of “nongovernmental” entities in line 8 of the bill as many municipal park and recreation departments are experienced in offering these services and may be interested in partnering with the state to provide these services at state facilities. Language in the bill should not limit the State’s ability to partner with municipalities to provide such services. Thank you for your time and we look forward to working with the committee on this important issue. Valerie Stolfi Collins CRPA Executive Director 243 Connecticut Department of 79 Elm Street • Hartford, CT 06106-5127 www.ct.gov/deep Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer Public Hearing - February 18, 2020 Committee on Children Testimony Submitted by Commissioner Katie S. Dykes Raised Senate Bill No. 91 - AN ACT CONCERNING A PROGRAM TO PROVIDE FREE SWIMMING LESSONS TO INDIVIDUALS UNDER THE AGE OF EIGHTEEN Thank you for the opportunity to present testimony regarding Raised Senate Bill No. 91 - AN ACT CONCERNlNG A PROGRAM TO PROVIDE FREE SWIMMING LESSONS TO INDIVIDUALS UNDER THEAGE OF EIGHTEEN. The purpose of this bill is to direct the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) to develop and implement a new, permanent, annual program to provide free swimming lessons for children at not less than eight (8) of our state park swimming areas. The bill indicates that DEEP may contract with a non-governmental entity that provides swimming lessons, and that DEEP could accept any gifts, donations or grants for the purpose of creating and administering such a program. While we are supportive of free swimming lessons being provided to as many children as possible across the state, the DEEP must oppose this bill as written, as we do not have sufficient staffing resources, experience or infrastructure in place to create, support and sustain such a program. Because state park swimming areas include elements such as tides, river currents, occasional water quality concerns, sloping bottoms and limited visibility, we feel that beginner swimming lessons are better hosted in a more controlled location, such as indoor or outdoor swimming pools, rather than at natural bodies of water found at state parks. While we acknowledge that the bill indicates the DEEP could accept any gifts, donations or grants for the purpose of creating and administering such a program, it also states that this will be a permanent, annual program. DEEP is not aware of any gifts, donations or grants that could support such a program in a sustainable way. Because DEEP supports the concept of providing free swimming lessons to children across the state, we would welcome the opportunity to work with the committee to help identify the details and funding sources of a program that would accomplish such a laudable goal. Thankyou for the opportunity to present testimony on this proposal. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Mandi Careathers, the Department's legislative liaison, at [email protected] v. 244 Testimony regarding: S.B. 91, AN ACT CONCERNING A PROGRAM TO PROVIDE FREE SWIMMING LESSONS TO INDIVIDUALS UNDER THE AGE OF EIGHTEEN Submitted By: Marie B. Miszewski, Regional YMCA of Western CT Good afternoon Senator Moore, Representative Linehan, and members of the Committee on Children. My name is Marie Miszewski and I am the President & CEO of Regional YMCA of Western Ct. Thank you for the opportunity to submit testimony in support of S.B 91, An Act Concerning a Program to Provide Free Swimming Lessons to individuals Under the Age of Eighteen. x All of Connecticut’s YMCAs Ys are committed to water safety and drowning prevention efforts. We want everyone, in particular children, to enjoy the health and recreational benefits of swimming and experience the confidence and resiliency that comes from learning to swim. With Youth Obesity at an all-time high, swimming skills are even important as these skills will stay with for a lifetime. x Ys across our state provide swimming lessons to 33,621 children a year. In addition, all children who attend one of our Y day or residential camps receive swimming lessons. x Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children 1 to 4 years old and is the second leading cause of death for children from 5 to 14 years old. x Two children die every day because of drowning in our country. This is unacceptable but it is also preventable. I am hopeful that you will see the benefits and long term effects that the passage of this bill will bring to the youth of Connecticut. Connecticut’s YMCAs have promoted water safety for many years and certainly supports this initiative to establish free swim lessons for youth under the age of eighteen. 245 CONNECTICUT SPA & POOL ASSOCIATION P. O. BOX 473, NORWALK, CT 06856-0473 (860) 819-0374 or (203) 738-1144 Fax [email protected] WWW.CONSPA.ORG SUPPORT Raised S.B. No. 91 Session Year 2020 AN ACT CONCERNING A PROGRAM TO PROVIDE FREE SWIMMING LESSONS TO INDIVIDUALS UNDER THE AGE OF EIGHTEEN. Representative Linehan, Senator Moore, Representative Comey, Senator Anwar, Representative Green, Senator Kelly and distinguished members of the Committee on Children. I am Raymond J. Rescildo. I own and operate Certified Pool & Spa llc. I volunteer a great deal of my time fostering safe swimming pools and areas for Connecticut’s residents and visitors to enjoy. My volunteer post as the CT Spa & Pool Association’s Government Relations Chairman privileges me to work closely with many CT regulatory and legislative policy makers. I am also a member of the Commission on Women, Children, and Seniors’ Water Safety Task Force. Connecticut’s families deserve this life saving instructional measure. As a Connecticut citizen, recreational water business owner, swimming pool safety advocate and most importantly a parent of young swimmers, I respectfully request the Committee on Children to move forward Raised S.B. No. 91. #### Respectfully Submitted, Raymond J. Rescildo 860-637-2588 [email protected] 246 RAYMOND L. ORTIZ 216 PINE ROAD CORAM, NY 11727 (631 )377 ·2825 SUPPORT Raised S.B. No. 92 Session Year 2020 FEBRUARY 18, 2020 Representative Linehan, Senator Moore, Representative Corney, Senator Anwar, Representative Green, Senator Kelly and distinguished members of the Committee on Children. Raised *SB-92 AN ACT CONCERNING CHILDREN'S SERVICES. To require the Commissioner of Children and Families to conduct a study to determine whether policy and procedural changes in the Department of Children and Families may increase the effectiveness of services provided to children. 1-REMOVA L AND REUNIFICATION OF CHILDREN BY DCF On December 1, 20 17, Danbury DCF removed my daughter, Brooklyn Ortiz from my physical custody due to a visitation violation. A day earlier on November 30, 20 17, Bridgeport Juvenile Court Judge James Ginnochio ruled to not hold me in contempt for a visitation order for refusing to return my daughter to her mother's home after a reported heroin overdose. DCF ignored the court's ruling and removed my daughter anyway. The DCF Removal Policy was not followed. Upon my daughters removal, DCF failed to follow its own policy 36-48, Alternatives to Removal & 36-60, Relative Placement & 36-30-1, Services to Prevent Out of Home Services & Facilitate Reunification Upon my daughters wrongful removal, 7 willing and qualified relatives came forward as available placement options for Brooklyn. 4 of the 7 are certified foster parents. Connecticut General Statute 17a-175 requires DCF to exercise due diligence in exploring potential placement with relatives. None of my relatives were ever contacted including a paternal aunt residing 4 blocks from the Danbury DCF office. Several relatives were already known to the department prior to the child's 4th removal. An ICPC application was finally submitted in June 2019. 19 months after federal regulations require the application to be submitted. 247 2-SIBLING VISITATION Connecticut General Statute 17a-1 Oa requires DCF to document a sibling visitation plan. To this date, there is no sibling visitation plan in my daughter's case plan. My daughters have not visited with one another in almost 2 years now. In fact, Brooklyn's older sister has been excluded from her case plan while the mother's heroin using boyfriend was on the case plan. DCF intentionally failed to preserve the biological bond between my daughter and her older sibling. 3-FAMILY THERAPY DCF continues to refuse family therapy to my daughter and I. My daughter and I were attending counseling and parenting services prior to the removal. Pursuant to the Dept. of Human Services Office of the Child Advocate, Welfare Chapter 413, Division 70, Substitute Care, parents are permitted to include a certified social worker at visits. DCF is intentionally alienating my child from her father. Raised *HB-5142 AN ACT CONCERNING CHILDREN'S SAFETY. To require the Commissioner of Children and Families to conduct a study to determine whether policy and procedural changes within the Department of Children and Families may increase the safety of children. 1-REPORTING INJURY OF A CHILD On March 2, 2018, my daughter suffered an accidental 2nd degree burn to her right hand. The injury was not reported to a supervisor or to the parents. Connecticut General Statute 17a-145-146, requires DCF to report an injury within 6 hours of the incident. The child was not taken to be examined by a physician until the father requested it after discovering the burn on his own 5 days after the injury. A violation of the DCF Policy 34-1 1. To date, the Department has no record of the injury being reported in the child's case file. 5 days remain blank during the time of the injury. DCF continues to refuse to release any information from the 5 days. 2-UNSANITARY CONDITIONS AT THE DCF VISITATION ROOMS After filing a discrimination complaint to the Ombudsman's Offi ce, Danbury DCF forced me to have visits with my child in a rat feces and ant infested room for 6 weeks. The Ombudsman's office never replied to my complaint. 248 3-UNQUALIFIED CASE WORKERS RESPONSIBLE FOR CRITICAL CLINICAL CONDITIONS DCF has now diagnosed me with a mental illness without having me examined by a qualified mental health professional. There are currently 3 masters degree level caseworkers and one licensed masters of social work supervisor in my case. None of which are qualified to diagnose me with a mental illness. Currently I have been examined by 4 qualified mental health professionals. (1 Psychiatrist & 3 Psychologist) All of which have assessed me as an appropriate and fit parent. 4-TRAINING FOR FOSTER PARENTS The current foster parent is a decent person. However she has made mistakes that placed my child in danger when she was not permitted to be examined by a Dr. at the time of the 2nd degree burn. The foster mother was not properly trained in proper protocol in reporting an injury. The foster parent was unaware of her rights and responsibilities as a foster parent including her role in preserving the child's biological bond with her family. This included religious worship and cultural family traditions. 5-0MBUDSMAN'S OFFICE I have called the Ombudsman's office 27 times since my daughters' removal. They have never retu rned my call. Parents have a right to file complaints and grievances. I have never been given a chance to present my complaints. Violation after violation continues to occur in my child's case and the Danbury DCF office continues to operate above the law. This unethical and unlawful supervision of my child's case has now resulted in the recommendation of adoption with a non relative and the termination of my parental rights. Something needs to be done for our children in care. 249 $5)tate of QConnertitut GENERAL ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN Committee on Children PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA Tuesday, February 25, 2020 1:00 PM in Room 1B of the LOB I. BILLS FOR REVIEW 1. S.B. No. 156 (RAISED) AN ACT CONCERNING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION EXPENSES FOR YOUTH ADOPTED THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES FOSTER CARE PROGRAM. (KID) 2. S.B. No. 157 (RAISED) AN ACT CONCERNING THE PROVISION OF FREE FEMININE HYGIENE PRODUCTS IN MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT · BATHROOMS. (KID). 3. S.B. No. 158 (RAISED) AN ACT CONCERNING THE ALBERT J. SOLNIT CHILDREN'S CENTER. (KID) 4. H.B. No. 5199 (RAISED) AN ACT CONCERNING PROBATION PERIODS FOLLOWING CONVICTION FOR CERTAIN SEXUAL MISCONDUCT CRIMES AGAINST MINORS. (KID) 5. H.B. No. 5201 (RAISED) AN ACT CONCERNING THE PREVENTION OF HEATSTROKE-RELATED DEATHS IN MOTOR VEHICLES. (KID) 6. H.B. No. 5202 (RAISED) AN ACT CONCERNING THE INCLUSION OF SHADED AREAS AT NEW MUNICIPAL PLAYGROUNDS. (KID) . II. ADJOURNMENT 250 COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN VOTE TALLY SHEET Bill No.: ------Amendment Letter: Chair: Motion: Second: ------Action: Language Change: Voting Nay A)lstain Absent and Not Voting Voice Vote TOTALS /J.,,,.f £:! ~ ""' abstain absent yea nay abstain absent Rep. Linehan L 103 ~ Sen. Moore M. S22 I- Reo. Comev R. 102 )( Reo. Green R. 055 f. Sen. Anwar S. S03 y., Sen. Kellv K. S21 '} Reo. Bovd P. 050 '1- Reo. Cumminas S. 074 X Reo. Hampton J. 016 ~ Reo. Turco G, 027 'x Reo. Wilson Pheanious P. 053 7 Rep. Haves R. 051 ;x Rep. Kokoruda N. 101 >-- Sen. Cohen C. S12 >< Vote date: Correction date: 251 Committee on Children Public Hearing 2/25/2020 Elected Officials Date: 2/25/2020 Time: 1:00 PM Room: 1B Testimony Submitted # Person(s) Testifying: Organization/Representing: Bill# Oral Email Paper Pending None '=>ol11: t, 1st. 1 Commissioner Dorantes DCF X X X 2 Senator Slap \ SB 157 y X X ' I ' 3 Sen Fasano SB 158 X \<'.c..le. .. 156/157/5199/520 4 Steven Hernandez X 1/5202 f 5 Sarah Eagan y X X :x::- 6 ~e .. _ JS'u~ $+ff'" )< - 7 8 9 10 Page 1 of 8 Committee on Children Public Hearing 2/25/2020 Public Date: 2/25/2020 Time: 1:00 PM Room: 1B Testimony Submitted # Person(s) Testifying: Organization/Representing: Bill# Oral Email Paper Pending None 1 Natalie Ochoa & Casey Van DCF SB 157 'y X X J 2 Ivy Farinella SB 156 x X X -- - ., 3 ,,_ ' ·-~ =5~ ~ 4 IAPi /Vo(o.() Hr&100 'IC / ·-;- I 5 r< -r ,h1r·J~1J(e< s-r-i' c;A~ 6 1 (:-/f/)nat7:f_ C,ocyf)e// 5'(5 )5 t), .x. V 7 (J,e._,t)/l.?!ln/ Hv1f~p-1 J, A/111 ktlr 5i3 !J:;I:? ~ -;- -r- I I 8 c~ ,T\ 14 r?, ~ :i_ ; Zl cz; x ../ 9 10 Page 1 of 8 252 253 1 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING CHAIRPERSON: Representative Liz Linehan SENATORS: Moore, Anwar, Kelly, Cohen REPRESENTATIVES: Linehan, Comey, Green, Boyd, Hampton, Wilson Pheanious, Hayes, Kokoruda REP. LINEHAN (103RD): We are actually going into a brief recess and we will begin shortly so the committee is now in recess. Thank you. [Recess] REP. LINEHAN (103): Okay thank you all very much for bringing this meeting back to order. Starting the public hearing. Before we begin, just very quickly please note the exits -- the exits in the interest of safety. The two doors in which you entered the room are the emergency exits and are marked with exit signs. In the event of emergency, please walk quickly to the nearest exit. Although I don’t anticipate such a thing happening, we always need to be prepared. So, thank you everyone for being here today and I would like to call please, Commissioner Dorantes of DCF. Thank you very much. Welcome Commissioner. COMMISSIONER DORANTES: Thank you. Good afternoon Senator Moore, Representative Linehan, Senator Kelly, Representative Green, other distinguished members of the Committee on Children. My name is Vanessa Dorantes and I’m the commissioner of the Department of Children and Families. I’m here to testify on raised Senate Bill 158 and ask concerning the Albert J. Solnit Children Center. The 254 2 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING department supports the intent of this bill, however, respectfully suggest that this stand-alone bill is redundant, and the testimony explains why. Last year the committee on children had Special Act 19-16 an act concerning licensure of Albert J. Solnit Children’s Center which directed the commissioner of Department of Children and Families to submit a report recommending a process for Department of Public Health to license the north and south campuses of Solnit Center. The act required DCF to work with the commissioners of DPH and social services and the office of the child advocate in drafting a report. To implement this requirement a working group was organized in August of 2019 and was comprised of representatives from DCF, DPH, DSS, and the Child Advocate’s office. The Solnit Center campus’s Beacon health options and two privately operated adolescent psychiatric treatment facilities. The working group met on a biweekly basis through November in order to draft the report which was submitted to the committee earlier this year. For further reference please see Special Act 19-16 which is the Solnit licensing report. The working groups recommendation has already been incorporated into sections 8-10 of House Bill 5020, an act implementing the governor’s budget recommendations regarding public health. The governor’s proposal goes beyond the language in this bill by requiring DPH to promulgate regulations on licensing the psychiatric treatment facilities at both the north and south campuses as well as requiring the licensure of the psychiatric hospital located Solnit South. Further the governor’s budget adjustment allows for six additional nurses and one more 255 3 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING clinician to be employed at Solnit North and these positions are needed to work towards Solnit North meeting the staffing requirements for licensure recommended in the report. The department does not believe this bill is necessary given the governor’s budget proposal and accompanying implementation language. This also -- this testimony is also serving as notification that we have submitted written testimony concerning the fiscal implications of raised bill Number 156 which is an act concerning financial assistance for post-secondary educational expenses for youth adopted through the Department of Children and Families Foster Care program. Thank you again for the opportunity to address the committee and I’m available to answer any questions. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Thank you very much Commissioner. We appreciate you being here and -- and those are some really great points that you made in your testimony. So, to just give you some background. We understand that was a language that was placed in the governor’s budget regarding 158, however we also know that sometimes the governor’s budget gets chopped up so we believed the Chairs when we were in screening and the ranking members believed that by putting this forth we kind of have a backup because we do believe that this is something of importance and we believe that ultimately if the governor’s budget does indeed get amended and this is kept out that we do have a vehicle to ensure that this change happens for the safety of our children so I think that you made a really great point that the governor’s budget adjustment does call for additional points and if in fact the governor’s budget is put forward without the provisions we can add them back in. So that’s 256 4 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING something that was important to us that we had a vehicle to ensure that that does happen because hear on the committee on children the safety of our kids is paramount, so we wanted to make sure we had that. That wasn’t really a question. That’s just something I wanted to provide for your benefit and to put on the record. With that said are there any questions from the committee? Yes Senator Anwar. SENATOR ANWAR (3RD): Thank you Madame Chair. Commissioner thank you for your testimony. I wanted SB 156 to clarify and I’m going to talk about 156 and I have seen your written testimony. Thank you so much. So, the fiscal impact that you’re calculating I think even in the last session the fiscal impact calculation I’m not sure is accurate. You’re looking at the worst-case scenario and the probability of the worst-case scenario is not as likely. If you look at the projections of the current children who are going for higher education, it is very small percentage but because of the worst case scenario example that is being used we are actually taking away the opportunity for from the children who actually need this and the families need this and I think it’s worth reconsidering this because it’s almost a subgroup for our children and our community on not getting the opportunities that this should be able to avail. COMMISSIONER DORANTES: I would also suggest that that’s the best-case scenario. If we had every child that would have been available during that, every child that meets the criteria related to the adoption prior to the time period that’s outlined here. I believe that the CFO at DCF put forth what would be the fiscal note if there were all the children that were eligible but I agree with you 257 5 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING that in, in the spirit of why the law was I mean why the bill was designed. If all of those children came forward to avail themselves of higher education that would be the best case scenario in my opinion but the reason why this was submitted in that way is to offer what the fiscal note would be because you’re right with all of the children who met that eligibility criteria by that cut off night, cutoff date avail themselves. SENATOR ANWAN (3RD): And and one of the reasons Dr. Petit and I had put this forward was for the very purpose that we feel that many of the children of the state are actually left behind and it’s about time we actually take care of them as well and give them the opportunity that children after it’s almost like a date was set and after that you divide into two groups, one who have opportunities and one do not have opportunities. It does not set well. So I hope you would reconsider your position and your department’s position because I don’t want any of our children to be left behind. COMMISSIONER DORANTES: Neither do I. SENATOR ANWAR (3RD): Okay thank you. REPRESENTATIVE LINEHAN (103RD): Are there any other questions or comments from committee members? Well, today is an easy day for you, Commissioner. Thank you so very much. I appreciate your testimony. [Laughter] Well, at least we did what we could to make it easy. Senator Slap, please. Is Senator Slap available? He is not. Senator Fasano? We’re not having much luck here today. Steven Hernandez. Good afternoon and welcome. 258 6 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING STEVEN HERNANDEZ: Good afternoon. Thank you so much SB 156 for having us. I am joined today by our lead policy SB 157 fellow Kaylee Horbil who will be providing some of HB 5199 the testimony today. Again, I am Steve Hernandez and HB 5201 I am the executive director of the legislature’s HB 5202 Non-Partisan commissioner on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity. We are here to testify in support of several bills before you. On the first one on the list Senate Bill number 156 there will be testimony later by our one of our lead, I’m sorry one of our fostered and adopted fellows. We created a fellowship at the commission for people who focus on foster and adoption and our lead fellow for that work who is here with us today, Chris Scott will be working with you to create a foster and adoption caucus in the state of Connecticut modeled after a federal caucus so I’m really proud of him. I wanted to say that. I know I’m taking away a little at the thunder you’ll be hearing from them later but it’s an important cause to understand the special needs of foster and adopted people. Secondly Senate Bills number 157 on the Availability of Feminine Hygiene Products, I will turn to Kaylee. KAYLEE: Uh so the commissioner does support Senate Bill number 157 which would require local and regional boards of education to provide free feminine hygiene products in middle and high school student bathrooms. Every year, as many as eight million students nationwide are chronically absent meaning that they miss ten percent or more of the schoolyear for any reason. This level of absenteeism predicts poor academic performance as early as Kindergarten and is a warning sign that high school -- that a high school student will drop 259 7 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING out. In Connecticut 10.7 percent of students are chronically absent. In order to address this issue it is vital that we limit the obstacles that may keep a student out of the classroom. For half of the student population one of those obstacles may be access to the necessary feminine -- feminine hygiene products. Particularly students from low socioeconomic backgrounds access to often – access to expensive free feminine products can provide them with the support necessary to make it through school day so we do support that bill. STEVEN HERNANDEZ: Next on House Bill what Kaylee doesn’t tell you is she has been with us now, she will have been with us at the end of her deployment for nine months and she is as a function of the lead policy fellowship and we’re proud to have had you and we have had really good success with Former Teach for American teachers who are out in the ground. They have the experience with being teachers so we’re really happy that we’ve been able to participate in this program. Nextly for House Bill number 5199 Concerning Probation Periods Following Conviction for Certain Sexual Misconduct Crimes. I just want to put on the record what some of those crimes are. One of them was sexual assault in spousal or cohabiting relationships which may have children in the household. Injury or risk or injury to or impairing the morals of children, the sale of children, commercial sexual abuse of a minor. It was important to put that on the record because as we are thinking about second chances in the state of Connecticut and as we’re thinking about how we distinguish between the types of crimes and violations that have a higher risk for recidivism it's important to think of different strategies to 260 8 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING be able to track those crimes that actually have shown have a higher risk of recidivism not only in the crime itself but other types of crimes as well and it’s important to do that so that then we can carve out those crimes that may not have the same level of risk and really deserve a second chance as with other types of crimes and misdemeanors so I really appreciate you bringing this conversation forward furthering the conversation that way. Next on an act concerning the inclusion of shaded areas HB 5201 at new municipal playgrounds and also concerning the prevention of heat stroke related deaths in minors’ HB 5202 vehicles. Both of these are related that the risk of injury to heat is really a big concern. We’ve been working with an interscholastic network run out of Yukon where we’re thinking about the adverse effects of heat impact on young athletes. The great thing about your prevention of heat strokes related in motor vehicles is that they are so preventable. What we know is that one thing about having this in the office early childhood it’s clever because early childhood is where early parenthood starts as well and what parents don’t know sometimes is that a child can wonder into a car and some of the highest risks are when kids wonder or where the children are forgotten in a car and they don’t know that often times the degree, the temperature degrees can go up to 100 degrees within minutes so these are all critical considerations and it’s important that we provide families and parents with as much information at their disposal because you know this is one of those instances where there’s many different entry points of information where you can approach the parent, the better. And then finally on the municipal playgrounds issue, what’s interesting is that we’ve been covering in our 261 9 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING environmental justice work we’ve done research, our Yale fellows from the Yale School of Public Health did research on how it is at cities often times because of the lack of green cover in the cities can sometimes be higher in temperature during the summer than some of our suburban areas. So, this is also an equitable access issue. Having shade at our new municipal playgrounds provides an opportunity not only for fairer skinner children to avoid skin cancers and other melanomas but also for all children to avoid the possibility of having heat impacted related illnesses so we really thank you for that legislation. With that, I would be happy to take your questions. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Thank you very much. I appreciate your testimony. You are always so thorough, and I appreciate you testifying on so many bills here today. So, I do have a couple of questions for you on each bill and I think for the benefit of my committee I will start with the first bill and then ask committee members to question about those and go on to the next. Actually I have no questions regarding 156. Do any of my committee members have any questions for him regarding financial assistance for post-secondary education? Okay, hearing none Senate Bill 157 for Kaylee, the act concerning the provision of free feminine hygiene products in middle and high school student bathrooms. One question that I have received recently was the importance of having these items available also in gender neutral bathrooms to ensure that, that anyone who needs them can receive them. Do you, and I know I’m putting you on the spot, but do you have any data about those transgender 262 10 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING children and how this would affect them if it weren’t available for them. KAYLEE: I don’t have any data. I can find some and provide it for you. Definitely, I think that is a very good point having these products in those bathrooms would be very important. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Right, because it makes sense to me. If I’m a transgendered student and those products are not available to me in the bathroom that I choose to use to me that sounds like that would keep someone home from school, right. So, I think that’s an excellent point and I appreciate that. Are there any other questions for these two regarding that particular piece of legislation? Yes, Representative Wilson Pheanious. REP. WILSON PHEANIOUS (53RD): Thank you. Good morning and thank you for your testimony. My concern about Raised Bill 157 is the broadness of the language and I wonder if that strikes you at all for concern. First of all, it’s an unfunded mandate meaning that the Boards of Education are going to have to pick up the cost and the way that this is worded it appears that it would mean every accessible bathroom in the -- in the school and I’m just wondering if you are aware of any funding sources or other opportunities for boards of educations to be able to take advantage of in order to fulfill the you know requirements of the statute. I mean I have no question about the need for such but I’m wondering if it should be more limited. For example, the nurse’s office or I don’t know some other place where people might who need to go might be able to go because many people can and do afford these products and it’s sort of a function of what 263 11 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING you have to do you know but I realize that there are people that don’t and it just seems to me that this bill is so broadly worded that it would require boards of education to provide these products originally to virtually every student in every restroom and I just wonder what your thoughts are on that. STEVEN HERNANDEZ: I really appreciate that question, especially because of the resourcing. So, a few years ago the Commission on the Status of Women created an annual drive where they would collect feminine hygiene products not only for women that were incarcerated, for women that were in nursing, I’m sorry in homeless facilities, in facilities where people of modest means congregated and what we found we had rooms at the commission filled with these products and we couldn’t just get them out and deployed soon enough. There was just so much outpouring of community generosity and a real understanding of need. On the question of the breath of this you know individual access and individual choice when it comes to the type of feminine hygiene product that is to be accessible for the individual I think as many options as possible. I think Kaylee’s research around chronic absenteeism is really telling here because often times what happens is when a young person isn’t ready or hasn’t had the education or perhaps some of those great conversations that you have with your family about what to be ready for and what to be looking for and how to be prepared. You know there can be shame. There can be embarrassment. All the things that would keep a young person from leaving school and associating school with an embarrassing or limiting experience so you know I think bringing 264 12 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING those two together, understanding the science of how kids interact socially and also the fact that in a community there are available resources and sensitivity to this issue. I think that we can start addressing that and bring some of those unfunded costs down. REP. WILSON PHEANIOUS (53RD): Well, that would be my concern and again I would wonder. I certainly understand the need. I’m glad somebody is suggesting that it is an issue and it can be a surprise to a young lady needing this kind of thing but I’m just wondering about the full and free availability in every single restroom in a building. That seems, when I think about what our schools can afford and the whole issue of unfunded mandates we look at these and have to look at them with extra scrutiny because the schools in my district can just barely afford to do what they are now doing and not being funded to do so I wondered if this proposal might be strengthened by putting these supplies in an area of easy access like for example I keep saying the nurse’s office or somewhere else where people might go without shame but that would not require providing these products for everybody for all purposes in every restroom. I’m just wondering if it doesn’t need to be narrowed. KAYLEE: And I’d just respond to that because I do hear you and I totally absolutely understand the concern because schools are always struggling to find the funds. I know that there are some federal initiative to provide these products. There’s an organization called THINK that has worked very closely with legislators to create federal mandates providing these products in schools. The thing I will say that for me as a teacher in an underserved 265 13 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING school I was providing these products for my students so even if the school isn’t providing them somebody is and the other thing I’ll say is that my students who had to go to the nurse to get these products often wouldn’t want to because that would indicate to other students that there was something going on. I think that you are right. There should be some centralized location. I don’t necessarily know. I don’t necessarily have an answer to where that should be. It’s kind of a tricky situation. REP. WILSON PHEANIOUS (53RD): Right well just my concern is just the way the bill was currently worded. As I’m reading it, would require in every accessible bathroom that there be a free supply of products and it just seems excessive to me and I wonder if anyone has ideas about how to either connect schools to these resources you might be talking about which would be good for people to know about or to address that issue. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Thank you very much. Senator Anwar. SENATOR ANWAR (3RD): Thank you Madame Chair. Thank you so much for your testimony. I would like to speak about 157. I think this is important to start to see and I’m glad this bill is here because its going to allow us to have a paradigm shift. Why is it that we are never talking about financial resources or limitations when we are talking about toilet rolls? They’re a physiologic need of people, right? And when it comes to women that’s a physiologic need. Why does money come into the picture when it’s a physiologic need? So it is a responsibility of the school to provide it. Period. Now the fact that we’re not seeing things this way 266 14 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING is because of how as a society we have evolved with confused mindset. The confused mindset is that well it’s going to cost more. Well if it’s going to cost more let’s actually start to figure out how to reduce the toilet roll usage in the schools too. Let’s save money on that too. And I think this is important bill and this is going to start to have the conversations which are it’s fascinating that you are having this conversation in the year 2020. That is the fascinating part for me. But, I’m glad for the leadership and the people who have brought this forward. I know Senator Bergstein is over here as she will talk about this as well, but I am very happy to see that we are at least in 2020 and reaching the 1900s. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Thank you Senator. Does anyone else want to speak on this particular bill? HB 5201 Okay, now we will move on to 5201, an Act Concerning Prevention of Heat Stroke Related Deaths in Motor Vehicles. I want to thank you very much for testifying in favor of this bill. I’d also like to publicly thank Representative Green, my ranking member who really took an idea that was probably too large and she condensed it in a way that allows us to get to the heart of what needs to be done here so thank you very much Representative for doing that. So, my question for you is what this bill does is will essentially will create a marketing plan for centers to alert parents on how to remind them about heat stroke in cars right? And we are getting them early when people, when kids are at the beginning of their lives and parents are at the beginning of parenthood. I loved how you said that. If and when this bill passes would you be willing to work with 267 15 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING us on the language on how best to get to those parents? STEVEN HERNANDEZ: 100 percent. You know some of the innovations for instance that parents may or may not know about a lot of parents when they drive the user ways or other map that are available to them to tell them where they’re going. A lot of parents, even parents of modest means have telephones. They have smartphones accessible to them. And what’s interesting is there is a feature in ways that reminds you to ensure that you didn’t leave a child in the car. It’s a little pop up that comes up right at your destination so these are things that you know if a parent knew these things were accessible it's an extra click of a button and it really could save a child’s life. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): How did I not know that? STEVEN HERNANDEZ: Yeah it’s pretty cool. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): I use Waze every day. How did I not know that? STEVEN HERNANDEZ: It’s a setting in Waze. So, what’s really neat about that is that those resources are out there and what’s also great is that these are preventable deaths so resource plus prevention is you know healthy kids. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): That’s fantastic. Thank you. Does anybody else want to ask questions regarding this particular bill? Okay on 5202 an Act Concerning Inclusion of Shaded Areas at New Municipal Playgrounds. Thank you. I have been saying this for a very long time. In addition to possible heatstroke. In addition to melanoma which is on the rise and burns from these playground 268 16 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING equipment pieces, and it is an equity issue. You are absolutely right about that, so I appreciate that very much and I’m glad to see you’re on board with that. Does anyone have any questions for him regarding that bill? Okay, hearing none let’s get to my favorite bill the Act Concerning Probation Periods Following Convictions for Certain Sexual HB 5199 Misconduct Crimes Against Minors. I want to thank you for you testifying in support in this. The committee this year has quite a few pieces of legislation aimed at the prevention of sexual abuse of children and also data collection regarding adult sexual misconduct and in our extensive research we have learned that the community at large really believes that people are not being arrested, convicted, or sentenced appropriately for these crimes but public perceptions do not always equal fact and so when we looked at the numbers it seems that the best way to reduce recidivism regarding these crimes against children is to lengthen those probation times because one of the things apparently that Connecticut does really well is monitor child sex offenders and so that’s what we’re looking at getting here. It’s increasing the period with which the state will be able to monitor people who have committed sexual crimes against children so I appreciate your coming here and testifying in favor of this bill but I’m wondering do you have any ideas on how to possible make that even stronger given that please keep in mind that we also have multiple bills on the prevention side this year but this one is a little bit different in something that the Committee on Children doesn’t normally take up so I’m pretty on the spot but are there any convictions in here that you think should be added to this? 269 17 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING STEVEN HERNANDEZ: So, what’s interesting is this is in the context of a larger conversation that we’re having about risk that we’re having about probation that we’re having about second chances you know and sometimes it seems like our laws are flipped on their head you know people who have been convicted of a crime, a non-violent crime are often tracked much much longer than they need to be especially once they’ve already repaid their debt to society. Not only that they face a lot of discriminatory barriers in housing and work force. So, when you take that, and you compare it to crimes, and you know we included some of the recidivism stats for sexual offenses. It’s crimes where there is a higher level of recidivism and society would benefit and kids would benefit from a longer-term vigilance when it comes to certain crimes. Then this serve right sizes this issue, but it also furthers the conversation on well what happens with lower risk offenses. Say for instance a mistaken age between an 18-year-old, a mistaken age let’s just call it that. What happens in those situations where the risk is much much less of recidivating? It’s important that we start thinking about these things openly because we can balance being the second chance society but also keeping our kids safe by tracking certain types of offenses for a longer period of time. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): So, one of my main concerns is internet predation. This is when we’re talking about the safety of children you cannot keep that out of the conversation. This committee has been focused on that and we are looking at that bringing an informational hearing regarding how to keep our kids safe. It’s something I’ve done within my own 270 18 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING district and I can tell you countless stories, not about something I read in the newspaper or something I read on the internet. Countless stories of children I know who have propositioned online, who have been forced to make videos that are sexual in nature for fear that their parents would be killed if they didn’t by someone they met online. These are real issues and it’s very hard to prosecute those crimes and those are the crimes that we’re really trying to get at here in addition to others but because it’s hard to prosecute those crimes a lot of those people are not being punished to the full extent of the law and we’re watching them for as long as possible so I believe that this is something that meets in the middles and it is more of a punishment but it’s also more preventative as well because the longer we watch them the easier it’s going to be to know if they’re doing it again. STEVEN HERNANDEZ: Well, I’ll tell you part of the terms of probation at times can be monitoring what is accessed on the internet. There was just an article today in fact of a site where it was found that there was disproportionate amounts of youth being targeted in for pornography and not only was it accessible to the public but the people in charge of the site are actually promoting violence against young people in the form of videos and all and other consumables so this is a very real issue. You know when you think concurrently of the wild west and the internet can be what a lot of school districts have done and what families have done together with school districts have decided to take over the internet and fill the internet not only with safety mechanisms but also positive prosocial good things that kids can experience on the internet. You know, 271 19 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING it’s here to stay and kids are going to have access to it and some of the things you mentioned are some of these apps that are available for kids that adults exploit so the more we can you know we tell our kids when you go outside cross the street look both ways but we don’t give them any instruction or give them any guidance on what to do. See something say something when they’re on the internet and we should do more of that. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Well I do. And one final question regarding this. Originally when we spoke about putting this legislation together, one of the ideas that we had was to create a marketing program, not just similar to what the trafficking in person’s counsel’s person did in buying sex however as someone who is really interested in what they did I can also say I didn’t see it anywhere and I should have seen it more so if after this public hearing and when we look at substitute language if we include something on that once again is your commission available to help us create something that would actually work. Are you familiar with what the commission did? The trafficking percentile what that whole marketing scheme was. Do you know why it didn’t work and how we can do it better? STEVEN HERNANDEZ: You know I think one of the main things there is compliance. With the trafficking in persons work part of the issue is that the locations where the trafficking is happening are the very locations we need buy in from in terms of disseminating some of this information. So, for instance the Marriott Hotel may be very willing not only to engage in training but also be part of the strategy to ensure that there’s no trafficking at the Marriott but there’s other establishment that 272 20 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING may not even want a sign put up in their bathroom that might protect somebody who’s being trafficked. What’s interesting about this and yes we would love to help so I’ll tell you that you know we’ve had the benefit of Kaylee with us during the summer and next fall we will not only have lead policy fellows but also Yale Public School of Health fellows. We have an ongoing relationship with Yale as well. And what they do is this type of work. They’ll actually help us develop things. One of our fellows helped us develop a racial and impact strategy this past summer so they are available to help with this work and there are examples of what we can do. This is an interesting space because there are many more willing participants in spreading the word so I would suggest that if we do do something like this that it’s in several languages and there’s people that can help us do that as well because as I said the availability of and access for kids on the Wild West that is the internet sometimes they are even more sophisticated at accessing some of these devices than their parents or grandparents are putting that at greater peril and predators know this. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): That’s a really great point and thank you. Just keep in mind when we pass this out of committee it’s also going to have to go to the judiciary committee so I hope that you will follow this and let them know as well your thoughts on this and really need to go with it so thank you very much. Are there any other questions for him regarding this? Yes, Representative Wilson Pheanious. REP. WILSON PHEANIOUS (53RD): Yes thank you very much. I’m wondering how whether there’s any 273 21 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING difference in the impact of this proposed legislation if the perpetrator is a minor or was a minor at the time that the crime occurred. STEVEN HERNANDEZ: Certainly to our mind there is. I think it’s very important to distinguish between children and adults when it comes to so many of these issues. One thing that we found for instance in the trafficking work is that our laws up until very recently just a few years ago still identified children who were exploited for pay as prostitutes and that just doesn’t make any sense. For all of the reasons that we leave our, perhaps this committee or this particular issue we know the brain science around development. We know the brain science around early childhood and youth, and I think we should honor that in this case as well. We need to differentiate between the, you know the things that are happening between the children, between and among children and adults who are often times take advantage of that very developmental difference or delay. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): And I agree with that. In 2017 we did change that. I was very very proud of that law. I had something to do with it that changed a prostitute to a commercial sex abuse of a minor and we have had some convictions in the state since 2017 regarding that statute so we’re really happy about that. And the legislature has taken that under advisement and has worked to change a few statutes to recognize that there is a difference between something that is done by a child with another child as opposed to an adult actually committing sexual misconduct of some sort. I think that is taken into account and that will continue to be taken into account and I’m very proud to say that 274 22 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING the legislature has done that over the past few years and will continue to do that. REP. WILSON PHEANIOUS (53RD): I hope so. I just don’t see it here. I mean I just don’t see any reference to that. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Yes because it lists certain crimes but yes that is absolutely taken into account for sure. REP. WILSON PHEANIOUS (53RD): Okay is, I’m understanding this legislation what it does is it extends the types of crimes for which the 10-35 years of probation would be applicable. STEVEN HERNANDEZ: To adults who commit these crimes. REP. WILSON PHEANIOUS (53RD): To adults who commit these crimes. STEVEN HERNANDEZ: Yes. REP. WILSON PHEANIOUS (53RD): My concern about minors who commit these crimes still remain so as we watch this proceed I just ask that we be conscious of that because there are many times when young people who, I’m not certainly excusing the crime or talking about that issue but when you’re 17 and are accused of doing something and you’ve got now 10-35 years of probation I’m just hoping that someone will take into account that there are times when we’re dealing with minor perpetrators. One size doesn’t fit all. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): So, when we’re talking about lengthening the time it doesn’t mean automatic probation but is still something that is left ultimately during sentencing. 275 23 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING REP. WILSON PHEANIOUS (53RD): It’s a minimum of 10- 35 years. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): And I hear what you’re saying, and we will absolutely take that under advisement. REP. WILSON PHEANIOUS (53RD): Thank you. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): You’re welcome. Are there any other questions? Hearing none I think you’re done. Thank you very much. STEVEN HERNANDEZ: Thank you very much. Thank you all. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Sarah Eagan please. Welcome back. SARAH EAGAN: Thank you. Good afternoon to the committee. I’m Sarah Eagan. I run the state’s SB 156 Office of the Child Advocate. I wanted to offer testimony on a couple bills that are up for today HB 5201 starting with Senate Bill 158 an Act Concerning the SB 157 Albert J. Solnit Children’s Center. I wanted to, one, acknowledge the committee’s work over the last couple of years. I think on this issue the recommendation to eliminate the statutory exemption for the Solnit Center which is a state-run psychiatric treatment facility and campus for children arose out of a fatality and facility investigation that the Office of the Child Advocate published in September 2018. Boy, time flies. It feels like it was just last year but that was a year and a half ago. And that this committee holds a public hearing on the same month. That report dealt with the death by suicide of a 16-year-old girl named Destiny who was 8 months pregnant at the time of her death. She was scheduled to be discharged from the facility the next day to foster care and 276 24 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING instead died by suicide in the facility. What was learned during that fatality investigation was that part of the Solnit Center had been subject to multiple investigations in the previous six months of serious occurrences which had happened in the facility which had mostly been related to suicide attempts by girls there that had led to multiple findings under federal Medicaid laws that children were quote “in immediate jeopardy of harm”. That was the federal regulatory language, due to deficiencies in care and treatment that were found by the Department of Public Health. In addition to those concerns themselves what was also concerning was that there is no framework that the state had for making that information public so while that was going on not through design or malice but while those important investigations and findings were happening in the months prior to Destiny’s death this body the legislature was undertaking very significant conversations with the health committee about the licensing and the oversight of Connecticut Valley Hospital and the Whiting Forensic Division which was also similar to Solnit, a state run resolution exempt from outside licensure so the OCA published a report in September of 2018 tracing these legal issues. What had happened at the facility, there were six suicide attempts in that facility by girls in about a nine-month period of time followed by Destiny’s completed suicide and the death of her unborn child. In the wake of that, so we recommended to the committee in that report in the public hearing several things. One that the licensing exemption for this facility has to be repealed. This facility has to be subjected to outside licensure. There has 277 25 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING to be a framework for ensuring the quality of care and safety of children in state run facilities and there has to be a transparent framework when sharing information with the public and there has to be a notification requirement that if another agency comes in and says well we’re making this finding that care is so deficient here that children are in immediate jeopardy of hard and there has to be a mechanism for notifying not just the public but consumers of that program and their guardians. That framework just did not exist. So, I think it’s important that this bill moves forward even though I think it is moving forward by consensus I think it’s important that the Office of the Child Advocate put that information on the record for folks to may be part of this committee that may not have that history. This is not an academic discussion. There is a recommendation to ensure adequate oversite and licensure of a state-run facility for vulnerable children is an essential, critical safety recommendation. I would also like to say and echoing the testimony from the Department of Children and Family that we have arrived today on this recommendation today by consensus and that I think it is no small thing. The licensure facility that is run by the state that has operated now for quite years and years, without this regulatory protection I think it’s a big and important step forward that we arrived at this by consensus as partners by the Department of Children and Families in less than a year’s time is an example of doing what a government can to address urgent problems that children face. And I think it’s something we’re really happy about at the Office of the Child Advocate. We will continue to work with our partners in DCF because the bill is really just the 278 26 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING first step and then we have to -- then the regulations have to be adopted and that process has to go forward and so we want to hold ourselves accountable to a timeline that is appropriate to the urgent nature of the issues we’re talking about because I really wanted to underscore that. Another bill I wanted to offer testimony on today is 156. I actually think I offered testimony in my written testimony on a bill that was pulled from public hearing, so I apologize for that. I didn’t realize that but Bill 156 which is an Act Concerning the Financial Assistance for Post-Secondary Education which is a bill that I very strongly support. I know it’s a bill that has come up for this committee before and I stated in our testimony, currently Connecticut provides this benefit through youth adopted through DCF foster care and the benefit pays higher education tuition fees, room, and board, at an accredited college/university up to an amount equivalent to the cost that Yukon but it applies to children that were adopted after 2004. The bill would allow the benefit to run to children adopted on or after 2001 provided that the youth meets all the other eligibility requirements. I would stress that this bill is imminently reasonable. It is designed to equitably service the best interest of youth adopted via DCF that will remain college aged at this time and these are youth to whom the state owes an economic and a moral community. These are children for whom the state was the parent. These children lived in state care. They were removed from their homes and not returned to their biological families because of chronic or persistent or unresolvable deprivation, trauma, 279 27 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING abuse, and neglect. The state did a good job of finding permanency for these children and it has to offer the same benefit to all of these children that remain college age. It is a moral duty that the state has to the children that it parented and found a disposition for. I think we also owe this to the families who have done this service to the children and to the community and to the state as taking in a child that of course they love and want to help but taking on a journey that is not easy. Right? It’s not easy to take a child who has experienced so much trauma into your home and to provide the nurturance, consistency, parenting, teaching, and opportunity. We owe these parents our gratitude and a financial commitment to make sure they can be educated in our state educational institutions. I would also echo that the number of children. Not the [Inaudible- 00:50:53] not all children who are college aged are going to college so when we look at the fiscal note which will be attached to this bill when we look at data let’s also look at the data through the reasonable lens not just what is probable but what is possible and you know think about you know how we can extend this reasonable, equitable, just morally appropriate benefit to children who most need our protection and support. Lastly I would just offer a couple of remarks in support of the Bill, the Bill 5201 which is I think is a very reasonable common-sense solution to provide education to parents about the risk of a child being in a hot car. I would say that Connecticut has not had a lot of deaths in this way but again as we talk about child fatality I mean how, there shouldn’t be any, right? There shouldn’t be any. We know nationally this is an issue right 280 28 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING and I think one of the things that parents need education about is one of the things we talk about every year when we partner with CCMC and their summer safety press conference is that I don’t think that most people know that children are more susceptible to heat stroke in the car. They also don’t know how quickly the temperature in the car can change and they don’t know that even on a day that doesn’t feel hot to you and me the temperature can go from like 75 outside to 110 inside the car very quickly right? These are points of education. No better setting than programs licensed by the Office of Early Child to offer that critical education and empowerment to parents. And lastly I’d like to offer support to Bill 157, the feminine hygiene product bill which I agree. I mean if we -- I think there is support for that concept. I would point out that there are other jurisdictions that have made this benefit possible. I shouldn’t say these benefits, these basic health products available in Illinois. New York City started with it. Now it’s along all of New York state so every school district is doing it. California has it. It’s not a global mandate in California but it is for any school district that serves I think more than 50 percent low income students. Boston was moving towards this as well and so I think it’s a really important notion to take up. I think it is part of why certain kids don’t come to school and it is part of basic assistance in health care that we provide. We provide the other things people need. This is part of that, so I wanted to offer support for that. That’s it for me. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Thank you very much. As always, fantastic testimony. We appreciate your in 281 29 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING sight. Are there any questions? Yes, Senator Moore. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Thank you so much Madame Chair. Thank you for your testimony. I wanted just to request you; your words are very powerful especially the ones you spoke about 156. If this bill goes through this committee which I’m hoping that it would and then goes to the General Assembly I would request that you actually speak to the Appropriation Committee in the same fashion and the same basic understanding that all of them should have about our responsibility. That would really help us out. SARAH EAGAN: Of course. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Thank you so much. SARAH EAGAN: I’d be happy to. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Thank you. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Anyone else? Nope. Thank you very much. SARAH EAGAN: Thank you very much. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): We’re going to have Senator Bergstein followed by Senator Slap. Senator do you have some guests with you. SENATOR BERGSTEIN (36TH): I do. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Would they like to come up? SENATOR BERGSTEIN (36TH): They’re going to testify on their own if that’s okay. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): They’re going to testify on their own? Absolutely that’s okay. I just wanted to make sure you guys. Okay go ahead please. 282 30 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING SENATOR BERGSTEIN (36TH): Thank you so much Madame Chair, ranking members, and all members of the Children’s Committee for allowing me to testify in support of Bill 157. Early last summer, two students Emmy and Charlotte came to me and educated me about the issue of Period Poverty and the fact that whether it’s 10 percent or 20 percent, a significant percentage of students of Connecticut are missing school on a regular basis because they simply can’t afford these necessary supplies and that’s really a tragedy and it’s entirely preventable so obviously we all know what happens when somebody misses school on a regular basis and their confidence suffers, their academic performance suffers. It can become a vicious and destructive cycles that has lifelong ramifications so nobody should have to make the choice between going to school and caring for their bodies and this is something that has elegant situation which is also what the students presented to me. I’m just really excited to support this because it’s not only an identifiable problem but there’s a ready solution and this is a student driven initiative. They are really the ones who are educating us. They are telling us what the reality is in schools. There are some schools that supply period supplies, but they’re often located in the nurse’s office. I have spoken to some students who told me that yes they’re in the nurse’s office and they also charge for them in the nurse’s office. So, in addition to them having to perhaps walk through multiple hallways trying to cover up one’s clothing that is stained and you know worrying about just being subjected to a very humiliating experience when they finally get to the nurse’s office they have to pay for this necessary supply. Hopefully we can all agree that 283 31 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING menstruation is not an illness. It shouldn’t be treated like an illness in the nurse’s office. It’s certainly not an unmentionable condition. It is a normal bodily function that is the basis for all life. So -- so my hope is that with this legislation I thank you so much for raising it in this committee. We can begin to destigmatize menstruation for all menstruators and that we can talk about it openly and honestly and that we can provide the necessary supplies for everybody where they need them which is in the school bathrooms. I wanted to address the representative’s question about funding because I agree we shouldn’t just have mandates on schools that are already incredibly strapped for resources so what we have done at my suggestion Amy and Charlotte submitted an application for a grant to the Partnership for Connecticut which you know is the new partnership that has been established with lots of funding to address situations, I think exactly like this. Situations in which at risk students are disengaged from school. How and the question is the mission of that partnership is to re-engage students in school. So, this is actually a relatively low cost and very high impact way to re-engage students and significantly decrease absenteeism. And just to give you an idea of the cost and I know it’s not the pervy of this committee I was rather surprised to hear that it’s not as much I thought it might be. Initial and these are initial estimates that were done for one town that happens to be Greewich that initial estimates were that it would cost -- cost about $2.50 per student to install a dispenser and these are special dispensers that are designed for schools. The products happen to be all organic and minimal packaging and they dispense one at a time. 284 32 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING People ask are they you know whatever. So, but if somebody needs the products they can access them. So, $2.50 per student and we have approximately 158,000 female students in the state of Connecticut between the ages of, well enrolled in 5th through 12th grade. That adds up to $400,000 dollars for installation and then about $250,000 dollars per year after that for the supplies so I would hope that the Partnership for Connecticut would seriously consider this again as a low cost high impact solution that is being initiated by students really across the state so Amy and Charlotte have connected with students around the state. There are other students who will be here to testify tomorrow in front of Public Health. Obviously it’s not easy for student to get out of school but I am encouraging them to come and make their voices heard because they’re really the force behind this. Thank you. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Thank you very much. Here on the Committee on Children we love when students come to testify. I do have a few questions for you, and I don’t know if you can answer them but let’s try. SARAH EAGAN: Okay. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Are you, is there a statewide number of schools, number of days allowed to be missed that are unexcused absences or is that done on an individual district basis? SENATOR BERGSTEIN (36TH): I do not have the answer, but I think Representative Comey does. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Representative Comey, can you provide that information? REP. COMEY (102ND): Yes I believe it’s 10 days and then -- 285 33 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING REP. LINEHAN (103RD): That’s sounds exactly right because that’s how it is in my child’s school and I just didn’t know if it was. So, if there are only 10 days of unexcused absence I would imagine there are many more days of menstruation per school year than 10. So, there is an absolute concern that children who don’t have access to these products are not coming to school if they don’t have that access, so I think that that’s a very good point. And you said applied for this grant. Did you have any idea as to when you would receive word on that? SARAH EAGAN: Well they haven’t received one. I did reach out initially to the Dalia philanthropies and pitch this idea months ago because we held a public forum up here in September. They initially declined but they were also in the process of forming that partnership and I think it wasn’t until mid-January that they announced that they were opened to receiving you know, office suggestions so that’s when I suggested to Amy and Charlotte reach out and submit which is really, again a student led initiative. I think it’s really important for a partnership that is focused on students to hear from students. So, they haven’t heard back yet. I think it was submitted on January 24. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): It will take time. Sure. Okay great. Thank you. SARAH EAGAN: Hopefully they are listening to this. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): We’ll ask them to peruse the tape. Are there any questions? Yes Senator Cohen? SENATOR COHEN (12TH): Yes thank you. I’m sorry I walked in during your testimony but thank you for testifying on this and thank you for driving the 286 34 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING initiative. As a Board of Ed member, a former Board of Ed member in my town there was a logistics issue as well with period products and menstruation products so as we’re looking at this language and seeing it unfold one of the issues were, was that there were not dispensers or products being made available in the restrooms. You had to go to the nurse’s office. This presents a problem with passing time period and things of that nature, and so students were embarrassed. They were coming to class late. They couldn’t get there on time so just something to think about as this all, as the language unfolds and the logistics of where these products will be. Schools are often very large and getting to, if they’re just in one destination, i.e. the nurse’s office, it could be an issue getting the products so I appreciate this initiative and I see that it would be made available in the restrooms which I think is terrific for the students and doesn’t present that same logistical issue that is presented in some of the towns surrounding us so thank you again. REP. BERGSTEIN (36TH): Thank you Senator Cohen. Yes, I think that’s precisely why this legislation is so important is because the method that has been used to distribute even when they are available is insufficient and it requires students to either suffer in silence or either to submit to a very harrowing and humiliating process of having to walk the halls and maybe wait in line and being treated as though they have an illness in which they don’t. And to an earlier question I do think it important that these be available in gender neutral bathrooms as well. 287 35 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Thank you. Any other questions. Yes Senator Moore. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Thank you Madame Chair and thank you Senator Bergstein for your testimony. So, in the bill I feel and I believe it’s going to be important to actually have the bill not be dependent on getting financial support from outside from some philanthropy because it goes against the essence of our challenge right now is that we have to look at a charity or organization to try and help take care of a physiologic need of our students. That’s messed up. And if this goes for appropriation I want to hear everybody’s comments and then look at the prism off there saying that a physiologic need of an individual is going to be up to appropriation because they are going to be treated differently and that’s not right. And I think with this bill we are entering the 19th century as I said earlier. It should have happened hundreds of years ago but I’m glad for leadership of the students and yours to bring this forward and move this conversation to the level where when we are going to look at dollars and cents we are going to actually then I will say they will have to cut the budget rolls to half as well because you want to save money on the physiologic needs let’s go all the way for everyone and then that’s going to be, that’s what the conversation is going to be about. If people are going to use dollars and money and the budgets to decide about how to take care of the physiologic needs of our community members and our students. REP. BERGSTEIN (36TH): Thank you and I couldn’t agree more. It is a basic physiological need and so this really is an opportunity to shift our mindset, 288 36 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING out collective mindset and to recognize it as such and not an unmentionable. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Representative Wilson Pheanious followed by Representative Kokoruda. REP. WILSON PHEANIOUS (53RD): Yes I want to make it very clear that all of the things that you said about the necessity of this and the fact that we should be in the 20th century and we should be providing this as a free service to everyone is one thing. The issue of putting it on the school boards is another and I have no complaints if we are talking about an additional appropriation for the department, maybe make it the Department of Education’s responsibility to supply the schools. My concern is just that I hear again and again about unfunded mandates and the best ideas, the important ideas we have like shifting the way people thing about things like this and dealing with he needs of women and especially because this is a student prompted mission I want to give it my full support but I also want to make it clear that we can’t just create mandate after mandate that the schools have to absorb without some consideration so I would just ask that as we’re working with this legislation as we move forward that we look at building into it. The cost that will cost to run it. If those costs aren’t extreme as was indicated by your testimony so much the better. I just ask that it not be an additional unfunded mandate on our school systems. Perhaps there’s a way that we could orchestrate and I agree with you that it shouldn’t be a matter of charity but at least if we could make it so that school boards had access to these products and to the money that supports them then I have no issue because it isn’t a terribly important issue. I 289 37 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING would ideally the products should be available everywhere and not just in the nurse’s office but as long as I’m thinking about how the school boards without assistance from us afford changes that are good changes that’s my point. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Thank you very much. Representative Kokoruda. REP. KOKORUDA (101ST): Thank you Madame Chair. First of all thank you Senator for bringing this forward. I mean it’s so exciting that it came through students so that’s wonderful. And you know most of our good ideas do come from our constituents. Don’t you agree? I have to agree with Representative Wilson Pheanious and I agree with Senator here also but if we believe it’s a good bill and it sounds like a lot of us do, well then we should support it and I totally agree with you, you know we’re quick to say to our boards of Ed we think this is good so you should do it. If we believe in it we need to support it and I congratulate you on at least thinking in that way and also getting the students to look at grants whichever way but we have some school districts that you look at the per pupil expenditure they’re just making it and this might not sound like much to them but it is. The different level of per pupil over the expansion of the state is pretty remarkable and I would hate to think that some of our lowest funded schools would really ever have one more burden, so I want to congratulate you on this. I think it’s a great idea. I’m surprised no one thought of it sooner. I see it took some smart students from Greenwich to think of it. Thank you. 290 38 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING SENATOR BERGSTEIN (36TH): Thank you and there are other students around the state who are very supportive of this and one thing that’s remarkable is how quickly the students created a network of peers to support this and they’re not all girls. They’re boys too and yeah so highly sensitive to the issue of resources especially to resource strapped schools and districts and so that was the reason why we reached out to the partnership to just try to find any source of funding to maybe initially get this off the ground. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): I applaud you for being creative in that regard. I think that in the fiscal climate that we’re in when we want to provide something that is necessary to our kids we should look to every possible resource to do that, so I applaud you. Are there any further questions? Oh my co-chair. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): Thank you. Thank you for bringing this to us and thank the students that have been involved because I think as Representative Kokoruda said the best ideas come from people who have experienced the problem and understand it best. I am so proud that they’re engaged. You know I live in one of the poorest cities in Connecticut in Bridgeport and I’m not going to share my own experience but I have been when I was in high school with a problem like this and as I was sitting here my mind moved back to when I was in high school and I was like this seems so common that I just didn’t experience but other kids had and they just didn’t want to talk about it and at that time the nurse didn’t even provide anything for you right. Nobody even talked about it, so I think it’s really important that we start thinking differently. I 291 39 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING just left human services for a hearing and I just think many of things we have done in the past were about the early 1900s as I think the Senator has mentioned and we’ve got to come and start to address what our children are going through now, you know and when I think about kids in Bridgeport this would be a huge problem for them not to have and it probably is a problem right now right? The disadvantaged few that it could make a huge difference to them, but I also know that our budget and the ECS formula is a problem there and they don’t have the funding. I think it has to be a combination of going out for dollars although I think we have a responsibility to our children to supply these as a state. I think we’ve got to be really creative on how we do that where people can go out and get funding from an organization or philanthropy and work on that and then perhaps some of those change end up coming from the state and I think we really need to address it. And you know money is always a big concern but as my co-chair always says we’re thinking about the children first and the money second. But when I think about this there’s a way of getting this done by looking at both philanthropy and the state to get this done and It thank you for this common sense approach and I thank you for bringing the youth here and championing it on their behalf. Thank you. SENATOR BERGSTEIN (36TH): Thank you Senator Moore. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Any further questions? Hearing none thank you very much Senator. We appreciate your time. We have Senator Slap and then we will be going to the public directly after Senator Slap. Welcome Senator to your old committee. 292 40 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING SENATOR SLAP (5TH): Thank you. I miss you all terribly. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): The feeling is mutual. SENATOR SLAP (5TH): So, thank you Representative Linehan, Senator Moore, Representative Green and all the members of the Children’s Committee thanks for having me here and I’ll be brief. I’m really here to echo the comment of Senator Bergstein. I really applaud her leadership on this issue. And even more than that I applaud the leadership on students from Greenwich and from students who came from all across the state to mobilize on this issue that I think is really about dignity and it’s about equity and equality. I think it’s so critically that the voices who are speaking in favor of this are not just female voices as well, that there are men who come forward and say you know what this is an important issue. I remember sitting in this very room a few months ago with some of you and Senator Bergstein put together a forum and we heard from the students about all the innovative ways that the districts and other communities are dealing with this issue and it really inspired me. You know a few years ago we passed a landmark pay equity legislation and it wasn’t just a women’s issue and I see this is in kind of a similar way in that it’s really critical that we all come together. We don’t say you know what that’s just a female issue and we’re not going to get involved. I mean it’s not because I’m a father of two daughters either you know you know I don’t think that’s a necessity as well to be to care about this issue. There are thousands of young women in this state that are impacted by this every single day. They either miss school or they miss class or they have an incredible 293 41 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING amount of stress around this where I believe they shouldn’t and I do believe if boys menstruated we would not be having this conversation and we sure wouldn’t be talking about how to pay for it. It would be very clear that this was a cost of doing business so to speak to have a public school and to have people attend there all day just like toilet paper. It’s just a common thing that we provide for students and staff so I believe we should approach it that way and again I’m really here just to echo comments of so many great advocates starting with the students. Congratulations on this and I’m with you every step of the way. With that I will, you know you have my testimony with some more statistics and figures that you’ve probably already heard, and I’ll leave it at that and again thank you for your time. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Thank you Senator and I can say on behalf of women everywhere thank you. It’s nice to have the men stand up with us and we appreciate that. Are there any questions for the senator? No? Hearing none thank you very much. We appreciate you being here today. SENATOR SLAP (5TH): Thank you. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): And we will be moving on to the public. I just want to remind everyone that we do have a three-minute limit so while you are testifying please be cognizant. There may be a buzzer that goes off. When that buzzer does go off we just ask that you summarize your testimony and then we’ll get to asking any questions. So, with that we have, and I apologize for the name. I hope I am getting it right. Natalie Ochoa and Casey Van. Did I get that right? Ochoa. There you go I want 294 42 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING to say it appropriately. Natalie Ochoa. Thank you so much for being here. Okay great you got that. Okay go ahead. CASEY VAN: Good afternoon Senator Moore, Representative Linehan, and members of the Committee on Children. My name is Casey Van and I’m a member of the Mayor’s Youth Leadership Council at Stanford High School. Today I’m joined by Natalie Ochoa. She’s a member of the Center for Youth Leadership at Bryan McMahan High School in Norwalk. On behalf of our 200 student activist members, we are proud to testify in solidarity with our peers of Senate Bill 157. Since 2017 our work has focused on normalizing conversations about period or menstrual equity. We try our best to make the case that menstruation falls squarely at the intersection of economic health and education policy. Our outreach efforts call on every state legislature to eliminate the tampons tags which Connecticut did in 2018 and we trumpet to fact that our school provides tampons and pads free to female bodied students. Every month on Tampon Tuesday we hand out tampons and pads with an information sheet. The handout addresses the stigma that way too many people associate with periods. The importance of menstrual and vaginal healthcare in everyday health in female bodied students and passing a wide net of including boys and men in the period movement. We also call to attention that the educational equity aspect of periods that limiting access to tampons and pads in schools result in too many female bodied students missing too much class time. That’s what Senate Bill 157 addresses, increased access. Yes, period products are available in our nurse’s office but that should be just one of several access points in the schools for 295 43 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING female bodied students to get tampons and pads. It’s common sense or “no brainer” according to Senator Derek Slap of West Hartford. NATALIE OCHOA: We believe it is time to free the tampon from the stigma that periods are a medical issue. To free the tampon from adult supervision and allow teens to manage their own bodies and to free the tampons to female body students with easier access to products can be fully engaged in classroom learning. Given that Senate Bill 157 is proposed as an unfunded mandate, how much will it cost school districts to place tampons and pads in dispensers in girls’ and gender-neutral bathrooms. One school district in up state New York spent $8,800 dollars on 24 dispenses while neighboring districts spent $3,700 in 12 dispensers. Closer to home, our public schools estimates the first-year cost would total $16,500 dollars with $10,000 dollars spent on dispensers for 50 middle school and high school bathrooms. $5,000 dollars earmarked for pads and tampons and $1,500 dollars for the upkeep of the dispensers. The annual costs thereafter is estimated at $6,500 dollars for tampons, pads, and the maintenance of the dispensers. This is from an annual operating budget of $200 million dollars. Yes, we are basing this on the purchase of dispensers each of which would have a 10 or 15 second delay between each tampon release. We’ve tried other less secure -- Senator, may I continue? Thank you. -- methods of distribution, baskets on tables in bathrooms for example but they prove problematic in terms of upkeep. We encourage our fellow advocates that work with the companies that purchase soap, hand sanitizer, and toilet paper for your school districts. We are sure you can 296 44 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING negotiate discounted rates for dispensers and period products. Why should taxpayers pay for the period products and dispensers? Many advocates from teen activist elected officials pointed tampons and pads as necessities so much was soap and toilet paper in bathrooms. “These are not products that girls can simply choose not to use like perfume or cosmetics” said one advocate. Finally we ask you to remember that girls have bodies and they bring them to school. Let’s make it a little bit fairer to learn with dignity. Thank you for letting us testify. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Well, you did a terrific job. We, here on the Committee on Children absolutely love it when young people come to testify. It’s even better when young people come to advocate for a bill that they’re helping to write. So, thank you so very much and I believe that your testimony has given more factual information than anyone else’s regarding this bill so I greatly appreciate that. I do have a few questions for you. The first is that there has been a lot of discussion as you can hear about the cost associated with this and I thank you for those facts and figures because the cost associated is much less than we assumed that it would be however, because money is always discussed in this building we have some questions for you as to what you think would be acceptable. Now, I come from a district that where the children are more middle class and are probably able to afford these things more so than someone a lower income individual as represented by Senator Moore so the question then becomes if money is an issue and how or if we are able to actually pass this bill would your student led organization be amendable to having 297 45 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING this be provided in districts which have 50 percent or more low income individuals. NATALIE OCHOA: I’m sorry so the question is? Could you repeat? REP. LINEHAN (103RD): To cut the overall cost would you support this bill being rewritten so that we would be providing these materials for the first step in districts that have 50 percent or more low- income individuals. NATALIE OCHOA: I think that we would -- I mean yeah I would support that. Any way we could get those products in their schools as soon as possible I would support, and our organization would. CASEY VAN: Speaking from experience, our school district does have a 50 percent more of students that are in the low-income area and this is just really a necessity. It’s something that is needed. It’s not just a simple thing as makeup. It’s something equally as representative as soap and toilet paper. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): I agree. Unfortunately sometimes in this building we do have to make compromises solely based on the cost of a program as much as we love and agree with it so we just wanted to take your temperature on if it ultimately came down to us being able to pass this bill and we needed to make those concessions if you would support it. Of course we fight for what we can fight for. We’ll try not to do that, but we just wanted to get your thought on that. Additionally there was something in your testimony that really struck a chord with me and it’s that you actually go in your high schools and you talk to girls and boys 298 46 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING about freeing the tampon and about menstruation. Let me explain why I think what you are doing is so much more than Period Equity. When we as girls and women discuss our bodies in a way that we are proud of our bodies and we have an open conversation about exactly what our bodies do and what we have I believe that comfort will also result in us being able to speak up if somebody crosses a line. If somebody is more comfortable talking about their body, they’re more comfortable with telling someone no when someone crosses the line. They’re more comfortable speaking up if someone is abusing them. The more we talk about our bodies the more we can actually stop abuse from happening so I want you to know that I applaud you for what you’re doing, not just on that level that you might see it. I think what you’re doing has far reaching implications on how we as girls and women see ourselves, value ourselves, and are willing to talk about those parts of our bodies that are stigmatized often so I thank you and I hope that you continue to do that and especially now that you know how I see that maybe that might help enhance your message as well. Are there any other questions? Senator Cohen. SENATOR COHEN (12TH): Thank you Madame Chair and thank you girls. I just want to echo the chairwoman’s comments. It’s wonderful to see you here testifying and I’m sorry I missed your testimony before ladies but, I just applaud you for taking the time and making the effort. This is obviously something that’s important to you and as a result of that it’s important to me as well. I want you to know that as a legislator. I mentioned before that prior to being a legislator I was on my local Board of Education and there were several 299 47 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING girls involved with this project. It’s probably going back four years ago or so and what I found to be the case is a lack of awareness right so these girls were speaking to administration and administration had no idea that weren’t dispensers in the restrooms right so we had a fairly new high school that was built and they talked about the distance to travel to the nurse’s office and how this was really a problem and very embarrassing and all the things that you so aptly iterated in your testimony. Do you think since you’ve been involved with this project and I recognize that there are certainly some low income districts that are impacted for other reasons and as the good chairwoman stated that perhaps we could make a first step effort in this bill by you know qualifying district status in terms of income. But do you think that there’s an awareness issue as well that goes along with this and that perhaps districts with the right incentives towards awareness could be made more aware of the issue and perhaps do it on their own dime because they just simply didn’t realize that this was an issue. What are your thoughts on that? NATALIE OCHOA: Yeah so I think that the idea that the nurse’s office just being the only center for where girls can have can go and get tampons and pads is really outdated. Like we said, having to go to the nurse’s office it loses time. Even if they don’t have pads or tampons in their nurse’s office they probably won’t be able to go to school. So I think that, wait what was the question again. REP. COHEN (12TH): I’m just wondering to the extent that you think this is an awareness issue in certain districts and if there’s something that we can do 300 48 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING and financially incentivizing certain districts, perhaps lower income districts if there is just something we could legislatively that would increase awareness and thereby these districts just may put these dispensers in their schools because they were simply unaware before. Do you find that there’s an awareness issue with this problem? NATALIE OCHOA: So, yes just the idea that we’re still, well just the fact that we’re still debating this issue that the nurse’s office could be still the main center for these tampons and pads is just crazy and I think that that signals that we do need to talk about that more and there is a problem with awareness. Similarly we are still talking about this. New stories keep coming up when we discuss this at our school, so I do think that do still need to be talking about this more and more and yeah do you have anything to say? CASEY VAN: Yes, as you know we are part of activism groups and just even spreading awareness about these issues is such and it’s an immaculate change and it really improves what we can do here in society. Today we still even to be honest we do get backlash. We do get different views on these and we think it’s important to integrate student activism, integrate the youth into these issues to spread awareness which is very important. SENATOR COHEN (12TH): I just want to thank the chairwoman for her indulgence and for you Madame Chair. I would venture to say that a lot of administrators unfortunately in this day and age are still male and so there is that sort of lack of awareness. Like even though this is a regular bodily function of you know obviously a very large 301 49 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING percentage of human population there’s just sort of an oversight I think to the extent that you all have been making people aware I thank you and to the extent that we legislatively help bring awareness to the issue I think we’re all the better for it so thank you. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): I’d like to give you a real time update. I have a young man from my district in Cheshire who is watching this right now on CTN and so I’m hoping that after you leave here you can email me parts of your project and I’d like to share that with him and see in Cheshire if we can talk to our superintendent about this. I find that really interesting that you -- that you have this. And he’s texting me right now. Dan I see you. [Laughter] Also I wanted to thank the Senator for that really great idea. I did kind of slap you and say I love it, but I think that if we process out of committee it should have some information on how to alert districts that may not be included because of the fiscal note. Given that the cost is so low there may be room in some people’s budget to do this and I want you to know that you’ll have done that and so I’d be happy to work together if the good Senator would like to work with us on that. Anyone here in our committee if you would like to provide information to your school districts regarding this we can do that as well, so we’ll get that information out. Are there anymore questions? Senator Moore. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): So, thank you for your advocacy. This weekend I did a decathlon academic with students from all over Connecticut and I am really proud of the work that comes out of debate and comes out of young people willing to participate 302 50 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING in making things better for all the members of our community so I really appreciate you today and the work that you’ve done on this. As you were talking and I was listening to the comments regarding the cost of it I said to my cochair, perhaps we need to be thinking about as we build new high schools and higher elementary that it’s part of the building expense to put in the dispensers so see the work that you do and how it can trigger how something looks for the future so I really do appreciate you being here today. CASEY VAN: Thank you. NATALIE OCHOA: Thank you. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Representative Wilson Pheanious. REP. WILSON PHEANIOUS (53RD): No so much a question as a comment. Again thank you for your advocacy and for all the young women and men who are coming forth to talk to people. It is important to raise awareness and to normalize the experience of women across populations. But, I wanted to add one thing as we talk about the potential of compromising to only look at low income environments often in an affluent environment you have low income people and I would want us to inadvertently do anything that further stigmatizes people who already may not have the same level of wealth than others in a community so we just need to be sensitive because you -- we’re trying to make things sit and fix it for one group we don’t want to stigmatize or disadvantage another. The other comment I would make was when I talked about the nurse’s office I wasn’t so much thinking about the medical model and you reminded me that’s what that does. My point was more that maybe 303 51 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING there were other centralized places. I don’t care if it’s the cafeteria restroom, the gymnasium restroom that there might be other places that you could provide products without hitting every single bathroom in the facility so that was simply to clarify that point. CASEY VAN: May I comment? Representative so we will definitely work with our student body and student leaders in order to integrate this into school budgets, so I understand the financial aspect of that. And definitely offering great aspect points for female bodied students that are comfortable and safe for students to realize and that these access points offer a better environment. In regard to finance there are many opportunities like fundraising, collaborating with other schools, and really working out the budget with our student leaders and our administrators as well. NATALIE OCHOA: I would just to emphasize the importance of having multiple points of access. I mean if you went into my school, Brien McMahan you would just get lost. I mean it’s so big. I remember as a freshman I was lost because there was just so many hallways. It’s just the space is humungous. The space between the bathrooms is huge. It takes probably five minutes if I’m speed walking to get from one side to the other, so I do want to emphasize the importance of having multiple points of access for these products. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Excellent. Representative Comey. REP. COMEY (102ND): Hi thank you so much. Thank you for coming out and being so passionate about this important subject. While we’re talking about the 304 52 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING number of bathrooms, do you in your school you’re saying it’s big and you have access to multiple bathrooms in your school because I have heard that some bathrooms, some schools only have one, maybe two bathrooms open because of things, because of vaping locking down the bathrooms. This is happening in my district so I’m just curious why we’re talking about the numbers of bathrooms and I have you sitting here answering questions. I’m curious as to how many bathrooms are actually open in your school. NATALIE OCHOA: Let me count. It’s a lot. The bathroom, yeah the bathroom is near the music hallway, science, CGS. SENATOR COMEY (102ND): I guess the question would be they’re open? They’re not closing any. NATALIE OCHOA: They’re all open. There’s only certain times during the day that they would be closed which is like every, like once a week during House because they prefer to be in house rather than, or like homeroom instead of like in the bathrooms or the classes and after school but that’s really it. CASEY VAN: Similar to our school at Stanford High we do sometimes have some bathrooms that are closed off due to these issues but it’s important that since we have these other bathrooms there are also, it’s another access point rather than just going to the nurse’s office as one source. REP. COMEY (102ND): Right I guess that was my point. If you only have them in one location and that location is not available so that’s why it’s 305 53 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING important to have them in multiple locations. Thank you very much. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Any other questions? Okay one last thing. Here at the Committee on Children we like to recognize the effort that kids make to come here and testify so on behalf of my Co-Chair Senator Moore and the rest of the committee members we have some pins we’d like to present to you for coming here today so I’ll meet you around there okay. Thank you so much. SENATOR MOORE (22ND): The next person is Ivy Farinella. IVY FARINELLA: Good afternoon to all of you on the Children’s Committee. I appreciate being here and testifying on Bill 156. I’m not going to read. I just had eye surgery so I can’t see this really well, but I am an adoptive parent. I adopted my daughter at the end of 2004. I think this is my third or fourth time coming to see if we can get some equity here for kids that and I think one of the important things to realize is that the fiscal, well last year when this was presented the fiscal papers were counting all the children that were adopted in those years and that’s really not realistic and many -- the statistics of foster and adopted children for graduating and completing college are very dismal. They really unfortunately are very low, and I think that that really is because of abuse and neglect. If you look at the ACES study which is Adverse Childhood Experiences, kids that are in the system carry enormous burdens from their abuse and neglect and this can affect them for their whole life. Those children that are in college and are succeeding from that time period 306 54 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING I really think that they deserve to be supported. And also looking at the fiscal end of it a lot of these kids are probably getting some federal student aid, so it isn’t even the entire cost. And my daughter would have been here today except she’s taking an exam. She’s a sophomore at Yukon. She’s doing well but she really has struggled, and I’ve been doing foster care for 19 years and these kids really come in with massive burdens. One of my foster kids just left to go live at college now. She’s 22 and you know I think that originally when I started out doing this I didn’t really understand how burdensome some of these experiences are for these kids. So, I mean student debt, I mean probably everybody has got some student debt. I would like to see this so freed up for these kids that also have much they’re carrying around a lot of baggage so if we could do this and I really think that it isn’t going to be as costly as projected by DCF. I don’t think so. REP. LINEHAN (102ND): Right. Thank you very much for your testimony. I will say that we have tried to pass this quite a few times. You’re right about that and it’s nice to see you again. [Laughter] I think Senator Kelly last time, he’s not here unfortunately. He did bring up that idea that you could put into statute that it would be the cost associated after all financial aid is give and I thought that was a very interesting solution because I do know that the fiscal note was calculated on the entire cost of college and so I wished he was still here and I’m sure we will be talking about this. I think that it’s a really good point and so what we’ll do my co-chair and I will talk about that and see if that’s something that we want to put in some 307 55 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING substitute language and see if that affects the fiscal note because I think that it was really just a brilliant idea that never got off the ground last year because it came to us kind of late in the game but there is, that’s how it was done through the higher education committee for a free community college, right it’s a debt free community college. It’s not working to pay for everything. That’s a really important note and now we have some data to show what that would be, so we appreciate that and we’re absolutely going to talk about that so thank you. IVY FARINELLA: And a lot of these kids have work study too. They get some grants and then my daughter works 20 hours a week. REP. LINEHAN (102ND): So it would be, absolutely so it would be after any financial aid or grants. We would find the correct language to use that. Okay so great. Thank you so very much. Are there any questions? Senator Anwar and then followed by Senator Kokoruda. SENATOR ANWAR (3RD): Thank you so much Madame Chair. Again Ivy thank you for being here and thank you for your advocacy. I am fortunate to be your friend and have had the opportunity to visit you at home and I know your daughter and other children and daughters who you’ve had as your foster children and you have been a lifesaver for many children. The state has not fulfilled our responsibility and I know you’re struggling right now, and I know I’m not mentioning her name in there so that’s why I’m not going to mention her name. Your daughter is also struggling with her challenges. And then its -- this is a situation where her struggles are created because of 308 56 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING the financial challenges and her capacity to get educated. This is a young, African American girl who is proud of who she is. She’s working hard. She can achieve all the successes but the financial constraints because of a policy have stopped her from being able to achieve her goals. And I wished the we as state had the wisdom to not draw a line and separate children who would get opportunities and the ones who would not. And this is real pain that I have sensed in every time I have visited you and have talked to you about. We’re going to hopefully with your testimony and your work with the wisdom of this committee move forward but hoping that you would come up with a better solution. IVY FAINELLA: Yes, well thank you so much. It’s an opportunity to do the next right thing. SENATOR ANWAR (3RD): Yes. Thank you. IVY FARINELLA: Thank you. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Representative Kokoruda. REP. KOKORUDA (101ST): Thank you. Also just to add to what you said Representative Linehan. And with the free college what has taken off of that is the PELL Grant, Roberta Willis Ann Institution rate and then you look at the free. I’m sorry I missed so much of the beginning of the public hearing. I had a probst all day today but I just was curious. When we say in this bill, by expanding eligibility criteria are they prevented from applying from financial aid now. What is doing -- what is exactly doing that? I missed that part. IVY FARIELLA: So, the law that was passed I’m sorry I don’t know the year had a window for certain individuals. And so this is expanding the times 309 57 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING they were adopted so it just excluded people by the very nature of the date. REP. KOKORUDA (101ST): How old they were or when they were adopted? ??: No, no the year they were actually adopted. IVY FARINELLA: It was January 2005 that this subsidy was passed so anyone and last year Dr. Petit introduced the bill to cover kids from 03 and 04 so but even at that it’s not because yes many get programs and get you know it’s not a huge amount of money but it would make a huge difference for some of us. I’m an older parent. I’m a single parent and it’s been tough so. REP. KOKORUDA (101ST): Thank you. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Are there any other questions? Representative Wilson Pheanious. REP. WILSON PHEANIOUS (53RD): Not so much a question as a comment. I wanted to thank you for being a foster parent and for the lifelong dedication that I know goes into that. Into that work. The very fact that you’re here that you come back here year after year advocating on behalf of your children that one time maybe somebody else’s. I just want to take the opportunity to say thank you because I know that they have a lot and it’s so important to the state. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Thank you. Thank you very much. Appreciate your time. Lucy Nolan please. That will be followed by Christopher Scott. LUCY NOLAN: Good afternoon Senator Moore, Representative Linehan, members of the Committee on HB 5199 Children. My name is Lucy Nolan. I’m the director of Policy and Public Relations at the Connecticut 310 58 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING Alliance to End Sexual Violence. Our mission is to create communities free of sexual violence and provide culturally affirming trauma informed advocacy prevention and intervention services centered on the voices of survivors. I’m here today to speak on Raised Bill 5199, an act concerning probation periods following conviction of certain crimes against minors. We are supportive of the legislation but as a part of 53A-73A Sexual Assault in the 4th degree be removed from the requirement of no less than 10 years and no more than 35 years mandatory probation. We generally agree that longer probation periods for sex offenders they are more likely to recidivate after a longer period of time and we must be careful to monitor high risk offenders as the risk of danger is significant. Specifically the alliance requests that Section A1- AB of the, which is in my testimony of the Connecticut statute to be exempted which includes sexual contact with a person who is under 13 and the actor is more than two years older or the person is 13 to 15. We’re concerned about young people who would be subject to mandatory 10-year probation. Say a 14-year-old who molested a 12-year-old. While we know that there are those in their late teens who groom younger people we want them to be supported through supervision rather than mandatory probation of 10-35 years. If the court believes it’s in the best interest of the victim and the community it could exercise that right rather than committing all offenders regardless of their age to mandatory sentence. We whole heartedly agree that the other section should remain in the legislation. Those include those who sexually abused, be those who are 311 59 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING physically helpless, a guardian of someone less than 18, an actor who has supervisory or disciplinary authority over the victim, sexual contact without consent, doctors or psychotherapist of the victims, school employee, teacher, or coach at the victim’s school or someone who is 20 years older and is in the position of power, authority, or supervision in their professional, legal, occupational, or volunteer status. The program or the program activity of the victim under age 18. The alliance supports their ongoing supervision through the probation and parole. They would be under the supervised, specialized sex offenders, and special parole units where sex offenders not only work with parole officers trained to work with sexual offenders but also with the alliances post- conviction victim’s services advocate who are linked with the victim to ensure that their needs are met. We search the desk that young sex offenders have a greater chance of not offending again if they get the proper therapies than adult offenders. Therefore, we recommend prioritizing the treatment and support through their formative years unless the court determines there’s a need for more. More court supervision. And so the alliance is supportive of the addition of the other statutes regarding commercial sex abuse of minors, misrepresentation of the actor’s age to entice a minor and an actor’s knowingly promote a minor for monetary compensation of obscene performance. And I just wanted to add two things that, one that according to the FBI a serial child predator will abuse an average, this is an average of 100 times in their lifetime so I think that that’s why it’s important to maintain we have some probation. And I’m also very happy that Representative Linehan to 312 60 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING hear you speak about Connecticut’s probation because we’re a part of it and it’s one of the reasons that I believe and we believe that it and so there’s the sex offender unit but we are doing a good job with Connecticut. Thank you. REPRESENATIVE LINEHAN (103RD): Thank you very much. If we could back up for a second. In your testimony and I apologize that I haven’t had a chance to read through this before you sat down. I completely agree with you. That was an oversight. We will take out that language which I think that that’s important, but I want to talk to you about you were talking about prioritizing helping the victim. I absolutely agree with that. Can you give me some background on how the state does that now and how we may be able to put that into legislation like this? LUCY NOLAN: Well so what we do with the post- conviction advocates is that we have in the 18 parole offices that we work with the sex offender unit so we are the connection with the victim so we make sure that the victim has a voice in where the offender might live, where they make sure that the offender isn’t going to be going somewhere that they might so if they had a problem with young boys they wouldn’t be going to a gym let’s say, that kind of thing. If so they have to go through treatment and often sometimes the victims are part of that if they want to be. A lot of times the victims don’t want to have anything to do with the offender again so it's really just making sure that their voice is heard because when they’re sexually assaulted they lose their voice right? They lose their power. That’s what it’s all about and so what we really try to do is help them get that power back by being their advocates. 313 61 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING REP. LINEHAN (103RD): So, how would I do that legislatively? Are we walking a bigger budget? Are we talking about actually codifying something that you currently do and putting it in the legislation? I mean I want to do this. I just need direction how. LUCY NOLAN: Well, I’m going to have to get back to you on that and talk to the people there, but we have a very good program if we’ve been doing it for a while. It think that’s always more room for more funding for a program like that and so but let me get back to that team and then I can get you something. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): That’s great. I appreciate that and if you wouldn’t mind sitting down for a meeting with us as soon as possible. We’d really appreciate that. The committee is under some deadlines. I think your input is absolutely invaluable and I would love to start this ASAP. LUCY NOLAN: Thank you very much. I appreciate it. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Thank you very much. Are there any questions from the committee? Hearing none, thank you so much. Christopher Scott please followed by Stephanie Cooper. [Side conversation] CHRISTOPHER SCOTT: My name is Christopher Scott. I’m here to speak on Senate Bill 156 and this is Stephanie Cooper beside me. She will be following testimony, but we’d figure we would come up together. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Excellent okay thank you. CHRISTOPHER SCOTT: Awesome. So I will begin. So I’m currently the program director for the SUN 314 62 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING Scholars organization which is supported by the United States Adoption caucus and I am the SUN fellow for the Commissioner of Children, Women, Seniors, Equity, and Opportunity under Steve Hernandez. Additionally I was the founder of the former Care Scholars program at Central before it became more established as SUN Scholars as a non- profit. And in the summer of 2019 I worked for Senator Amy Klobuchar and presented a federal policy report regarding post-secondary funding for youth adopted out of foster care to United States Congress and the White House. Aside from my full-time role I’m pursuing a master’s degree at Harvard and probably most pertinent to this conversation I am a former foster youth having spent 8 years in the system. So, I entered foster care after my dad was deported when I was a year old and my mother who raised me prior to entering the system unfortunately lost a battle drug addiction. So, fast forward a bit to college you know due to these adverse childhood experiences to the struggles that kind of culminate into the high school experience I was enduring I was not excepted into any universities when I first applied and so I began my college career at community college and received my associate’s and transferred to Central Connecticut State where I graduated with honors and moved on to becoming a teacher and AmeriCorps member. And so I share this with you because this scenario is statistically improbable. Right? Like only 67 percent of my community of former foster and adopted youth graduate from high school by the age of 18. That’s a national statistic by the Apgar’s report and only three percent of us will graduate college. Three percent. So, in my professional role I work closely with about 50 youth who are former foster 315 63 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING and adopted youth so both kind of factions of that population. And one of the means that this is possible that I exist right now is because of this government subsidy that I’m a beneficiary of. And so I go above and beyond for my students. I drive them to school. I help cover them textbooks. I’ve treaded long outside the traditional 9-5 hours when I’m working with my youth. And why I’m sharing with this is because the alternative to college for my community is disparate. 15 to 20 percent of those who experience foster care by the age of 21 will either be incarcerated or will experience homelessness, myself included with the homelessness. So, by opening the door to more foster and adopt youth to attend college you’re directly combating to the sociological conditions these students are facing and directly correlates to unfound upper mobility. Every day I work with students who are ineligible for these funds because they were adopted before the 2005 deadline and while there’s private donors that they can connect with, while there’s public grants and whatnot and just educational training vouchers it’s just not enough. More needs to be done and I’m one person. I have a student right now I’ll share a story. He doesn’t currently have these funds. Every day I pick him up and drive him up and drive him to Capital Community College because his adoption is off. He’s homeless. I bring him to a food bank after school every single day because I want to see this dude succeed. He would be a direct beneficiary if this had been extended. And I just want to say this real quick. I was listening before and Senator Anwar I entirely agree with you. I think it’s fundamental that we acknowledge the dynamics of appropriations with this and I spoke last year as a Plainville resident to 316 64 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING the House Bill 5682 and the reality is of those who graduate high school only 30 percent are going to enroll in college and that’s at the national level so when we talk about the financial cost, it just can’t be implicated by the whole population. We have to look at it as a whole realistic prorated cost scenario. Regardless of the legislative you make would just change lives and I feel like you can’t really put a price tag on that. Thank you. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Thank you so very much for your testimony. I am thrilled to hear your story. It’s absolutely fantastic and I do hope that in the coming years we have more foster youth that have come forward to tell stories just like yours where they’re graduating college and doing really great things for others and paying it forward so thank you for being you. Are there any questions? Representative Kokoruda followed by Senator Anwar. REP. KOKORUDA (101ST): Thank you very much Christopher. I read your testimony earlier and it’s pretty amazing. I have to ask you something first when you don’t have the answer. You’re going to give me one word. How did you make it? How did you make it here? CHRISTOPHER SCOTT: One word? Resilience. REP. KOKORUDA (101ST): Resilience. Hopefully you got some help along the way. It’s amazing what you’ve done. CHRISTOPHER SCOTT: Thank you. No it was very between resilience and love. I think you know for me my adoption unfortunately can’t speak for every adoption on this but it did dissolve and it didn’t work out in the way that I think the state had 317 65 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING intended it to and for me that’s okay because I was raised by the village. It takes a village to raise a kid and I had really incredible incredible mentors in the Plainville community that took me under their wing and later as I went to college people took me under their wing. Carlos Soler is one of the admissions directors changed my life. I mean right now I mean I’m here because in a capacity because Steve has really put his weight behind us as we want to make foster and adoption call because we want to change this world. Just like Representative Linehan said I don’t want to be the only person here. I want more students. More people that come from this community to have the opportunity to build their voice because that’s what this is about but yeah a lot of love a lot of people that took me under their wing. REP. KOKORUDA (101ST): Thank you for that. Just a couple questions. One was in your testimony you said I was denied to all state schools. Was it just that you applied, and you didn’t get in? CHRISTOPHER SCOTT: Oh yeah 100 percent. So, I’ll make this with a sense of brevity but when I was a student in high school I was really struggling academically because of you know the experiences. The reality is when you transfer schools and when you struggle with adverse experiences, when you’re struggling with homelessness. I’ll be up front. I was sleeping on a porch for middle school. I wasn’t caring about my grades and so I was 160 out of 180 kids in my high school class and what’s so important and of course I was unexcepted into CCSU and you know something special when I went to work there later on and as I was building care and I saw him and I remember Carlos pulled up my application and 318 66 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING there’s a big rejected sign on it because I did go transfer later and he was like it’s not where you start, it’s where you finish. The reality is I was very much a product of conditions of society in that moment. I was a product of homelessness, of dealing with the weight of you know formerly mentioned of you know you carry some trauma. You carry some weight. I’ve seen things I hope no one has to live through in my very early childhood. You know we have a full adult’s life full of experiences by the time we’re 14 or 15. I’m proud to say now that I’m a professional. I have a 4.0 at Harvard and it’s not because I’m born gifted. It’s because people loved me, and they cared about me and they lifted me up. That’s not an exception to the rule. It’s what can happen when things go right in the right places. That’s why it’s so important that we do things to create more opportunities of equity for these people who are going through these communities. To capitalize on that resilience. REP. KOKORUDA (101ST): Well, thank you for that. Just one final question. You were able to be the beneficiary of this subsidy that we’re talking about. CHRISTOPHER SCOTT: I was. Yes. REP. KOKORUDA (101ST): But were you also able to apply for other financial aid as a Connecticut student? CHRISTOPHER SCOTT: Yeah that’s actually an incredible point. So, as it currently stands the way that it is administered by the Department of Children and Families, so Paul Gresley is the social worker who oversees all adoption forms. Wendy Jackson oversees those post-secondary educational 319 67 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING funds for those who age out of foster care. I work with them collaboratively now. A really important note on this is that to receive that fund when you submit the application you must have applied for a FASFA. You must have submitted the financial aid form and because of the McKinney Vento Act and because of other state regulations or federal regulations almost always those who are adopted out of foster care receive a full PELL Grant all through college so even though yes it’s you know the actual price tag of this is all right here’s the cost Yukon Central room and board. It’s about 24,000. The reality is that the actually cost to state would have had paid for was significantly less because I had a full PELL. I had institutional aid because I had honors. At community college I was basically free because the PELL just like neutralizes the cost of a community college for the most part so other than textbooks I mean when you really look at the appropriations of this it’s so, there’s so many intersections of numbers that it’s really hard to grab a full picture. I would be confident in arguing that it’s much less than the amount that is price tagged on it that would be cost to extend this. REP. KOKORUDA (101ST): Well we’re told it will be $4 million just going forward. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Are there any -- oh Senator Anwar sorry. SENATOR ANWAR (3RD): Thank you Madame Chair. Christopher, wow! Just wow. I don’t have enough words. All I’m going to say is your three minutes will make me strive to be a better person and we have to talk. I have to hug you, but we have to work together about the housing situation because 320 68 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING you have a role there as well. I think your strength is not only in your capacity that you have come and recognized the bots that have allowed you to be there but also looking back on being sure that others have that same opportunity. We are working on the housing end for a number of these opportunities that we can provide, and they are a lot of stereotypes that we have to fight on that end as well so thank you, thank you and thank you. CHRISTOPHER SCOTT: Thank you. I really appreciate the kind words. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Any other questions? Hearing none but we also have Stephanie who hasn’t given any testimony yet. I know that you are next on the list. Is there something that you wanted to add to Christopher’s testimony? STEPHANIE COOPER: For the time being no. I will just go to my testimony. Thanks. Good Afternoon. My name is Stephanie Cooper. I’m speaking on Bill 156. I’m an intern at the Commission of Women, Children, Senior Equity Opportunity. I’m also a fellow at SUN Scholars. I’m also helping Chris. I’m part of the team to support the adoption caucus for Connecticut. So, when I was 10 years old my mom died of stage 4 breast cancer which led to my placement in my aunt’s household. By age 11, my aunt became my legal guardian, so I had a transfer of guardianship. Now I’m 19. I’m a sophomore in college and struggling to pay $20,000 dollars a year to attend college. Going through foster care since I was really young even before my mother passed away I had been in foster care with my four other sisters multiple times this has led to very high number of adverse childhood experiences. Statistically it 321 69 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING shows that most foster care youth have four or more adverse childhood experiences which shows a direct correlation to a higher health and social problems. Personally I score an 8 out of 10 on the ACE test. College and education plus mentoring are all examples of protective factors. These protective factors help combat the negative affects of ACE so any adverse childhood experiences that may have occurred during foster care. Although this bill is fundamentally helpful to our community and will assist many students it’s lacking necessary means to attending college. Additionally I believe that we should actually allow the bill to go further with implementation of the Family First legislation. So the goal of Family First is to allow or to avoid adoption through foster care and lead to kinship care which is what I have. With Family First the population of students that are currently receiving funding for college will decrease and eventually hopefully disappear collectively so that allows all the money that is being pushed towards people who are adopted through care right now it will push all that money towards children being put into kinship care which is the purpose of family first. So children with that experience in kinship care and go through kindship care are experiencing adverse childhood experiences as children who are being adopted through foster care so they’re experiencing the same thing which should be the reason we are passing this bill to allow people who are adopted through foster care and kinship care to receive this college funding in order to attend college. Thank you for your time. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Thank you. You did a really great job. Thank you very very much. I am so happy 322 70 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING you’re here. To the both of you. I am so happy, and I hope that you continue to work. It is really wonderful that you are interning with Mr. Hernandez. That’s pretty incredible. That’s a great gig I have to say so good for you. I just have a question. I’m not sure I understood. So, you talk about Family First. There’s a lot of funding there. Are you suggesting that this should be funded by the money coming in from the Family First Act, the federal dollars or are you just saying that it all kind of works together? STEPHANIE COOPER: I was thinking more that it works together so the purpose of the Family First is to avoid all possible adoption through care and push the children towards more being put into family member’s households so the currently population that college funding is going towards is hoping to be decreased with this legislation so hopefully that money can be pushed towards people who are being put into kinship care. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Yeah that’s fantastic. You know the Department of Children and Families have really stressed to this committee over the past year how important it is and their main directive is to keep kids in kinship care whenever possible and we’ve been seeing that and this committee now sees the work that is being done by the Department of Children and Families for that purpose and I applaud them so I’m glad to hear that you agree with that and I’m glad to see that you were the beneficiary of kinship care as well so I’m happy to hear that. Are there any questions from our committee? Well, look at that. She did so well. We don’t even have any questions. That’s good. [Laughter] Excellent. You’ve done great. Thank you so much for being here. 323 71 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING Continue to upward trajectory. Really proud to have you here. STEPHANIE COOPER: Thank you very much. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Thank you. We have Charlotte Hallisey and Amy Barratt. Welcome. Please introduce yourself into the microphone. CHAROLETTE HALLISEY: Good Afternoon. We are here to testify in support of Bill 157. My name is Charlotte Hallisey and my name is Amy Barratt. We are high school students spearheading legislation addressing a critical issue relating to educational equity and access. Period Poverty. Period Poverty is defined as the lack of access and/or ability to afford menstrual hygiene products and the associated cultural stigma which institutionalizes generational gender-based discrimination and reinforces harmful gender stereotypes. In the United States one in five girls have left school early or missed school entirely due to lack of access to menstrual hygiene products. AMY BARRATT: In 21st century American schools have an obligation to serve students equitably. Every student has the reassurance that their school restrooms are outfitted with the necessities to accommodate their biological needs yet, for roughly half the United States population there’s a glaring exception to this commitment. Menstrual hygiene products. Providing these products in school bathrooms to address a fundamental biological process is not different than providing soap and toilet paper. CHARLOTTE HALLISEY: When our efforts began we launched a petition to gather support for this issue 324 72 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING from individuals across the state. Today we have over 1,200 signatures from supporters across Connecticut. This past June Charlotte and I presented to our district Board of Education resulting in a successful adoption of an ordinance requiring that menstrual hygiene products be provided at no cost to students in our town’s public middle and high school bathrooms demonstrating their support in the effort to end Period Poverty. From there we began advocating at the state level. First meeting was Senator Bergstein and subsequently Senator Abrams. Since then we have created a student coalition comprised of students in every county across the state who supports he bills as well as partnered with many organizations who worked nationally on issues involving gender equity involving equality of opportunity. But now we need your support. It’s time for Connecticut to continue to demonstrate its commitment to educational -- educational excellence an opportunity for all its students joining New York, California, Illinois, and New Hampshire in passing similar legislation. Educational equity is essential to socioeconomic advancement. Gender based discrimination harms us all. Please help show our nation that Connecticut recognizes the essential truth. Gender based rights are human rights. Together we can help end period poverty and achieve gender equality. Thank you all for your time and consideration. AMY BARRATT: And on the question that was posed in a previous testimony regarding only providing products to schools that have over 50 percent low income students, we think that it’s very important to think about how we would never consider giving toilet paper or other products that are necessary for 325 73 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING natural bodily functions only to schools that have over 50 percent low income student rate. This is a human right and should not be looked at from a financial viewpoint. Additionally in Greenwich which is an affluent community 20 percent of students are from low income families so your point there our low income students in low income communities who already have to deal with all kinds of social and financial discrepancies we think it’s only fair to apply this solution to all students who need supplies regardless of where they live. We shouldn’t penalize low income students just because they live in wealthy communities. REP. LINEHAN: You punctuated your point. Thank you very much for that and we absolutely do agree with you. We shouldn’t ever leave anyone out and we do believe it’s the same as toilet paper. I say we and I speak for our chairs. I can’t speak for the entire committee but I also have to say and I’m just being honest is that sometimes the only way is to get something passed is with some compromise so while we absolutely agree and we would like to see if happen that way I just want to prepare you it just may not pass that way and so the reality of the building or such that we have to be prepared for that. Ultimately the chairs of this committee that not being the case and try to gather enough votes to move that forward. I just wanted to give you just the background. It’s not that we don’t believe that, that should happen. It’s just that the nature of the legislature is about compromise and ensuring that we can do that, however one thing that you didn’t address that was discussed before was the piece where we educate districts who maybe don’t understand that this is a problem and I had said 326 74 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING previously that there is someone from my district who is watching, still watching by the way. I just got a text message from him. He’s still watching and then he wants to take this on and so I want to also kind of give you an idea here that last year we brought up a bill that case to us from Sibby Hill Middle School in Naugatuk and it’s under agenda next week as well and it’s regarding energy drinks and you must show ID to buy energy drinks if you are 16 years old or younger. While it didn’t get out of committee last year they did spend a lot of time up here lobbying other legislators and they got a lot of people behind it by the way but, what we did in between the two years in which this is coming up for a vote is these kids made pamphlets regarding the safety that’s needed for kids ingesting energy drinks. They’re in all doctor’s offices around the area. I think it’s like five separate towns and they’re lobbying not just legislators but doctors and stores and they’re really putting the work in here and I think that that is so important because if this legislation has to go by baby steps which trust me I would love if we didn’t and we all know, what do they call me, don’t care how I want it now. Don’t care how I want it now. That is my stance, right? If we’re going to do it let’s do it but like I said the realities of the building are that sometimes we need to go in incremental steps and I want you to think about that right, because if it does pass the way we all want it that’s great. If it doesn’t there are other things that you can do, and I think that that’s going to be an important part of the process for you guys. I would like to see if passed as is but there’s also other ways that you can get other districts involved and you can lobby, and this committee would be happy to help you 327 75 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING with that information on exactly how to do that. If the good senator would like to contact us we’ll get you everything you need. With that, are there any questions or comments for these wonderful women? Yes, Senator Anwar. SENATOR ANWAR (3RD): Thank you so much. I just could not say, wow again. It’s very heartwarming. Thank you for your leadership. Both of you have been doing this effort and I had a chance to meet you before you joined with Senator Bergstein and had a whole meeting in this very room so again thank you for your work and it’s moving in the right direction and hopefully I know it’s going to pass from this committee. I can sense that but hopefully going to go beyond that and pass as a law and I’m looking forward to it. I think your stats that it is a right is the way to go because while we look at everything through the prism of money but you’re actually fighting a bigger battle and this is about changing the mindsets so that’s -- that’s going to be important. When we are saying that it’s okay to not talk about money for some one gender and then we talk about money for the other gender is a problem and I think that’s going to be the battle. I think this will serve as a way to help us as a society move in a better direction. Thank you so much. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Any other questions? Well, hearing no other questions I would once again like to say on behalf of my Co-Chair Senator Moore and myself and the entire committee, we do have some pins to give you to thank you for being up here so you remember your experience and we hope that you come back up to lobby and to testify and to keep working so thank you very much. I’ll meet you over here with your pins and as we’re doing that Cindy 328 76 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING Privio if you would please approach. My apologies Cindy. Thank you so much for being here. CINDY PRIVIO: Representative Linehan and all esteemed members of the committee I hope that you’re going to give me a little bit of leeway at the end because as you’re going to see I represent a different side. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Excuse me ma’am. Can we have some attention for this nice woman from the committee side. We would appreciate it. Thank you. Go ahead ma’am. CINDY PROVIO: What I was saying is I hope you’re going to give me a little leverage at the end of this if I run out of time because we have, we are stakeholder in something that is very important. People and children and young adults that are convicted of sexual offense. I have a not for profit called One Standard of Justice and we’re here to oppose raised House Bill 5199. The recent push in criminal reform has been built around evidence- based policies that rely on research to define risk rather than the specific crime especially in the area of sexual offense and the research is clear. Recidivism rates for offenders are low. In two consecutive five-year studies with Connecticut’s Office of Policy and Management they found that the total number of arrests for new sex crimes among this cohort in the first five years after leaving prison was 55. That’s 5.5 arrests per year. Contrast with the general population they were arrested though the people were not looking at. They were arrested 488 times across the same time period for sexual offense. The intent of this proposed legislation and is an attempt to further 329 77 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING punish offenders, not a rational response to actual risk. As of 2019 Connecticut was only one of nine states to spend more money on the Department of Corrections than on higher education. While Owis J recognizes that probation is carried out by the judicial branch the salient point is that we continue to look to costly statutory remedies that do nothing to lower risk yet waste our scarce resources primary to cross the border at 50-year lows. Connecticut is beginning to accept that the strategies of mass incarceration have not had a significant impact on this crime reduction but have had significant impacts on families and communities and a disproportionate impact on people of color. And our state budget, look no further Connecticut sex offense registry where blacks are represented at a rate at twice their percentage of the state population. There is no reason not to believe proposals like 5199 will have the same disproportionate -- will not -- there is no reason not to believe like raised House Bill 5199 will have the same disproportionate impacts. We believe in a policy of do no more harm. We believe our state’s scarce resources would be better spent on up steering prevention strategies and victim services than on downstream post incident strategies of unproven merit. We believe that any sexual offense is one too many. We also believe that our criminal justice system should be moving toward a restorative, redemptive, transformative system rather than the adversarial legal one we have today. This bill meets none of those standards. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Ma’am, I ask that you summarize. 330 78 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING CINDY PRIZIO: Thank you. What I want to say is that the psychologist Carl Hanson, he is probably one of the top three international experts in this area of sexual offense, recidivism, treatment, etc. and he says first of all that these people are no more likely to reoffend. In fact they’re less likely. They are, no Representative Linehan what I’m saying is that I’m a stakeholder where we feel we should be brought to the table and give you a presentation on what’s really true. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Ma’am I ask that you be respectful of the committee as we are being respectful of you. Thank you. CINDY PRIZIO: I apologize but what I’m going to tell you is that the other thing that there is disparate views on is the longer a person with a sexual offense is in the community offense free the less likely they will ever reoffend. And I’m going to tell you, let me give you two stats and I’m going to leave you with that other than asking you let me put together a presentation so that you can see the view from the other side. Adults who are convicted of sexual offense have a 96 percent rate of never offending again. Children less than two and a half percent. We’re -- I’m sorry but there’s another side of this and you’re only hearing one side of the story. This is social death and in many cases it results in family members or direct suicide of the person convicted especially under the young children and young adults. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): Thank you very much. Are there any questions from the committee? Yes, Representative Boyd. 331 79 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING REP. BOYD (50TH): So the only thing -- thank you Madame Chair -- is when you submit testimony through the email address it gets put into the log of all testimony that’s submitted so if you have something that would be in a presentation if you were to give it if you send that the clerk will then post it so that all committee members and the public can see everything because when we review bills we look through the testimony for and against that’s there so if there’s information that you have that you think is really important that the committee sees I would encourage you to send it in and get it added to the official record and as a part of that consideration when it goes through. CINDY PRIZIO: I have a doctor that’s willing to come down pro bono, Hugh Mass who works with Johns Hopkins Moore Center and I think he would be able to show you why we’re getting it wrong. We don’t want to put kids on probation. REP. BOYD (50TH): But I would certainly encourage him to also, see because it gets added to the record and the totality of all sides of every issue and there’s often not just two sides to issues there’s often multi-dimensional. All get added to the record. It’s all part of it just like a presentation. CINDY PRIZIO: In all due respect, we are a primary stakeholder and these lives of these children and adults matter and so I think when you’re only look at whether it be a quarter of the pie or a half of the pie you’re missing a very important part of it. How can you make decisions without evidence based -- ? 332 80 February 25, 2020 JG APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 1:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING REP. BOYD (50TH): So, I’m just letting you know that there’s an absolute avenue for any information you have to be on the record and part of the consideration. Thank you Madame Chair. REP. LINEHAN (103RD): That’s a very good point, Representative. Thank you. Hearing none thank you very much for your testimony. And with that we conclude our public hearing and we are -- oh I’m sorry is there anyone else who would like to testify? Great! Thank you very much and with that we are adjourned. 333 Legislative Testimony 765 Asylum Avenue, First Floor Hartford, CT 06105 860-523-9146 www.acluct.org Written Testimony Opposing House Bill 5199, An Act Concerning Probation Periods following Conviction for Certain Sexual Misconduct Crimes Against Minors Senator Moore, Representative Linehan, Ranking Members Kelly and Green, and distinguished members of the Committee on Children: My name is Kelly McConney Moore and I am the policy counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union of Connecticut (ACLU-CT). I submit this testimony in opposition to House Bill 5199, An Act Concerning Probation Periods following Conviction for Certain Sexual Misconduct Crimes Against Minors. The punishment suggested by this bill does not have deterrent utility or make our society stronger or safer, so we ask the Committee to oppose House Bill 5199. This bill proposes to add four offenses to the enhanced probation periods set forth in Section 53a-29(f) of the Connecticut General Statutes. This statute requires that certain offenses have a mandatory minimum probation period of ten years, with provisions for up to thirty-five years of probation.1 Since this probation enhancement was statutorily created in 1993, it has been updated to add more offenses and more severe punishments on numerous occasions.2 The ACLU-CT believes in reasonable probation periods that are backed by evidence. Probation extends the reach of the criminal legal system by creating a culture of supervision where people are often set up to be reincarcerated. One in 63 Connecticut adults is under community supervision (probation or parole), subjecting them to potential job loss, disconnection from family, and housing instability. 3 The excessively long probation period set forth in Section 53a-29(f) – up to thirty-five years – is not evidenced-based and will not make our communities or children safer. 1 Conn. Gen. Stats. § 53a-29(f) (2019). 2 P.A. 93-340; P.A. 95-142; P.A. 04-139; P.A. 15-213. 3 Issue Brief: “Probation and Parole Systems Marked by High Stakes, Missed Opportunities.” Pew Charitable Trusts (Sept. 25, 2018), available at https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/issue-briefs/2018/09/probation-and-parole-systems- marked-by-high-stakes-missed-opportunities. 334 People are most likely to commit new offenses within two years of release.4 If a person goes seven years without committing a new offense, their likelihood of reoffending is the same as a person with no criminal record.5 People with sexual offense convictions are among the least likely to commit a crime in the future.6 Connecticut currently evaluates people convicted of sexual offenses, including sexual offense against minors, for risk and needs.7 A determination that a person is high risk can trigger additional conditions of probation. This approach is consistent with evidence, which indicates that people assessed at a low risk of sexual reoffending have a very low reoffense rate of approximately 3.4 percent.8 Applying the protracted probation term set forth in Section 53a-29 across the board will excessively punish and confine people who do not need such intense supervision. In the past 15 years, Connecticut decreased the number of adults on probation by 32%9 and the crime rate fell during that time.10 Nationwide decreasing the number of people on probation by 10 percent was accompanied by a 25 percent decline in violent victimization, disproving the notion that more people have to be under supervision for crime to decline.11 Probation that lasts for decades can seriously harm the people under its control while offering little to nothing in the way of public safety. A better approach is Connecticut’s existing approach – which takes into account people’s individual risks of reoffending and designs probation accordingly. Because the inordinately long probation periods of Section 53a-29(f) are not evidence-based and do not increase public safety, the ACLU-CT opposes House Bill 5199, An Act Concerning Probation Periods following Conviction for Certain Sexual Misconduct Crimes Against Minors and asks this Committee to likewise oppose this bill. 4 Bill Keller, “Seven Things to Know about Repeat Offenders.” The Marshall Project (Mar. 9, 2016), available at https://www.themarshallproject.org/2016/03/09/seven-things-to-know-about-repeat-offenders. 5 See Megan C. Kurlychek, Robert Brame, and Shawn Bushway, “Scarlet Letters and Recidivism: Does Old Criminal Record Predict Future Offending?” 5 Criminology & Public Policy 1101 (2006). 6 Wendy Sawyer, “BJS Fuels Myths about Sex Offense Recidivism, Contradicting Its Own New Data.” Prison Policy Initiative (Jun. 6, 2019), available at https://www.prisonpolicy.org/blog/2019/06/06/sexoffenses/. 7 Michelle Kirby & James Orlando, “OLR Backgrounder: Sex Offenders on Probation and Parole – Treatment and Housing Restrictions.” OLR Research Report (Jan. 23, 2017), available at https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/rpt/2017-R-0037.htm. 8 R. Karl Hanson, Andrew J.R. Harris, Leslie Helmus,& David Thornton, “High Risk Sex Offenders May Not be High Risk Forever.” 29 Journal of Interpersonal Violence 15 (Mar. 2014). 9 Kelan Lyons, “Connecticut’s Crime Rate, Arrests, Probation and Prison Populations All Down.” CT Mirror (Oct. 1, 2019), available at https://ctmirror.org/2019/10/01/connecticuts-crime-rate-arrests-probation-and-prison-populations-all-down/. 10 Connecticut Crime Rates 1960-2018, available at http://www.disastercenter.com/crime/ctcrime.htm. 11 Michael P. Jacobson, Vincent Schiraldi, Regan Daly, and Emily Hotez, “Less Is More: How Reducing Probation Populations Can Improve Outcomes.” Harvard Kennedy School Executive Session on Community Corrections (Aug. 2017), available at https://www.hks.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/centers/wiener/programs/pcj/files/less_is_more_final.pdf. 335 The Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity & Opportunity CWCSEO Connecticut General Assembly Testimony of the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity Presented to the Children's Committee February 25, 2020 *S.B. No. 156 (RAISED) AN ACT CONCERNING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR POST SECONDARY EDUCATION FOR YOUTH ADOPTED *S.B. No. 157 (RAISED) AN ACT CONCERNING THE PROVISION OF FREE FEMININE HYGIENE PRODUCTS IN MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT BATHROOMS. (KID) *H.B. No. 5199 (RAISED) AN ACT CONCERNING PROBATION PERIODS FOLLOWING CONVICTION FOR CERTAIN SEXUAL MISCONDUCT CRIMES AGAINST MINORS. (KID) *H.B. No. 5201 (RAISED) AN ACT CONCERNING THE PREVENTION OF HEAT-STROKE RELATED DEATHS IN MOTOR VEHICLES. (KID) *H.B. No. 5202 (RAISED) AN ACT CONCERNING THE INCLUSION OF SHADED AREAS AT NEW MUNICIPAL PLAYGROUNDS. (KID) Representative Linehan, Senator Moore, Representative Corney, Ranking and other distinguished members of the Committee on Children; my name is Steven Hernandez, Executive Director of the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity ("The Commission"). Thank you for the opportunity to testify before you today. The Commission wishes to present testimony in support of the following bills: 1. S.B. No. 156 (RAISED) AN ACT CONCERNING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR POST SECONDARY EDUCATION FOR YOUTH ADOPTED The Commission supports S.B. No. 156, which would expand the policy for financial assistance for post-secondary education expenses to youths adopted on or after January 1, 2001, through the Department of Children and Families foster care program. The Commission's Sun Scholar Fellow submits the following testimony: My name is Christopher Scott. I am currently the program Director for the SUN Scholars organization, and the SUN fellow for the Commission of Children, Women, Seniors, Equity & Opportunity. In the summer of 2019, I worked for Senator Amy Klobuchar and presented a federal polic::y report rega_rding post-secondary education to the United States congress & Whitehouse. Aside from my full-time role, I am pursuing a Master's at Harvard University, and sit on the Governor's Council for the Family First Prevention Services Act in CT. Additionally, I am a foster youth, having spent eight years in the system prior to adoption. 336 I entered the foster care system after my dad was deported at the age of one, and my mother lost a battle to drug addiction. Fast forward to college, I was denied entry to all state schools. As such, I pursued an associate at Tunxis Community college, and graduated CCSU with honors. This scenario is statistically improbable - only 6 7 % of foster youth graduate high school by 18, and only 3 percent attend college. In my professional role, I work with close to SO youth attending college- one of the means this is possible is through the current existing government subsidy, of which I am a beneficiary of. The alternative to college in this community is disparate-- 15%-20% of foster youth end up homeless or incarcerated by age 21. By opening the door to more foster and adopted youth to attend college, you are directly com batting the sociological conditions that these students are facing, and directly correlate to unfounded upward mobility. Every day I work with students who are ineligible for these funds, and while there are private donors and public funds I have been able to reallocate, more needs to be done. It is fundamental that we also acknowledge the cost of this - I'm aware that a similar bill I spoke on last year died in appropriations. It's important to consider the financial investment - only 30 percent of students who graduate high school will even attempt to attend college. AS such, the financial cost cannot be implicated as a whole population, but rather accounted for the statistical trends. Additionally, under Family First legislation, and in CT trends, we have prioritized kinship care - as such, the overall populace of adopted youth eligible for this bill in future years will be reduced as more students are adopted through transfer of guardianships. 2. S.B. No. 157 (RAISED) AN ACT CONCERNING THE PROVISION OF FREE FEMININE HYGIENE PRODUCTS IN MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT BATHROOMS. (KID) The Commission supports S.B. No. 157, which would require local and regional boards of education to provide free feminine hygiene products in middle and high school student bathrooms. In an effort to promote public policies that are best interest of Connecticut's underserved and underrepresented populations, it is important that we put supports in place in order to eradicate any barriers to educational success. Every year, as many as 8 million students nationwide are chronically absent, meaning that they miss 10% or more of the school year for any reason. This level of absenteeism predicts poor academic performance as early as kindergarten, and is a warning sign that a high school student will drop out. In Connecticut, 10. 7% of students are chronically absent. In order to address this issue, it's vital that we limit the obstacles that may keep a student out of the classroom. For half of the student population, one of those obstacles may be access to the necessary feminine hygiene products. Research from the World Bank demonstrates that girls' inability to manage their menstrual hygiene in school results in absenteeism, which in turn has severe economic costs on their.lives. Further, studies have shown that when students lack access to menstrual hygiene products they skip or miss class, face embarrassment or objectification because of period stains, and are limited both academically and socially. Particularly for students from low socio-economic backgrounds, access to (often expensive) free feminine hygiene products can provide them with the support necessary to make it to school that day. 2 337 In order for Connecticut to continue its work towards educational equity for all students, it's vital that we provide students with all necessities while in school, including free access to feminine hygiene products. 3. H.B. No. 5199 (RAISED) AN ACT CONCERNING PROBATION PERIODS FOLLOWING CONVICTION FOR CERTAIN SEXUAL MISCONDUCT CRIMES AGAINST MINORS. (KID) The Commission supports H.B. No. 5199, which would authorize extended periods of probation following conviction for certain crimes against minors. In an effort to promote public policies that are best interest of Connecticut's children, we support policies that protect our young people from exploitation. In 1994, a study of sex offenders released from state prisons, which included a large sample (4,295) of child molesters, showed that 5.1 % of the child molesters were rearrested for a new sex crime within three years of their release, 14.1 % were rearrested for a violent crime, and 39% were rearrested for a crime of any kind. Moreover, if the perpetrator had more than one prior arrest, the overall recidivism rate nearly doubled ( 44.3% compared to 23.3%) that of child molesters with only one prior arrest. Over time, our understanding of what certain crimes mean has evolved. For some crimes, such as sexual crimes against minors, a higher and longer level of scrutiny is necessary to keep perpetrators from re-offending. In a time when we're looking at how to measure risk, it's important that we can distinguish these crimes, which are particularly egregious or harmful. For child victims of sexual crimes, the consequences can last a lifetime. Child abuse victims are three to four times more likely to suffer from post traumatic stress disorder, depression, and even resort to self-medicating with dangerous drugs. Further, 70% of rape and sexual assault victims suffer from significant psychological distress, are 3x more likely to use marijuana, 6x more likely to use cocaine, and 10x more likely to use other major drugs. In order for Connecticut to continue its work in creating safe environments for all children to grow up in, it's important that we are holding those who present danger to children accountable. 4. H.B. No. 5201 (RAISED) AN ACT CONCERNING THE PREVENTION OF HEAT STROKE RELATED DEATHS IN MOTOR VEHICLES. (KID) The Commission supports H.B. No. 5199, which would require the Office ofEarly Childhood to develop a document that provides tips on preventing heatstroke-related deaths in motor vehicles and that operators of child care centers, group child care homes and family child care homes to post copies of such document on the premises of such centers and homes and distribute such document to parents and guardians. In order to support public policy that is in the best interest of Connecticut's children, it is vitally important that we put the necessary protections in place to keep our children safe. On average, 37 children die each year trapped in overheated cars in the United States. In 2019 alone, there were 53 child vehicular heatstroke deaths. Since babies and young children are unable to regulate their body temperatures very well, their core body temperature can rise up to five times higher than adults and reach dangerous levels in just minutes when left in a vehicle on a hot day. 3 338 Children have died from heatstroke in cars with temperatures as low as 60°F. The inside of a car heats up incredibly quickly, with temperatures able to reach up to 125°F in minutes. Unfortunately, cracking the windows does not help to slow the heating process or decrease the maximum temperature. Moreover, a child's body overheats 3-5 times faster than an adult body. 88% of children who have died from vehicular heatstroke are 3 or under, and 55% of heatstroke deaths involve children age 1 and under. One of the most striking issues with the high number of heatstroke deaths for children is that all of these deaths could have been preventable. About 56% of these deaths are attributed to parents unknowingly leaving children in the car. Another 26% of these deaths are caused by children getting into the car on their own. In 2010, a man brought his daughter to a doctor's appointment before heading to work for the day, inadvertently forgetting to drop his daughter off at daycare. So many of these stories exist, and for the grieving parents, they are left asking: "How could I have forgotten my child?" By providing parents with more frequent access to tips preventing heatstroke related deaths in motor vehicles, Connecticut can start providing parents and children with the knowledge of the dangers of heatstroke-related deaths in motor vehicles. Not only will child care providers better understand how quickly children can get heatstroke in cars, but the reminders may help parents to remember to "double check" on their car seats before exiting their cars. 5. H.B. No. 5202 (RAISED) AN ACT CONCERNING THE INCLUSION OF SHADED AREAS AT NEW MUNICIPAL PLAYGROUNDS. (KID) The Commission supports H.B. No. 5199, which would require a shaded area at each new (on or after October 1, 2020) municipal playground. In order to support public policy that is in the best interest of Connecticut's children, it is vitally important that we put the environmental protections in place that will keep our children safe. Shade matters for many reasons. Shade can mitigate the urban heat island effect, encourage physical activity, and reduce energy costs. Shade can improve air quality and storm water management, as well as reduce soil erosion. Finally, shade can provide a respite from exposure to ultraviolet radiation, which causes skin cancer. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, research indicates that one in five Americans will develop some form of skin cancer in their lifetime ( cancer of the skin is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the U.S.), and five or more sunburns double the risk of developing skin cancer. Further, between 68% and 90% of all melanomas result from exposure to ultraviolet radiation. The more time a child spends in the sun without protection, the greater his or her chances are of developing cancer as an adult. Further, children's skin is especially sensitive to direct sunlight because they don't have as many pigment cells as adults do, meaning that they burn more quickly. Experts say that one sunburn in childhood could cause skin cancer 30 years later. One of the most important reasons to provide shade is that it provides protection from solar UV radiation, but there are other important reasons to provide shade in municipal playgrounds. In cities, especially, one of the most significant effects of Climate Change is urban heat islands. Urban heat islands can be defined as a metropolitan area which is significantly warmer than its surroundings. According to the EPA, many U.S. cities have air temperatures that are up to 10°F warmer than surrounding suburbs and towns. 4 339 What is particularly important to address is the way that these heat islands disproportionately impact people of color. In a 2019 study, research showed that urban heat islands are concentrated in the poorest areas of the cities, simply due to the neighborhoods in which they live. Wealthier neighborhoods typically have a much larger tree canopy covering them, which leads to overall cooler temperatures. On average, the hottest areas of cities reach temperatures about 8°F warmer than the surrounding areas. Particularly for our most underserved and vulnerable children, providing shade coverage will not only protect their skin, but provide a cooling mechanism for the neighborhood. In order for Connecticut protect its children, it's necessary for us to provide protective shade at their parks. 5 340 STATE OF CONNECTICUT JUDICIAL BRANCH EXTERNAL AFFAIRS DIVISION 231 Capitol Avenue Hartford, Connecticut 06106 (860) 757-2270 Fax (860) 757-2215 Testimony of the Judicial Branch Committee on Children Public Hearing February 25, 2020 H.B. 5199, An Act Concerning Probation Periods Following Conviction for Certain Sexual Misconduct Crimes Against Minors Thank you for the opportunity to submit written testimony on behalf of the Judicial Branch concerning H.B. 5199, An Act Concerning Probation Periods Following Conviction for Certain Sexual Misconduct Crimes Against Minors. Should the Committee decide to act favorably on this proposal, we would ask for a few technical changes. In line 9 after “or 53a-73a,” please add the following, if the minor victim is under 16 years of age. This change would make it clear that the probation is being extended for felonies and not misdemeanor convictions under C.G.S. section 53a-73a. Additionally, in line 10, we would request that in lieu of the current proposed language “is fifteen years of age or older,” that the language reads, is under 18 years of age. This change would make the language consistent with other relevant statutory provisions. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. 341 7HVWLPRQ\EHIRUHWKH&RPPLWWHHRQ&KLOGUHQRQ 5% $Q$FW&RQFHUQLQJ3UREDWLRQ3HULRGV)ROORZLQJ&RQYLFWLRQIRU&HUWDLQ&ULPHV $JDLQVW0LQRUV )HEUXDU\ /XF\1RODQ'LUHFWRURI3ROLF\DQG3XEOLF5HODWLRQV 6HQDWRU0RRUH5HSUHVHQWDWLYH/LQHKDQDQGPHPEHUVRIWKH&RPPLWWHHRQ&KLOGUHQ0\QDPH LV/XF\1RODQDQG,DPWKH'LUHFWRURI3ROLF\DQG3XEOLF5HODWLRQVDWWKH&RQQHFWLFXW$OOLDQFHWR (QG6H[XDO9LROHQFH7KH$OOLDQFHLVWKHVWDWH¶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¶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¶VDJHWRHQWLFHDPLQRUDQGDQDFWRUNQRZLQJO\ SURPRWHVDPLQRUIRUPRQHWDU\FRPSHQVDWLRQIRUDQREVFHQHSHUIRUPDQFH 7KDQN\RXIRUDOORZLQJPHWRVSHDNZLWK\RXWRGD\,DPKDSS\WRDQVZHUDQ\TXHVWLRQV /XF\1RODQ OXF\#HQGVH[XDOYLROHQFHFWRUJ 343 One Standard of Justice, Inc. Testimony on Raised House Bill 5199 AN ACT CONCERNING PROBATION PERIODS FOLLOWING CONVICTION FOR CERTAIN SEXUAL MISCONDUCT CRIMES AGAINST MINORS February 25, 2020 Good morning. My name is Cindy Prizio of One Standard of Justice, Inc. testifying against RHB 5199. The recent push in criminal justice reform has been built around evidence-based policies that rely on research and science to define risk rather than the specific crime in helping reconsider what appropriate punishment might be, especially in the area of sexual offenses. And the research is clear. Recidivism rates for offenders are low. In two consecutive five year studies the Office of Policy and Management found that the total number of arrests for new sex crimes among offenders in the first five years after leaving prison was 55. That is 5.5 arrests per year. Contrast that with the rest of the non-offender released prisoners, who while being arrested at a lower rate for sexual offenses, still were arrested for sexual offenses 488 times over the same period. It isn’t just Connecticut’s research that points to the fallacy of the thinking behind RHB 5199. All serious academic research on the issue of risk concludes that offenders are an extremely heterogeneous group for whom blanket policies and mandatory minimums are an ill-considered response. We have attached below the summary points of an affidavit submitted by R. Karl Hanson, one of the world’s leading researchers on sexual offending and a co-developer of STATIC-99R and other statistically validated assessment tools widely used to determine risk of re-offending. While each of the summary points Hanson makes are important to your work, we draw your attention to the first. “The actual sexual recidivism rate of individuals with a history of sexual crime is low. Once convicted, most are never convicted of another sexual offense.” (emphasis added) 344 345 The intent of this proposed legislation, along with current law dealing with mandatory minimums, is an attempt to further punish offenders, not a rational response to actual risk. It does not make communities safer and is an extremely expensive downstream scheme for dealing with 346 a population that according to 20 year longitudinal study in New York looking to measure the impact of the Sex Offender Registry found only 4.1% of arrests for sexual offenses were for people was a previous arrest for a sexual offense. That study tracked over 160,000 arrests. As of 2019, Connecticut was one of only 9 states to spend more money on just the Department of Corrections than Higher Education. While OSJ recognizes that probation is carried out by the Judicial Branch, the salient point is that we continue to look to costly statutory remedies that do nothing to lower risk yet waste our scarce resources. Crimes rates across the board are at 50-year lows. Connecticut is beginning to accept that the strategies of mass incarceration have not had a significant impact on this crime reduction but have had significant impacts on families and communities and a disproportionate impact on people of color. And our state budget. Look no further than CT’s sex offender registry where blacks are represented at a rate twice their percentage of the state population. There is no reason not to believe proposals like RHB 5199 will have the same disproportionate impacts. OSJ believes in a policy of “Do No More Harm”. We believe our state’s scarce resources would be better spent on upstream prevention strategies and victim services than on down stream post- incident strategies of unproven merit directed at group unlikely to reoffend. We believe that any sexual offense is one too many. We also believe that our criminal justice system should be moving toward being a system of healing not retribution and should be built around actuarially validated risk assessment tools. This bill meets none of those standards. 347 STATE OF CONNECTICUT Ned Lamont OFFICE OF EARLY CHILDHOOD Governor Beth Bye Susan Bysiewicz Commissioner Lt. Governor Testimony of Beth Bye, Commissioner Office of Early Childhood Before the Committee on Children H.B. 5201 – An Act Concerning the Prevention of Heatstroke-Related Deaths in Motor Vehicles Tuesday, February 25, 2020 The Office of Early Childhood respectfully submits testimony concerning H.B. 5201 – An Act Concerning the Prevention of Heatstroke-Related Deaths in Motor Vehicles. The Connecticut Office of Early Childhood advances a two-generation family-centered approach in our pursuit of optimal health, safety and learning outcomes for young children. Through our core programs, we support infant and toddler care, preschool, after-school care, child care and youth camp licensing, home visiting, and early intervention to address developmental delays. The Office of Early Childhood is working toward better coordinated, cost-effective services that support Connecticut’s youngest children and families. We fully appreciate the intent of H.B. 5201. This bill focuses on the importance of promoting awareness about preventing heatstroke-related deaths in motor vehicles. There have been devastating situations nationally, and in Connecticut, when a parent unintentionally leaves a child in the car for an extended period of time resulting in the death of the child. According to KidsAndCars.org, over 940 children have died in hot cars nationwide since 1990. It states: “Even the best of parents or caregivers can unknowingly leave a sleeping baby in a car; and the end result can be injury or even death.” The bill requires the Office of Early Childhood to develop a one-page document that provides instruction and best practices on prevention to be posted on the agency website and distributed electronically to licensed child care providers. The document must be posted at early licensed child care programs. Currently, a one-page document addressing hot weather and poor air quality days, focused on protecting children and staff in child care and youth camp settings, is posted on the agency website under licensing: https://www.ctoec.org/storage/2019/02/hotweather_aq_fact_sheet.pdf This document, prepared by the Department of Public Health, provides tips broadly with one that states: “Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, even if the windows are cracked open.” Thank you for your time and attention. The Office of Early Childhood is committed to work together – with legislators, the executive branch, providers, advocates and parents - to better serve our families with young children. Phone: (860) 500-4412 ∙ Fax: (860) 326-0554 450 Columbus Boulevard, Suite 301 Hartford, Connecticut 06103 www.ct.gov/oec Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer 348 Testimony on behalf of The Connecticut Recreation and Parks Association, Inc. Before the Committee on Children February 25, 2020 House Bill 5202 – An Act Concerning the Inclusion of Shaded Areas at New Municipal Playgrounds The Connecticut Recreation and Parks Association, Inc. (CRPA) is a nonprofit charitable organization. Our mission is to support the recreation and park profession and steward the future of public parks and recreational opportunities in Connecticut in order to promote active lifestyles, livable communities, and quality of life for all who call Connecticut home. CRPA represents over 750 individual professionals from municipal, nonprofit and private, park, recreation and camp organizations, as well as over 130 of the 169 municipal park and recreation departments in Connecticut. CRPA applauds the committee for their efforts to ensure that every child is safe from sun exposure. CRPA takes this issue very seriously as municipalities make every effort to provide children with the safest areas to play, recreate, and socialize. Including a shade component in every park is considered best practice and many municipalities would already be compliant. However, if a park does not already contain a shade structure, it is likely due to lack of funding. In many cases pavilions or shade structures are part of the second phase of a park build. With this new mandate, limited or staggered funding for these projects could preclude a park from opening altogether. Unfunded mandates on what parks should contain could have a negative impact on a community’s ability to build and open parks. We should not limit a community’s access to free recreation opportunities by mandating increased costs on already expensive projects. Thank you for your time and we look forward to working with the committee on this important issue. Valerie Stolfi Collins CRPA Executive Director 349 February 24, 2020 To: Senator Marilyn V. Moore, Co-Chair Representative Liz Linehan, Co-Chair Members of the Committee on Children Re: Testimony in SUPPORT of HB 5202 Dear Members of the Committee on Children: The Connecticut Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (CTASLA) would like to register our support of HB 5202, An Act Concerning the Inclusion of Shaded Areas at New Municipal Playgrounds. Our organization represents nearly 300 landscape architects within the state of Connecticut, many of whom work on municipal and state projects. We strongly believe that shade represents a crucial safety strategy when designing spaces for children. During the summer months, temperatures of unshaded playground equipment and safety surfaces can measure over 160°F, enough to cause third-degree burns in less than a second. Equally troubling is exposure to harmful UV rays of the sun which can cause sunburns and skin cancer. HB 5202 correctly recognizes the public health obligation to protect children from these risks through the provision of shade areas in new municipal playgrounds. In this regard, we enthusiastically support the planting of trees due to the additional evapotranspiration cooling and air quality effects that they provide. We understand that providing shade in public spaces can affect visibility by law enforcement and municipal stewards tasked with preventing anti-social behaviors. To that end, we suggest incorporating the following language to allow the needs of multiple stakeholders to be considered: 1) “The method of shade should be considered and implemented by professionals qualified to do so, understanding specific site conditions.” Whether it is installing trees, a structure, or a combination of elements, adding shade to playgrounds is of vital importance to public health, safety, and welfare. Making shaded play areas is no longer a luxury, but a necessity to include in municipal playground design. For these reasons, we urge you to support HB 5202. Very Truly Yours, Oliver Gaffney, ASLA President ASLA Connecticut 350 Testimony Betsy Gara Executive Director Connecticut Council of Small Towns Before the Children’s Committee February 25, 2020 Although well-intentioned, the Connecticut Council of Small Towns (COST) respectfully opposes HB-5202 – An Act Concerning the Inclusion of Shaded Areas at New Municipal Playgrounds, as drafted. Municipal parks and playgrounds provide tremendous benefits for our children and other residents and visitors. Municipalities adhere to best practices in designing and constructing playgrounds to ensure the safety, well-being and enjoyment of children of all ages. Designing and constructing safe, accessible playgrounds for children involves consideration of several factors. For example, playgrounds should be laid out with clear sight lines to allow parents or caregivers to monitor children as they move through the playground. As a result, visual barriers need to be minimized as much as possible. In addition, play areas should be organized into different sections to prevent injuries that may be caused by children of various ages participating in conflicting activities. Best practices in designing and constructing municipal playgrounds also involves consideration of shade, such as utilizing existing trees or designing play structures as a means of providing shading. HB-5202 is therefore unnecessary. HB-5202 is also likely to result in considerable confusion at the local level, undermining efforts to move forward with designing and constructing municipal playgrounds. It is unclear how much shade should be provided within the playground itself, particularly if shaded areas are located next to the playground. Moreover, by singling out shading considerations, HB-5202 appears to suggest that other safety considerations are not as important. In addition, many municipal playgrounds are part of a larger municipal park which includes areas such as a pavilion, gazebo and/or trees which provide ample shade. However, the bill appears to require some kind of shade structure within the actual playground where the swings, slides, climbing structure or other playsets are located. Although many playgrounds include elevated structures with shaded space below or have trees located adjacent to the playground, this requirement may create unnecessary confusion. Connecticut Council of Small Towns 1245 Farmington Ave., 101 West Hartford, CT 06107 Tel. 860-676-0770; [email protected] www.ctcost.org 351 Although the definition of municipal playground excludes athletic facilities, which are defined as fields or open spaces, it is not clear whether the bill would be applicable to skateparks or ice rinks, where debris from trees and structures would pose a safety hazard. Is the requirement applicable to splash pads or swimming pools? It is unclear under the definition. The bill also creates confusion as to its effective date of October 1, 2020. Planning, designing and securing approval to move forward with a new municipal playground can take many months. This bill may delay the opening of municipal playgrounds that have already been designed but not yet constructed before the effective date as towns determine whether they are in compliance with the mandate. Although the proposal is well-intentioned, COST urges lawmakers to oppose this overreaching, unnecessary mandate on municipalities. Founded in 1975, COST is the only organization dedicated exclusively to advocating at the state Capitol on behalf of Connecticut’s small towns. Connecticut Council of Small Towns 1245 Farmington Ave., 101 West Hartford, CT 06107 Tel. 860-676-0770; [email protected] www.ctcost.org 352 Children’s Committee February 25, 2020 The Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM) is Connecticut’s statewide association of towns and cities and the voice of local government - your partners in governing Connecticut. Our members represent over 100% of Connecticut’s population. We appreciate the opportunity to testify on bills of interest to towns and cities. HB 5202 AAC The Inclusion of Shaded Areas at New Municipal Playgrounds HB 5202 would require a shaded area be included in the design and construction of any new municipal playground. CCM takes the safety and health of children living in our communities very seriously. Municipal playgrounds provide residents and children with numerous benefits and enjoyment. With that being said, HB 5202 would put restrictions on the ability of the municipality to plan and design playgrounds. This mandate is impractical since it potentially limits site location, does not provide a definition for shaded area and does not identify who is responsible for determining if a municipality has met the criteria for providing a shaded area and what area of the playground has to be shaded and to what extent. The planning and construction process of designing and constructing new playgrounds can take time and this new mandate would unnecessarily delay and add costs when municipalities design new playgrounds. Furthermore, municipalities have incorporated best practices when designing and constructing new playgrounds, including factoring in shaded areas. CCM urges the committee to oppose HB 5202. If you have any questions, please contact Zachary McKeown, Legislative Associate of CCM at [email protected]. 353 James Naddeo 14 Country Way Bethel, CT 06801 February 27, 2020 To The Chairs of the Committee on Children - It is my intention to write in strong support of the bill, S.B. No. 89, that will effectively end lunch debt shaming in the state of Connecticut. As a concerned resident, I have been working with my local school district administrators in Bethel to understand district practices, and more about the needs of the children within the schools more broadly. In Bethel, as of October of last year, 31% of the district qualified for free or reduced lunch. This is a growing problem in a world of increasing economic inequality, and something that I am glad to see the legislature tackling this session. We are fortunate here in Connecticut that we have, thus far, eluded the national headlines for some of the more abhorrent instances surrounding the topic, including the banning of students from prom, and school staff disposing of students' uneaten lunch because they, or more accurately, their families, owed more than $15. The success of our students is predicated on nourishment. A hungry child simply cannot perform at a high level in school. When children are more focused on the pit in their bellies than on the lessons of their teachers, we are failing them. Please pass this bill and ensure all students are afforded the opportunity to eat without worry of retribution or stigmatization. We can do better, and with your help, Connecticut will do better. Respectfully Submitted, James R. Naddeo, Bethel, CT 354 Hi my name is Stephanie Cooper, I'm an intern at the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity, and a SUN Scholars Fellow. When I was 10 years old my mother died of stage 4 breast cancer, which lead to my placement in my aunts house. By the age of 11 my aunt was my legal guardian. Now I'm 19 years old and a sophomore in college struggling to pay $20,000 a year to attend college. Going through the foster since at a young age has led to a high number of Adverse Childhood Experiences ACE. Statistics show that most foster youth score a 4 or more on the ACEs test, which shows a direct correlation to higher risk of health and social problems Personally I have scored an 8 out of 10 on the ACEs test.. College, education, and mentoring are all examples of protective factors - these protective factors help combat the negative outcomes of ACEs. Although this bill is fundamental to our community and will assist many students that are lacking the necessary means of attending college Additionally, I believe this bill should actually go further. With the new implementation of Family First legislation, the goal is to avoid adoption through foster care but to place children in kinship care, which is why we should be providing funding to students in kinship care planning on attending college. With Family First the population of students that is currently being funded will soon decrease and hopefully disappear altogether which means there will be available funds for students in kinship care. These children have the same outcomes of ACE scores, lived experience, and are the same community - which is why while we should pass this bill, we should also work toward supporting the other communities as well. Thank you for your time. 355 2189 Sil,ts Jll'cllll' I lighw,1y, Suih- 2 • l{orky I lill, Co111wd in 1t 11(,067 CAFAF l!f~l.2!iH.~•llkl ll'I • /;,kl.H(,I.H/1:IX "lhll-fr"• • l!f~l.2,H.3'1I ll fax CONNECTICUT AIIIANCE Of www.~·,1(.ikl.or).; FOSTER & ADOPTIVE FAMIIIES February 22, 2020 Joint Committee on Children RE: Raised S.B. 156 (An Act Concerning Financial Assistance for Post- Secondary Education Expenses for Youth Adopted the Department of Children of Children and Families Foster Care Program.) Dear Committee Members: My name is Margaret Doherty. I have the privilege of serving as Executive Director of Connecticut Alliance of Foster and Adoptive Families ("CAFAF"). We wholeheartedly support expanding the financial assistance for post-secondary education expenses not only for youth adopted through DCF but also for those youth for whom a transfer of guardianship was issued. Connecticut youth for whom a transfer of guardianship has been issued should have the same rights as those for whom an adoption has been issued. Currently, if a youth has any hope of attending post-secondary schooling, we advise foster families to advocate for adoption, and to avoid a transfer of guardianship because of the future of facing sometimes decades of student loan debt. We urge you to vote to enact S.B. 156. I am very happy to answer questions or to provide additional information. you for your consideration. 356 STATE OF CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES x x x Public Hearing Testimony x Committee on Children x February 25, 2020 To: Sen. Marilyn Moore, Chair Rep. Liz Linehan, Chair Sen. Kevin Kelly, Ranking Member Rep. Robin Green, Ranking Member Distinguished Members of the Committee on Children From: Vannessa Dorantes, Commissioner Department of Children and Families Re: Raised SB 156, An Act Concerning Financial Assistance for Post-Secondary Educational Expenses for Youth Adopted through the Department of Children and Families Foster Care Program ______ The Department of Children and Families (DCF) offers the following comments on Raised SB 156. Currently, the Department pays for post-secondary education expenses on behalf of youth who were adopted, through DCF’s foster care program, by the youth’s eighteenth birthday. Consistent with legislative intent underlying the FY 2006-2007 biennial budget, eligibility for this assistance is restricted to cases in which the adoption took place after December 31, 2004. The proposed bill would permit children adopted on or after January 1, 2001 to be eligible for similar post-secondary education financial assistance. Enactment would result in a significant unbudgeted cost. In order to determine an approximate cost for this proposed legislation, certain factors need to be taken into consideration. If the bill is intended to require DCF to provide post-secondary education assistance to young adults (18 – 22 years old) who attend college on or after the bill’s effective date, the annualized cost would be approximately $4 million. However, if it is intended that any person adopted in 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004 be granted the ability to seek retroactive reimbursement of post-secondary education expenses, the cost could be as much as $11 million in FY 2021. 357 Testimony in support of SB 156 to the Children's Committee 2/25/20 Dear Senator Moore, Representative Linehan and members of the Committee on Children, My name is Ivy Farinella & I am here today in support of raised bill No.156 concerning financial assistance for post secondary education expenses for youth adopted through DCF foster care. I have testified several times in the past since I adopted my daughter at the end of 2004 & this financial assistance was passed in January 2005. We missed this benefit by merely a number of weeks. My daughter is currently a sophomore at U Conn & is in need of financial assistance. She receives federal student financial aid and loans to cover the remaining balance. I am a 70 year old single mom on social security. I'm not certain of the number of youth adopted before 2005 that are presently attending & succeeding in college. I know last year when this was proposed DCF was working off the number of children adopted in 2003 & 2004 creating an inflated & inaccurate price tag. The statistics of youth adopted from foster care succeeding in college are not impressive. The financial projections that DCF attached to Dr. Petit's bill last year were based on all adopted children. In reality there are probably a very small number of youth that are presently succeeding in college from that time frame. Those that are should be granted the same opportunity & privilege as those adopted from 2005 on. Babies & young children that suffer abuse & neglect are often hampered emotionally & suffer with a variety of health issues over a long period of time, if not throughout their lives. The aces study (adverse childhood experiences) speaks of this. Each situation is unique but the effects of abuse & neglect can create an arduous journey for many of these children & their families. For those amazingly determined & focused kids that are succeeding in spite of high scores in ACE's, why not put equity in place for them & include them in this subsidized group. My daughter was placed with me when she was 9 months old & I was her fourth placement in one months time. I didn't adopt her until age 4. The reunification path was long & resulted in more harm & trauma. I'm pleased that DCF is now more cognizant of permanency & shortening time lines for that. No baby or young child should have so much interruption to their development & bonding. My daughter suffers from anxiety & I would like to see her launch out on her own & not be hampered with student loan debt. I want this for her & the other youth that were adopted before 2005. These people deserve equity, let's make this happen, let's just do, "the next right thing". Thank You, Ivy Farinella 594 Deming St. South Windsor, CT 0607 4 358 Committee on Children 2/25/2020 Testimony in support Raised Bill 156 Co-Chairs Senator Moore, Representative Linehan, Ranking Member Senator Kelly, Representative Green and distinguished members of the Committee on Children: Support Raised Bill No. 156 – Post Secondary Education Expenses My name is James Higgins. I am writing to the committee today in response to Bill Number 156. I’m excited and hopeful that there will be some positive news for the youths that this bill supports. To give you some background on myself, I am a young professional and work in Waterbury. I work for a financial institution as a senior executive and also for a university as a professor. I serve on six different boards in my community. Among all the groups, civic clubs, organizations, and involvement overall, there is one thing I’m most passionate about, and that is simply helping youths grow into great adults and become a positive contributor to our future society. A year ago, I became licensed as a foster parent. I remember getting the phone call while I was at work when the background check and final reviews were completed and I was told I’m an official licensed foster parent. I also remember hanging up the phone for it to immediately ring when I got my first phone call for a placement of children. I had been licensed maybe a solid three minutes and I was already getting a placement from the Department of Children and Family’s Office and I was excited and of course a bit nervous. From there I’ve taken several placements, and I currently have a sibling group of 4 youths who range from 7-years-old to 12-years-old. These four amazing youths have been under my care for almost one full year now. I am currently engaging in the process to pursue adoption of these four youths. The timing of this bill could not be more aligned with me right now as I begin the journey of my first adoption. If you ask any of my children what they want to be when they grow up, they will gladly tell you with enthusiasm and excitement. The careers that they dream of are all over the spectrum, and I wish I had the career ideas they have when I was their age. All adoptive children will need to be able to count on Connecticut to help get on the right path for the rest of their lives. With education comes knowledge, and with knowledge comes a better society overall. I would like to see this bill expand more and support a youth’s decision to get any type of training, schooling, or degree even if it is outside of the traditional four-year university degree. As a university professor, I specifically teach a course called College to Career. Within that course I guide each student through a series of personality assessments and self-discovery assessments so that the students can make an informed decision of what they would like to do for their career. Unfortunately, I see students in my classes who are there simply because that is what they were told to do. Whether some were told by their high school counselor, their parent, or a friend, there are more cases where students do not actually know why they are getting the degree that they are working toward, they just know they ought to pursue it. I often teach my students that they need to play to their strengths and put their primary focus in this arena when it comes to finding the degree that makes most sense to them. In some cases this can even result in them leaving the university and going into a vocational program or other programs to obtain certificates and licensures to support something they are truly passionate about. We live in a day and age with diversity, inclusion, and equity is at the height of all discussions in business. There are countless seminars and human resource discussions about this topic at every conference I have attended over the last five years. We need to ensure that we are including funding to support adoptive children for all possible post-secondary education programs and not just four-year-degree programs. This is diversity, inclusion, and equity of all adoptive youths. We have the ability today to make a difference for so many youths and we should grant every opportunity to them as their walk of life has already been significantly more challenged by being an adopted youth. With that being said, I humbly submit this testimony to the committee in hopes that we expand the opportunities for our youth to become amazing humans overall. James A. Higgins. MBA 36 Fuller Street Naugatuck CT, 06770 359 Connecticut General Assembly Committee on Children Legislative Office Building Hartford, CT 06106 [email protected] February 21, 2020 Re: Proposed Bill No: SB-156 AN ACT CONCERNING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION EXPENSES FOR YOUTH ADOPTED THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES FOSTER CARE PROGRAM. Dear Senator Moore, Representative Linehan, Ranking Members and other distinguished members of the Committee on Children, Thank you for the opportunity to offer testimony. Annie C Courtney Foundation supports Proposed Bill #SB-156 and asks that the Committee on Children vote to move it forward. Thank you for the opportunity to offer testimony. I support Proposed Bill #156 and ask that the Committee on Children vote to move it forward and amend it to include children adopted after December 31, 2001. In an effort to be fully transparent, I work under contract with DCF to recruit and support foster, kinship and adoptive families at Annie C Courtney Foundation. I am also a parent of 4 boys, three of whom were adopted through the CT Department of Children and Families. My sons came home to me in 1990, 1998, and 2000, respectively. Each of them was adopted approximately two years later. Because the current policy limits the post- secondary educational expense assistance to children adopted after December 31, 2004, none of my boys have been eligible to access this important support to families. Each of my sons was deemed “medically complex” upon coming home to me. By the time he turned 21, my oldest son had one of the largest files in my pediatrician’s office. I am proud to say, he is a happy and reasonably healthy adult now, married and a productive, engaged citizen. My second son just turned 22. He earned his CDA (Child Development Associate) last year, which will allow him to work in a nursery school or daycare as a teacher’s assistant. My youngest, Daymond, is 20. He will exit the Cheshire school system next June and is just beginning to explore college. I write to you on his behalf. My family, like many others who adopt through DCF, is not wealthy. After my divorce, I was a single working mother, raising 4 boys on my own. In 2007, due to one of my children’s medical and trauma histories, it became clear that my child needed me at home. After desperately trying to hold on to my position while meeting my child’s increasingly more challenging mental health needs, I made a difficult decision. I left a position that I loved and took a contracted position that allowed me to work from home and meet all my children’s needs. For 7 years I worked with no paid sick days, no paid vacation, no holiday pay and no paid insurance plan. My family struggled financially, using the subsidies provided by the state to fill in the gaps and keep my children in the town and school system they loved. My story is not unique. Many of us who adopt from foster care find ourselves in positions where our children’s needs require us to make sacrifices. We do it willingly and with love. But it comes with a price – in my family it means there is no college fund for any of my children. I have no retirement plan. We live paycheck to paycheck. 360 To this day, my son, like many others in his position, struggles with issues related to his birth history and trauma history. Recently, my son’s diagnosis was changed to Autism Spectrum Disorders after years of changing diagnoses and treatment plans. I thank God every day for the astute provider who took the time and made the effort to finally get the diagnosis right. My son is beginning to thrive with the proper supports and services. A clear path to college would remove one barrier for him. Today, you have the power to change his life. You can provide something for my son that I cannot. You can provide my son with the ability to attend the post-secondary school of his dreams, unencumbered by worries of money and finances. Access to college is a dream that all children and families should have. Had my son been adopted 3 years later, I would have nurtured this vision his entire life encouraging dreams with no limits instead of worrying about how where I would find the money for even community college bills. Please return that dream to him and other young adults who should be included in the dreams of their adopted peers who simply had the good fortune of being adopted 3 years later. Respectfully, Deborah Kelleher 100 Grove St Cheshire, CT 06410 361 AN ACT CONCERNING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR POST- SECONDARY EDUCATION EXPENSES FOR YOUTH ADOPTED THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES FOSTER CARE PROGRAM. To expand the policy for financial assistance for post-secondary education expenses to youths adopted on or after January 1, 2001, through the Department of Children and Families foster care program. Submitted by; Nancy and David Asnes 139 Ayrshire Lane Avon, Ct 06001 Dear Joint Committee for Children Members, Our names are Nancy and David Asnes and we live in Avon.We adopted our son, Andrew, 17 1/2 years ago from the Ct State Foster Program. The original bill passed only 3 months after we adopted Andrew. Andrew was 8 months old when we first met him and 18 months when we adopted him. We were given no medical information from DCF or the state, in fact we were only given Andrew’s birth mother’s name. When Andrew was young he would always wander as his attention span was short. We took this as a young child who was curious but we later found out as he entered public school that Andrew had ADHD and RAD. We took Andrew to numerous doctors and each one had a different idea on how to help him but the reality was that no doctor could help him. As Andrew entered High School his freshman year was ok, but when he entered his sophomore year he was put in classes with AP students and he was lost, he could not keep up. We met with the Avon school system and asked for help as Andrew had no self esteem in school and was failing. The school staff would not put Andrew in a place to get help and educate him. As a result we hired an education Attorney and sued the town. After a long and frustrating battle, Andrew was placed in a therapeutic boarding school in Madison, CT. This was a great help to Andrew but a financial burden to us. As we spend approximately $200,000 to educate him.He fought hard to get accepted into college and is now a freshman at Franklin Pierce University. While this is what both Andrew and we always wanted we now face an additional financial burden as we previously spent his saved college education money on the therapeutic boarding school, and two educational lawyers. If the committee would pass SB-156 it would be a huge financial benefit for families such as ours. We urge you to support SB-156 so that people who have adopted children from DCF between 2001-2004 will be able to gain financial assistance for post secondary education. Thank you for your consideration. 362 Center for Children's Advocacy Senate Bill No. 156 AN ACT CONCERNING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION EXPENSES FOR YOUTH ADOPTED THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES FOSTER CARE PROGRAM February 25, 2020 Senator Moore, Representative Linehan, and Distinguished Members of the Committee on Children: I submit this testimony on behalf of the Center for Children's Advocacy, the largest children's rights legal organization in New England. The Center, which is affiliated with the University of Connecticut School of Law, provides holistic representation for poor children in Connecticut's communities through individual representation, education and training, and systemic advocacy. The attorneys in our Child Abuse Project, including myself, represent abused and neglected children involved in the child welfare system, addressing the unique needs of each child by providing advocacy not only in the courtroom, but also in regards to their education, health, immigration status, and other systemic areas. The Center supports S.B No. 156, An Act Concerning Financial Assistance for Post-Secondary Education Expenses for Youth Adopted Through the Department of Children and Families Foster Care Program. As someone who exclusively represents abused and neglected children, and who has tough conversations with them on a regular basis regarding their own futures, I would also urge you to expand financial assistance, moving forward, for youth for whom a permanent transfer of guardianship is issued. As it stands, the most common benefit that DCF cites to persuade foster families to adopt, rather than enter into a guardianship, is the promise of college tuition when the child is of age. Unfortunately, however, this ultimately results in many, many children getting adopted who may have been better served by keeping legal ties to their biological parents via a guardianship arrangement, e.g. older foster youth; youth who already have strong bonds with, and knowledge of, their biological parents; and youth who do not necessarily want the "stigma" of being adopted, especially by their own family. In my many years of doing this work, I have represented countless children whose parents are not ready to have their children return home - whether it be for ongoing substance use issues, extensive untreated mental health concerns, or unaddressed intimate partner violence - but who routinely visit together for upwards of two hours per week. Without exception, the children look forward to the visit s, engage well, are affectionate with their parents, and know their foster families as just that. These children will never replace who their "mom" or "dad" is, even despite not wanting to return home to them. However, when it becomes time to discuss a permanency decision with these families, they are often persuaded to pursue an adoption rather than a guardianship, severing all legal relations with that child's biological family, as well as the child's rights to maintain contact with them, largely (if not entirely) because it will qualify the child for college funding down the road. That line of thinking is unfair to the child in both the short- and long-terms, and one that ought to be remedied. Thank you for your consideration. Center for Children's Advocacy 65 Elizabeth SI, Ha,tford, CT 06105 860-570-5327 203-335-0719 cca-cl.org 363 Respectfully submitted, Stacy L. Schleif Senior Staff Attorney, Child Abuse Project Center for Children's Advocacy Center for Children's Advocacy 65 Elizabeth St, Hartford, CT 06105 860-570-5327 203-335-0719 cca-ct.org 364 My name is Christopher Scott. I am currently the program Director for the SUN Scholars organization, and the SUN fellow for the Commission of Children, Women, Seniors, Equity & Opportunity. In the summer of 2019, I worked for Senator Amy Klobuchar and presented a federal policy report regarding post-secondary education to the United States congress & Whitehouse. Aside from my full time role, I am pursuing a Masters at Harvard University, and sit on the Governors Council for the Family First Prevention Services Act in CT. Additionally, I am a foster youth, having spent 8 years in the system prior to adoption. I entered the foster care system after my dad was deported at the age of 1, and my mother lost a battle to drug addiction. Fast forward to college, I was denied entry to all state schools. As such, I pursued a associate at Tunxis Community college, and graduated CCSU with honors. This scenario is statistically improbable- only 67 % of foster youth graduate high school by 18, and only 3 percent attend college. In my professional role, I work with close to 50 youth attending college- one of the means this is possible is through the current existing government subsidy, of which I am a beneficiary of. The alternative to college in this community is disparate -15 - 20 percent of foster youth end up homeless or incarcerated by 21. By opening the door to more foster and adopted youth to attend college, you are directly com batting the sociological conditions that these students are facing, and directly correlate to unfounded upward mobility. Every day I work with students who are ineligible for these funds, and while there are private donors and public funds I have been able to reallocate, more needs to be done. It is fundamental that we also acknowledge the cost of this - I'm aware that a similar bill I spoke on last year died in appropriations. It's important to consider the financial investment - only 30 percent of students who graduate high school will even attempt to attend college. AS such, the financial cost cannot be implicated as a whole population, but rather accounted for the statistical trends. Additionally, under Family First legislation, and in CT trends, we have prioritized kinship care - as such, the overall populace of adopted youth eligible for this bill in future years will be reduced as more students are adopted through transfer of guardianships. Thank you for your time. 365 Connecticut Legal Services A Private Nonprofit Corporation Child & Youth Advocacy Team 1000 Lafayette Boulevard, Suite 950, Bridgeport, Connecticut 06604 Telephone (203) 336-3851 or (Toll–Free) 1-800-809-4434 Fax (203) 333-4976 Agata Raszczyk-Lawska Project director Testimony Before the Committee on Children Catherine L. Williams February 25, 2020 Attorneys Marjorie Peterson Re: SB 156, AAC Financial Assistance for Post-Secondary Education Expenses for Child Advocate Youth Adopted Through the DCF Foster Care Program My name is Catherine Williams. I am a staff attorney in the Children at Risk Unit at Connecticut Legal Services, Inc. I am also part of our Child and Youth Advocacy Administrative Office Team and have been working in the area of child protection for nearly 10 years. 62 Washington Street Middletown, CT 06457 Connecticut Legal Services (CLS) is a private, non-profit law firm that serves very (860) 344-0447 low-income people across the state. We are part of CT’s Legal Services Programs Ann Taylor which includes CLS, Greater Hartford Legal Aid and New Haven Legal Assistance. Board Chair Deborah R. Witkin SB 156 has the stated purpose of “expanding the DCF policy of providing financial Executive Director assistance for post-secondary education expenses to children adopted through DCF Law Offices on or after 1/1/2001”. While the first section of SB 156 is beneficial to children adopted through the DCF foster care system, CLS opposes the second part of that 1000 Lafayette Blvd Bridgeport, CT 06604 section as it is currently written. 16 Main Street New Britain, CT 06051 The second part of SB 156, Section 1, is not consistent with the stated purpose 125 Eugene O’Neill Dr and harmful to children eligible for adoption through the Department of Children New London, CT 06320 and Families (“DCF”). Children in DCF foster care can languish there and age out of 1177 Summer Street DCF care. Stamford, CT 06905 85 Central Avenue Waterbury, CT 06702 Children who are still in DCF care when they turn 18 are, by current law, eligible for post-secondary educational support from DCF. CGA § 17a-117 is intended to 1125 Main Street Willimantic, CT 06226 help encourage and promote the adoption of children in DCF care. It requires DCF to provide subsidies to adoptive parents once DCF determines a child is a special needs child and the adoptive parents meet the standards for adoption. DCF Policy Satellite Offices 25-2, as presently written, provides for post-secondary expenses to youth who: 5 Colony Street Meriden, CT 06451 (1) are adopted through DCF’s foster care program by their 18th birthday; 29 Naek Road, Suite 5A Vernon, CT 06066 (2) plan to attend an accredited college, university, or institution of higher learning upon completion of high school and; (3) are adopted after December 31, 2004. The first part of SB 156 enables youth who were adopted on or after January 1, 2001, who would otherwise qualify under DCF Policy 25-2, to receive the same opportunity for post-secondary financial assistance from DCF as those who were adopted 4 years later under current DCF policy. The second part of SB 156 adds a limitation to the post-secondary educational expenses DCF must pay to the students who have met the qualifications in the first 366 part. The limitation added by the second part of SB 156 does not currently exist in DCF Policy. The second part of SB 156 limits the amount of financial assistance available through DCF substantially, by restricting the amount of funding to no more than the demonstrated financial need as determined by the Federal Student Financial Aid Office (FAFSA). That is a dramatic reduction in the benefits offered under DCF Policy 25-2 to youth who currently qualify for DCF post-secondary education expenses. It is also a disincentive to foster families to adopt children, thereby leaving children in DCF’s expensive foster care system when it is in their best interest to be adopted. For those reasons, Connecticut Legal Services urges the Committee on Children not to move the bill forward until after the second part of SB 156 is eliminated. 367 My name is Isabelle Abbasi and I support SB157 to provide free menstrual hygiene products in school. I support this bill because periods can be incredibly intrusive with school attendance and daily activities if a girl lacks access to menstrual products. In fact, one in five school aged girls miss school due to lack of access to appropriate menstrual products. Furthermore, menstrual products such as pads and tampons are a basic necessity, and therefore all girls should have access to them. Thank you. 368 Legislative Testimony 765 Asylum Avenue, First Floor Hartford, CT 06105 860-523-9146 www.acluct.org Written Testimony Supporting Senate Bill 157, An Act Concerning the Provision of Free Feminine Hygiene Products in Middle and High School Student Bathrooms Senator Moore, Representative Linehan, Ranking Members Kelly and Green, and distinguished members of the Committee on Children: My name is Kelly McConney Moore and I am the policy counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union of Connecticut (ACLU-CT). I am here to testify in support of Senate Bill 157, An Act Concerning the Provision of Free Feminine Hygiene Products in Middle and High School Student Bathrooms. We strongly encourage the committee to support Senate Bill 157. On any given day, 800,000,000 people on the planet are menstruating. At least 500,000,000 of these people lack adequate resources – from supplies to facilities to information – for managing their periods.1 Access in the U.S. is slightly better, but approximately one in five American teenagers has lost educational opportunities because of lack of menstrual products and support.2 Even missing a few days of school can lead to performance gaps, particularly when students’ obstacles also include poverty and racism.3 Lack of access to adequate period products also has health impacts: inadequate products can cause infections and 1 25 Years: Progress on Sanitation and Drinking Water, 2015 Update and MDG Assessment. UNICEF and World Health Organization (2015), available at http://files.unicef.org/publications/files/Progress_on_ Sanitation_and_Drinking_Water_2015_Update_.pdf. 2 Heather Koball and Yang Jiang, “Basic Facts About Low-Income Children.” National Center for Children in Poverty, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health (Jan. 2018) available at, http://www. nccp.org/publications/pub_1194.html. 3 See Emma García & Elaine Weiss, “Student Absenteeism.” Economic Policy Institute (Sept. 25, 2018), available at https://www.epi.org/publication/ student-absenteeism-who-misses-school-and-how-missing- schoolmatters-for-performance/. 369 toxic shock syndrome, which can lead to increased susceptibility to STIs and hysterectomies.4 We cannot have full and equitable participation in society by women and other people who menstruate unless we ensure safe and affordable access to menstrual products to everyone who needs them. Without universal affordable access, people with periods will lose the full ability to work, get an education, and live a complete civic and social life. For these reasons, Senate Bill 157 is vital to ensure equal educational opportunities for people who menstruate. This bill, however, should not exclude anyone with a period. Connecticut schools affirm students’ gender identities5 and thus recognize that there may be boys and non-binary students who have periods but do not use the girls’ bathrooms. In recognition of the variety of people who have periods, we encourage this Committee to include the free period products this bill contemplates in all middle and high school bathrooms. We urge this Committee to amend Senate Bill 157 to specify that menstrual products should be available in all bathrooms in middle and high schools, regardless of gender, and to support the bill with this amendment. 4 See Rochaun Meadows-Fernandez, “Getting Your Period Can Be a Pain. Getting It While Homeless Is Even Worse,” Yes Magazine (Jul. 27, 2017), available at https://www.yesmagazine.org/people-power/getting-your- period-canbe-a-pain-getting-it-while-homeless-is-even-worse-20170727. See also “The Facts on Tampons – and How to Use Them Safely.” U.S. Food & Drug Admin. (Sept. 12, 2018), available at https://www.fda.gov/consumers/ consumer-updates/facts-tampons-and-how-use-them-safely. 5 See Connecticut Safe School Coalition, “Guidelines for Connecticut Schools to Comply with Gender Identity and Expression Non-Discrimination Laws.” Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (Apr. 2012), available at .http://www.ct.gov/chro/lib/chro/Guidelines_for_Schools_on_Gender_Identity_and_Expression_final_4-24-12.pdf. 370 My name is Eva andersen and I support SB 157 to provide free menstrual hygiene products in schools. I support this bill because it is vital to the social and physical health of students to have access to hygiene products at all times, and as they are such a necessity, hygiene products should be free of charge. 371 My name is Angelica, and I support SB157 to provide free menstrual hygiene products in school. I support this bill because it is really important to me and every girl at my school that we feel comfortable with our bodies and never have to be embarrassed!! 372 My name is Anneliese Ashley and I support SB157 to provide free menstrual hygiene products in school. I support this bill because I feel all girls need to have access to free menstrual hygiene products. This is something that is a necessity, not a want. 373 My name is Avni, and I support SB157 to provide free menstrual hygiene products in school. This bill is incredibly important to preserve the dignity of girls in school. It's incredibly difficult to slip a pad or tampon from your backpack and shove it up your sleeve without anyone noticing. Yet girls are forced to do this every month, at the risk of mild humiliation to bullying, depending on the school. Additionally, no girl should be forced to display private information just because the tampon fell out of her sleeve. By providing menstrual hygiene products in the girls' bathrooms, we spare girls the ordeal of displaying their private information to the school, thereby preserving their dignity. Additionally, providing free menstrual hygiene products in bathrooms ensures that girls get the most out of class time. Going to the nurse or locating a friend who has menstrual hygiene products handy takes much more time than a quick trip to the bathroom. Some girls will also skip school if on their period. If menstrual hygiene products are provided for free in school bathrooms, we make sure that girls don't miss more class than is necessary, allowing them to get the most out of their education, and, in the long run, increase their opportunities in the future. Providing free menstrual hygiene products is also a step forward in terms of gender equity. There is no reason for women to pay extra for a biological reality beyond their control. Menstrual hygiene products, like hand soap, toilet paper, and water, are a necessity. So why should the male students get all their necessities for free, while the girls have to pay extra? Also, the lack of free menstrual hygiene products in schools forces girls out of the classroom to deal with their period, while boys have no such barrier. This creates a somewhat uneven playing field in terms of education. By providing free menstrual hygiene products in schools, we ensure that both boys and girls are given equal opportunity. 374 My name is Lizabeth Bamgboye and I’m a student at Hopkins School. I am writing in support of the CT Period Team and the passage of this bill because Connecticut students deserve access to menstrual hygiene products! I hope you all will support this bill and affirm period products as a right for menstruators all over the state. Period Poverty is a major problem that continues to effect students, interfering with their daily lives and studies. This bill can help change that! Power to the Period! -- -Lizabeth Bamgboye -- -Lizabeth Bamgboye 375 Good afternoon. My name is Charlotte Hallisey and my name is Amy Barratt. We are high school students spearheading legislation addressing a critical issue related to educational equity and access - Period Poverty. Period Poverty is defined as a lack of access and/or ability to afford menstrual hygeine products and the associated cultural stigma, institutionalizing generational, gender-based discrimination, and reinforcing harmful gender stereotypes. In the United States, 1 in 5 girls have left school early, or missed school entirely, due to lack of access to menstrual hygiene products. In 21st century America, schools have an obligation to serve all students equitably. Every student deserves the reassurance that their school restrooms are outfitted with necessities to accommodate their biological needs. Yet, for roughly half the United States student population, there is a glaring exception to this commitment: menstrual hygiene products. Providing these products in school bathrooms to address a fundamental biological process is no different than providing soap and toilet paper. When our efforts began, we launched a petition to gather support for this issue from individuals across the state. Today we have over 1,200 signatures from supporters across Connecticut. This past June, Charlotte and I presented to our district's Board of Education, resulting in the successful adoption of an ordinance requiring menstrual hygiene products be provided at no cost to students in our town’s public middle and high school bathrooms, demonstrating their support of the effort to end period poverty. From there we began advocating at the state level, first meeting with Senator Bergstein and subsequently Senator Abrams. Since that time we have created a student coalition comprised of students in every county across the state who support the bill, as well as partnered with many organizations who work nationally on issues involving gender equity and equality of opportunity. But now we need your support. It is time for Connecticut to continue to demonstrate its commitment to educational excellence and opportunity for all its students joining New York, California, Illinois, and New Hampshire in passing similar legislation. Educational equity is essential to socioeconomic advancement; gender-based discrimination harms us all. Please help show our nation that Connecticut recognizes this essential truth: gender based rights are human rights. Together we can help end period poverty and achieve gender equality. Thank you all for your time and consideration. 376 ”My name is Lainey Barratt and I support SB157 to provide free menstrual hygiene products in school. I support this bill because menstruation is a natural bodily function & free menstrual products should be readily available in all schools as toilet paper & hand soap are. Many other states & countries are already doing this, CT should too. 377 My name is Gracen and I support SB157 to provide free menstrual hygiene products in school. I support this bill because menstrual products are taxed as a luxury when they are completely necessary to the inevitable discomfort and mess that comes along with a monthly period. This is especially important for high school students as those girls without typical access to products because of relational or financial limits would be greatly benefitted. Please make this change! Thanks, Gracen Barter [[email protected]] 378 To whom it may concern, My name is Sarah Beach and I am the founder, editor and publisher of STRONG The Magazine for Girls, and independent quarterly magazine aimed at empowering and inspiring tween and teen girls. I am writing to express my support for SB157 to provide free menstrual hygiene products in all middle and high schools across Connecticut. This is an issue that impacts girls daily. In fact, just yesterday my freshman daughter was caught unawares when her period started in school. She was in the bathroom but didn't have any supplies with her. There were no supplies available in the bathroom (she informs me that in some of the bathrooms at her school there are pads and tampons available but you have to buy them from a vending machine (she didn't have money on her) and in this particular bathroom there was nothing). She felt unable to return to the bathroom again during the same lesson and therefore went back to class and leaked. She was fortunate to be wearing black leggings and a long top and so did not have to go home, but had she been wearing something different this would have meant her leaving school and missing her classes to sort herself out. Even in an affluent area, girls' education can be impacted by a lack of access to menstrual hygiene products. It is my belief that some form of these products should be as readily available as toilet paper or hand soap. In less affluent areas girls are sometimes literally unable to a afford the $7-$10 a month to buy products that they need. They find themselves "making them last" by not changing them regularly, leading to odor and leakage. In a fair and equitable society, there should be no barriers to education, and it is my belief that a lack of easy access to menstrual hygiene products in schools negative impacts girls. For this reason I wholeheartedly support the bill. Thank you -- Sarah Beach Founder, STRONG The Magazine for Girls www.strongmagazineforgirls.com | Facebook: @strongmagazineforgirls Twitter:@strongforgirls | Instagram: @strongmagazineforgirls 379 To: Committee on Children From: Samantha Bell, Alliance for Period Supplies Date: February, 25, 2020 Re: SB 157, AN ACT CONCERNING THE PROVISION OF FREE FEMININE HYGIENE PRODUCTS IN MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT BATHROOMS. Senator Moore, Representative Linehan, Senator Kelly, Representative Green, and esteemed members of the Committee on Children: Thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony in support of S.B. 157 An Act Concerning the Provision of Free Feminine Hygiene Products in Middle and High School Bathrooms. My name is Samantha Bell and I am testifying on behalf of the Alliance for Period Supplies. A program of the National Diaper Bank Network, the Alliance for Period Supplies and our local Allied Programs work to address period poverty by improving access to period supplies for those in need. S.B. 157 would require boards of education across Connecticut to provide feminine hygiene products in middle and high school restrooms, free of charge. This legislation addresses the important issues of period poverty and menstrual health for our students by ensuring that they have a sufficient supply of period products while at school. Each month, millions of menstruators struggle to afford the period supplies that they need to fully participate in daily life. In fact, one in four women report being unable to secure enough period supplies to meet their needs.1 This creates huge barriers for menstruators to meet their full potential. One in every five girls and women report missing activities such as school or work because of insufficient access to period supplies.2 Period poverty exacerbates the vicious cycle of poverty by forcing menstruators to withdraw from daily life, losing pay or missing educational opportunities. Additionally, without adequate access to supplies, menstruators can risk infections by using proxy products – such as socks or toilet paper – or by not changing products as often as needed. S.B. 157 addresses this issue while menstruators are at school, ensuring that they can attend classes and focus on their schoolwork. This legislation also ensures that even menstruators whose families can afford period supplies are not forced to leave school or use proxy products simply because they did not bring products to school that day. Period supplies are a basic necessity, and the Alliance for Period Supplies is proud to support this important legislation that recognizes them as such. Thank you for your time and consideration. Samantha Bell Program Director, Alliance for Period Supplies [email protected] 1 https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0795/1599/files/State-of-the-Period-white-paper_Thinx_PERIOD.pdf?455788 2 https://news.pg.com/press-release/pg-corporate-announcements/nearly-1-5-american-girls-have-missed-school-due-lack- perio 380 February 25, 2020 TESTIMONY BEFORE THE CHILDREN’S COMMITTEE February 25, 2020 IN SUPPORT OF SB157 – An Act Concerning Free Feminine Hygiene Products in Middle and High School Student Bathrooms Dear Chairs, Ranking Members, and all members of the Children’s Committee: Thank you for allowing me to testify before you in support of SB157 – An Act Concerning Free Feminine Hygiene Products in Middle and High School Student Bathrooms and thank you for raising this bill in your committee. Early last summer, I met with two high school students, Amy and Charlotte, who educated me about the issue of Period Poverty – the very real issue that impacts girls and women who can’t afford basic hygiene products such as tampons and pads and precludes them for participating in school and other daily activities. Amy and Charlotte taught me the facts – that 20% of girls in CT miss school on a regular basis because they can’t afford period supplies. And that even when schools do offer period supplies, they are only available in the nurse’s office and sometimes only available at a charge. As a result, many girls leave school or stay home altogether when they get their period because they don’t have the necessary supplies. Missing school every month because they can’t afford basic necessities like tampons? The consequences are devastating. When students miss school on a regular basis, they fall behind in class, their confidence drops, they can’t catch up, and a destructive cycle begins that can negatively impact the trajectory of their lives forever. This is contrary to everything we strive to provide our children – we want them to have a great education, gain confidence and grow in positive ways. We want them to be fully engaged in school and in life. This effort to achieve Period Justice is a STUDENT-LED initiative. They brought the issue to us. They educated us. They reached out to their peers. They created a statewide network of support. They organized a rally in New Haven with incredible student speakers and performers. They are not only creating awareness about this issue but are also proposing a realistic solution – providing free period products in every middle and high school bathroom in CT. Bathrooms are where supplies are needed, not the nurse’s office. Periods are a healthy bodily function, not an illness or unmentionable. When young girls get their periods at school they often feel scared and embarrassed. They try to cover up and walk through the halls hoping no one notices the stain on their clothes. That is a mortifying, humiliating experience. And totally preventable. 381 What would it take to install tampon dispensers in every middle and high school bathroom? Initial estimates are $2.50 per student for installing a dispenser year and $1.50 for supplies thereafter. With 158,491 female students enrolled in grades 5-12, that equates to approximately $400,000 in the first year and $250,000 a year thereafter. This is a modest investment in what At my suggestion, Amy and Charlotte submitted an application to the newly established Partnership for Connecticut for that amount so schools would not have to find funding within their existing budgets. We recognize that school resources are limited but the Partnership has several hundred million to give away and for the express purpose of keeping students engaged in school. This seems like an ideal project for them to fund – since it would produce precisely that result. My hope is that with this legislation we can send a message to all girls that they no longer need to feel ashamed or be limited by their periods. A simple change in school supplies can make a big impact in destigmatizing periods, keeping girls fully engaged in school and achieving Period Justice, so that everyone can achieve their full potential. Thank you. Senator Alex Bergstein 36th District 382 My name is Lilly Bjerke and I support SB157 to provide free menstrual hygiene products in school. I support this bill because I think access to health and hygiene should be a fundamental right to all people regardless of gender, race, or background. Having access to these products is just as important as having access to potable water. Sincerely, Lilly Bjerke Greenwich, Ct 383 My name is Meredith Blanchard and I support SB157 to provide free menstrual hygiene products in school. I support this bill because there have been times in school that I have to leave class because I got my period and I wasn’t prepared. Also, I have friends who can’t afford period products and have to use toilet paper. 384 My name is Stephanie Busani, and I support SB157 to provide free menstrual hygiene products in schools. I support this bill because these hygiene products are basic human necessities. They are just as important toilet paper and soap, but come at a large expensive, especially for lower income families. Free menstrual products in schools will bring Connecticut one step closer to ending period poverty. It is difficult to ensure that every single citizen has access to these products, but we can start by giving every student the resources they need to feel safe and secure. 385 My name is Lilliana Cancellieri and I support SB157 to provide free menstrual hygiene products in school. I support this bill because girls should not be shamed for being born female. We can't stop our bodies from continuing their natural process, and if we don't take care of this, we get shamed. If you don't want to see us menstruate, give us the tools so that you don't have to. Thank you. ~~~ Lilliana Cancellieri 386 Hello, My name is Kate Capparelle and I support SB157 to provide free menstrual hygiene products in school. I support this bill because I believe access to free menstrual hygiene products is super important in today's society. I've personally experienced times during school where friends of mine have missed class because they didn't have access to menstrual hygiene products, and in severe cases left school because of this. If there had been available products, I'm positive this never would have occurred. I hope to hear positive news on this bill in the near future! Thank you, Kate Capparelle 387 My name is Elizabeth Casolo, and I support SB157 to provide free menstrual hygiene products in schools. I support this bill because all girls deserve access to these essential products. Elizabeth Casolo 388 Committee on Children S.B. 157: AN ACT CONCERNING THE PROVISION OF FREE FEMININE HYGIENE PRODUCTS IN MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT BATHROOMS. Submitted by: Madeline Granato, Policy Director and Rachel Catanese, Policy Intern February 25, 2020 The Connecticut Women’s Education and Legal Fund (CWEALF) is a statewide, nonprofit organization that advocates for and empowers women and girls in Connecticut, especially those who are underserved or marginalized. For forty-six years, CWEALF has been a leading advocate of policy solutions that enhance women’s economic security, educational equity, and sexual and reproductive health and rights. CWEALF encourages the Committee to support Senate Bill No. 157: An Act Concerning the Provision of Free Feminine Hygiene Products in Middle and High School Student Bathrooms. Free menstrual products in middle and high schools will ensure fewer students miss school due to their periods, support students to complete their school work and eliminate period stigma, and continue to educate students on sexual and reproductive health. CWEALF also encourages the Committee to consider a language revision, from “feminine hygiene products” to “menstrual products.” While menstrual products are a necessity for people in Connecticut who have periods, they are often unaffordable and inaccessible, especially for students who are low-income or who experience homelessness. Access to free menstrual products at school alleviates financial concerns associated with having to buy products. Although the “tampon tax” no longer exists in Connecticut, menstrual products still remain an additional cost to Connecticut residents who experience poverty, as SNAP and Medicaid benefits do not cover menstrual products. Free menstrual products in schools will provide low-income students and students who experience homelessness with basic sanitation, reducing financial concerns and eliminating the need for students to create makeshift menstrual products that are not sanitary and can be detrimental to their health. Discourse surrounding periods and menstrual products is taboo, despite the fact that periods are a normal and healthy bodily function. Many middle and high school students may feel shame from their peers, or even school faculty, when asking for help if they have their period. Some students may even feel like they must leave school when they have their period to avoid ridicule and embarrassment, thus missing their school work. Open availability of menstrual products sends an important message that normalizes periods and allows students to easily access the products they need, which limits disruption to their school day and removes opportunities for other students’ or faculty’s ridicule. 389 CWEALF also encourages the Committee to consider a change in language to the title of S.B. 157. Defining menstrual products as “feminine hygiene products” excludes from this discussion students who do not identify as female, including transgender and nonbinary students, who still have periods. This simple adjustment of language ensures inclusivity in the conversation surrounding access to menstrual products. CWEALF urges the Committee to support Senate Bill No. 157: An Act Concerning the Provision of Free Feminine Hygiene Products in Middle and High School Student Bathrooms. Connecticut students deserve to have their basic needs met, including access to menstrual products, to receive their education without ridicule and stigma, and to have a voice in the discussions surrounding their health. 390 My name is Christina Cavin and I support SB157 to provide free menstrual hygiene products in school. I support this bill because I think it is an urgent issue to be providing young girls and women with health products that add up to be very costly. 391 Dear Ct. Legislators, I am writing to express my concern about SB157 which would place undue financial burden on school districts in Ct. School nurses in Hartford freely dispense feminine hygiene products from their offices to any student who asks. This expense is already built into our budget. We could not keep up with the demand of providing free feminine hygiene products in an uncontrolled environment, like a middle or high school bathroom. The health needs of our students remain the top priority of my department. School nurses are currently meeting the needs of our female middle and high school students; please think about the undue financial burden this bill will place on our district, which continues to receive flat funding while our expenses continue to increase. Respectfully, Deborah Chameides Coordinator of Health Services Hartford Public Schools 392 To Whom it May Concern: My name is Cynthia Chen and I support SB157 to provide free menstrual hygiene products in school. I support this bill because it gives female students easier access to the products, when they may not have them during times of need. If these products were made available in schools, it would improve the confidence of females in schools and create a more supportive environment. Additionally, period poverty is an issue that affects millions of people worldwide, where many people do not have access to the facilities and resources they need. This bill would take one important step further in helping mitigate this pressing issue. Thank you, -- Cynthia Chen 393 ]]G '( & $ ! " " " " # $ " " ! $ " ! ! % $ " !" $ " " $ ! $ !" !" ! ! $ ! $ 395 My name is Delaney and I support SB157 to provide free menstrual hygiene products in school. I support this bill because I believe it is important to end the stigma around menstruation. I believe this bill will get us one step closer to ending the stigma around being on your period. 396 My name is Sophia Eberwein and I support SB157 to provide free menstrual hygiene products in school. I support this bill because menstrual products can determine whether or not students attend class. Menstrual products can help people feel confident enough to stay in school, attend class, and LEARN. This is important because no female health setback should inhibit a female from attending school. -Sophia Eberwein 397 To whom it may concern, My name is Helen Feldmeth and I support SB157 to provide free menstrual hygiene products in schools. I support this bill because I am a young woman in high school and have found myself in the "oh no I just got my period and I have nothing to keep me from bleeding through my clothes" situation every once in a while. Menstruation is naturally and providing products to girls is the least the school can do to ensure every girl does not have to worry about finding someone with a tampon, bleeding through their clothes in front of a class, or crafting a toilet paper substitute in the stall instead of being in class. Girls do not always have the same access to products and some face serious painful side effects with periods (cramps, headaches, etc) so providing products to make being in school during this frequent occurrence any easier is more than fair. Please take the concerns of the women who brought forth this bill and the words of those who support it very seriously, Helen Feldmeth 398 My name is Alexandra Fenaroli, and I support SB157 to provide free menstrual hygiene products in schools. I support this bill because it is unfair for girls who cannot afford such essential products to have to struggle and be bothered in school by the consequences. Alexandra Fenaroli 399 Connecticut Education Association Policy, Research, & Government Relations Governance Capitol Place, Suite 500 Ray Rossomando, Director Jeff Leake • President 21 Oak Street, Hartford, CT 06106 Capitol Place, Suite 500 Thomas Nicholas • Vice President 860-525-5641 • 800-842-4316 • www.cea.org 21 Oak Street Stephanie Wanzer • Secretary An affiliate of the National Education Association Hartford, CT 06106 David Jedidian• Treasurer (860) 525-5641, 800-842-4316 Executive Director Donald E. Williams Jr. Testimony of Kate Field Connecticut Education Association Before the Children’s Committee Re: SB 157 AAC The Provision of Free Feminine Hygiene Products in Middle and High School Student Bathrooms February 25, 2020 Good afternoon, Senator Moore, Representative Linehan, Representative Comey, Senator Anwar, and members of the Committee on Children. My name is Kate Field, and I am the Teacher Development Specialist at the Connecticut Education Association and a former public school teacher. CEA helps active and retired teachers across the state advocate for students, teachers, and public schools. Thank you for considering my testimony today on Raised Bill 157, which would require the provision of free feminine hygiene products in middle and high school student bathrooms. Health is a right, not a privilege, and the young women in our schools shouldn’t have to be without a choice to practice menstrual health. Teachers recognize this and many provide menstrual hygiene products to students when asked, and by chance if they have products on hand. This is by no means a system that can ensure dependable access to the basic hygiene products women use. Toilet paper, soap, and hand towels are provided to all students, so why not feminine hygiene products, which are equally important for public health? Menstruation is a necessary biological function shared by all females, yet clean and healthy menstrual products are not easily accessible in most schools. This reality causes many young women to resort to using makeshift sanitary protection like socks, pieces of cloth, or paper products, putting them at risk for reproductive and urinary tract infections. As many as one in five young women in the United States leave school early or miss school entirely because they do not have access to menstrual hygiene products, potentially impeding their academic progress. Menstrual products are necessities, not luxuries, and should be freely provided to females the same way toilet paper and paper towels are provided to all students. Doing so will help create a healthier, more inclusive school environment and represent a big step toward ending the menstrual stigma that continues to needlessly shame and embarrass young women. Thank you. 400 My name is Amanda Friedman and I support SB157 to provide free menstrual hygiene products in schools. I support this bill because I believe all girls need to feel comfortable in school and should have the proper hygiene products available to them. It is hard to learn and focus when worried about not having pads or tampons available. Sincerely, Amanda Friedman 401 My name is Gabriella and I support SB157 to provide free menstrual hygiene products in school. I support this bill because it is so important that girls are given the same opportunities to learn that boys are given. By providing free menstrual hygiene products in schools, it is easier for menstruating students to focus on their studies, rather than worrying about the stigma and humiliation that could result from insufficient menstrual hygiene products. Lots of people struggle to afford menstrual hygiene products, causing them to miss out on education opportunities. It is important to eliminate this obstacle in the way of education. 402 My name is Allanah Goncalves and I support SB157 to provide free menstrual hygiene products in schools. I support this bill because free products should be widely accessible to girls as periods can occur unexpectedly. Likewise, it would expand awareness and perhaps provide an opening for menstrual cycles and periods to be discussed more openly and regularly among girls and in health/wellness classes. Access to these products is a basic human right. Thank you. 403 Good evening, My name is Sofia Gonzalez and I’m a student at Marine Science Magnet High School. I am writing in support of the CT Period Team and the passage of this bill because Connecticut students deserve access to menstrual hygiene products! I hope you all will support this bill and affirm period products as a right for menstruators all over the state. Best regards, Sofia Gonzalez [email protected] 5 White Oak Lane, Quaker Hill, CT 06375 860-457-8638 404 My name is Lilly Grace and I support SB157 to provide free menstrual hygiene products in school. I support this bill because menstrual products are something I wouldn’t be able to live without in school. Periods are already difficult enough due to hormone levels, and worrying about access to products in order to control something that is natural and should not be something that girls have to stress about. Rather, schools should be providing them free personal hygiene products so they can focus on their studies. 405 My name is Anika Gupta and I support SB157 to provide free menstrual hygiene products in school. I support this bill because female and students at school should feel safe and confident and feel as though these products which are necessary many times throughout the year are readily available to them during the school day. Students go to school to learn and enrich themselves and their community and shouldn’t be worried by dealing with normal biological processes. Through pushing for free menstrual hygiene products, schools only help promote gender and income equality. SB157 support 406 &' "$#) $%(! % # $"" '' $# !% # %(%) *(&' &$# '' % '$% %$ $ $## ' (' #'% '( ' %' $% & '/0 +"*#* #/0,$ &')"/#+:0 ,**'11##*6+ *#'0'7201 $0,+ +"1#01'$6'+01/,+%02--,/1,$ 0 #/',"-,3#/16!,* '+#"4'1&1'%* 1'7#"+ // 1'3#02//,2+"'+%*#+01/2 1',+& 00#/',20'*-)'! 1',+0 1& 1*201 # ""/#00#"12"#+10'+ ,++#!1'!214&, /#),4'+!,*#,/#5-#/'#+!'+%&,*#)#00+#00$ !# !,+0'"#/ )# //'#/04&#+ !!#00'+% 0'!*#+01/2 )&6%'#+#-/,"2!10 +" /#"#+'#"#.2 ) +"#.2'1 )# !!#001,)# /+'+%,--,/12+'1'#0 )1&,2%& ,++#!1'!21& 0#)'*'+ 1#"1Q *-,+1 59*#+01/2 ) -/,"2!1001'))/#* '+ 0 + ""'1',+ )!,011,/#0'"#+104&,#5-#/'#+!#-,3#/16 0 +"#"'! 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My name is Charlotte Hallisey and my name is Amy Barratt. We are high school students spearheading legislation addressing a critical issue related to educational equity and access - Period Poverty. Period Poverty is defined as a lack of access and/or ability to afford menstrual hygeine products and the associated cultural stigma, institutionalizing generational, gender-based discrimination, and reinforcing harmful gender stereotypes. In the United States, 1 in 5 girls have left school early, or missed school entirely, due to lack of access to menstrual hygiene products. In 21st century America, schools have an obligation to serve all students equitably. Every student deserves the reassurance that their school restrooms are outfitted with necessities to accommodate their biological needs. Yet, for roughly half the United States student population, there is a glaring exception to this commitment: menstrual hygiene products. Providing these products in school bathrooms to address a fundamental biological process is no different than providing soap and toilet paper. When our efforts began, we launched a petition to gather support for this issue from individuals across the state. Today we have over 1,200 signatures from supporters across Connecticut. This past June, Charlotte and I presented to our district's Board of Education, resulting in the successful adoption of an ordinance requiring menstrual hygiene products be provided at no cost to students in our town’s public middle and high school bathrooms, demonstrating their support of the effort to end period poverty. From there we began advocating at the state level, first meeting with Senator Bergstein and subsequently Senator Abrams. Since that time we have created a student coalition comprised of students in every county across the state who support the bill, as well as partnered with many organizations who work nationally on issues involving gender equity and equality of opportunity. But now we need your support. It is time for Connecticut to continue to demonstrate its commitment to educational excellence and opportunity for all its students joining New York, California, Illinois, and New Hampshire in passing similar legislation. Educational equity is essential to socioeconomic advancement; gender-based discrimination harms us all. Please help show our nation that Connecticut recognizes this essential truth: gender based rights are human rights. Together we can help end period poverty and achieve gender equality. Thank you all for your time and consideration. 409 February 25, 2020 Committee on Children Public Hearing SB 157-An Act Concerning the Provision of Free Feminine Hygiene Products in Middle School and High School Student Bathrooms Good afternoon to the Chairs of the Committee on Children - Senator Moore and Representative Linehan - ranking members Senator Kelly and Representative Green, Vice chairs and all other members. My name is Kate Hamilton and I am the vice-president of the Connecticut Chapter of the National Organization for Women (CTNOW). We are the country's largest and oldest feminist grassroots organization. I am here to testify in support of Senate Bill 157, which aims to provide free period products in middle school and high school student bathrooms. CTNOW has been funding period product drives for several years in Connecticut. In the beginning we delivered these products to domestic violence shelters, homeless shelters, York Correctional Institute, and to people living in poverty in substandard housing across the state. Over time, the demand for period products has increased. We are fielding calls from elementary, middle, and high school nurses across the state. We receive requests from community college professors, technical school program administrators, and 4-year university students desperate for period products, but unable to afford them every month. Students are staying home from school because they can't take the risk of having an accident at school and possibly destroying some of the few items of clothing that they own. But what happens when menstruating students miss school due to this easily remedied issue? How many don't receive free or reduced breakfast and lunch that is only provided at school? How many fall behind in their classwork and experience negative consequences for school absences? What impact does missed classwork and poor attendance have on school graduation rates? What does that look like in the long term from an economic perspective for our communities? We've spoken out about this issue, and many people are surprised that there is such a need, particularly for menstruating students. The need has always been there. However, the shame and stigma surrounding menstruation has silenced people struggling with this issue. Menstruation is normal. It is a monthly occurrence that half of the world's population will experience for most of their lives. Having period products in middle school and high school student bathrooms will alleviate significant suffering for thousands of students every month. It will also reduce the shame and stigma surrounding menstruation and begin to normalize this very basic and necessary human function. Thank you for your time and attention to this issue. Kate Hamilton Vice-President Connecticut Chapter of the National Organization for Women 949-315-1030 410 Dear members of the Committee on Children, I am writing you the express my support of Senate Bill 157 an act concerning the provision of free feminine hygiene products in middle and high school student bathrooms. According to a recent survey 1 in 5 teenagers across the United States struggled to afford menstrual products or could not afford them at all and 84% of teenagers across the country have either missed class time or know someone who missed class time because they did not have access to menstrual products. Speaking from my own personal experience a box of soft disk menstrual cups cost between $10.99 and $12.99 depending on the store, a box of 50 "Super Plus" tampons costs between $6.99 and $8.49, and one pair of Thinx menstrual underwear can cost between $24 and $42. Having your period is not cheap! Menstrual products cannot be purchased with food stamps and they are not covered by Medicaid or health insurance. How can we make people have to choose between buying groceries or menstrual products and call ourselves the land of equal opportunity? Our state took a great step in the right direction by getting rid of the so-called "tampon tax" and providing menstrual hygiene products to prisoners free of charge, but we need to go further in making sure that middle school and high school students as well as low-income or homeless individuals have as free and easy access to menstrual hygiene products as they do to toilet paper, soap and water. Women, trans-men, and non-binary people who menstruate already face so many issues, and barriers, but dealing with their period without menstrual hygiene products should not be one of them. Thank you for your time, Leanne Harpin 411 To whom it may concern, My name is Alyssea Immonen and I support SB157 to provide free menstrual hygiene products in school. I support this bill because menstrual products are a necessity, not a luxury. Millions of menstruators are unable to afford them thanks to unreasonable pricing and the luxury tax, so those who go without may miss school time, leaving them at an educational disadvantage, or stain their clothing, which can be detrimental socially to one's sense of belonging and confidence. Menstruators do not choose to have a period and many schools already provide free condoms, which is great, so free menstrual products are a logical next step. Menstruation and its often negative impacts disproportionately affect women, so the passing of this bill is a step closer to gender equality. Lack of access disproportionately impacts low- income individuals and communities, so this bill will also help to ease class differences. --- This email has been sent from a student at Lincoln-Sudbury Regional HS. Please report any concerns to [email protected] 412 Hello, My name is Raina Jain and I support SB157 to provide free menstrual hygiene products in school. I support this bill because without free access to menstrual products, it can greatly hinder one's ability to focus in school. I can recount multiple personal experience when I missed over 40 minutes of my one hour classes just to go to the nurse and get a sanitary pad. Many of my peers have had the same experience as me. If it was freely provided in school, I could focus more academically and be less conscious of myself throughout the school day. Thank you for your help, Raina Jain. 413 My name is Kayla and I support SB157 to provide free menstrual hygiene products in school. I support this because women like me shouldn’t have to pay for these products that are necessary in our lives. Imagine having to go to school and worrying whether we have the money for these products. It is a lot of stress because we need them and we don’t have the money for them. It’s not only that, but it also causes a distraction while we’re in class worrying about people noticing, and let me tell you, they do notice it. And when we don’t get these products in time, they cause a bloody mess, which can be solve if menstrual hygiene products are provided for free. Not everyone has money, so this bill saves a lot of female students and staff from trouble. So please consider the bill SB157. Thank you. 414 My name is Ahmed Khan and I support SB157 to provide free menstrual hygiene products in school. I support this bill because it is crucial that we step up to cater to the rudimentary needs of females in today's society; menstrual hygiene products should not be a profitable service, but instead a complimentary offering. Thank you, Ahmed Khan 415 Dear Connecticut State Legislature, HB 157 I am writing as the Lead Organizer of the Connecticut Period Team, a branch of the national nonprofit, Period. Over the past few months, I have had the incredible opportunity to destigmatize periods in Connecticut through service, advocacy, and education. On October 19th, 2019, our group led Connecticut’s first-ever Period Rally. With the support of local groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), we were able to bring awareness to an issue that often goes unheard—so many are unable to afford period products. This experience, coined period poverty, affects thousands of menstruators to the point where some are left deciding between paying for food or pads, while others are forced to use receipts, or cardboard to control their flow. Without being able to have open conversations on menstruation as a whole, we are often unaware of these struggles. Rallying for periods was more than promoting period pride—it was fighting for period justice. There was something special about October 19th; maybe it was the energy in the air or hearing hundreds of voices blend into one, but one thing was certain: Connecticut had come together that day. Our work as the CT Period Chapter did not end after the rally. Over the past few months, our team has mobilized all over the state. Working with schools, businesses, libraries, and restaurants, we have set up drives to collect period products and support local shelters. As of now, we have collected over 3,000 products! As we continue to do our work to fight for period justice, we call upon you all at the Connecticut State Legislature to do yours. We hope Connecticut will pass this bill to destigmatize periods, support its menstruators, and affirm period products as a right. We lend our full support to the passage of this bill and encourage Connecticut to set the stage as an example for other states, and the world at large. Every menstruator deserves access to period products. No student should have to choose between school and periods; no woman should have to choose between food and pads; no menstruator should have to choose between their body and humanity. We hope you all will make the decision to support Connecticut’s menstruators. Thank you for your time, Mariam Khan, State Lead 241 Braeside Dr. Hamden, CT 203-645-1428 416 YWCA Greenwich ǡƬ ǡ ʹǡʹͲͳͻ In support of: S.B. 157, AN ACT CONCERNING THE PROVISION OF FREE FEMININE HYGIENE PRODUCTS IN MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT BATHROOMS ǡ ǡ Ǥ ͳͲͳǦǦ Ǥ ǡ ǡ ǡ Ǥ ǡ ǡ ǡ Ǥ ǡ Ǥ ǡ ǡ Ǥ ǡ ǯ ǡ Ǧ Ǥ Ǥ ͳ 417 ǡǡ ͳͷǤ ǡǤGo Aunt Flow, ǡ ̈́ǡͲͲͲ ̈́͵ǡͲͲͲǤ ǣ Ǣ Ǣ ǢǢ Ǥ ͳͷ Ǥ Ǥ ʹ 418 My name is Tiffany Ling and I support SB157 to provide free menstrual hygiene products in school. I support this bill because the provision of free menstrual hygiene products in schools would drastically boost girls' self esteem, and allow them to experience their education to the fullest extent possible. According to Always, every month, one in five girls in the United States have missed out on some quantity of school due to their lack of menstrual products during menstruation. By passing this bill, and enforcing the provision of free menstrual hygiene products in schools, attendance will be significantly improved but more importantly, girls will find confidence and succeed. 419 To whom it may concern, My name is Kate Lockyer and I support SB157 to provide free menstrual hygiene products in school. I support this bill because I believe that it is very important for girls to be able to have access to free menstrual hygiene products in school, as girls will no longer be limited by their natural bodily functions. This bill is also especially important for families with lower incomes who may not be able to afford menstrual hygiene, as products are extremely expensive, and are therefore affected both in and out of school. Regards, Kate Lockyer This e-mail and any attachments may contain confidential and privileged information. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender immediately by return e-mail, delete this e- mail and any attachments and destroy any copies. Any dissemination or use of this information by a person other than the intended recipient is unauthorized. 420 Testimony in favor of SB157: AN ACT CONCERNING THE PROVISION OF FREE FEMININE HYGIENE PRODUCTS IN MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT BATHROOMS From: Councilman Brad Macdowall of Hamden, CT Residential Address: 865 Hill St, Hamden, CT 06514 Begin Testimony: Honorable Members of the Joint Committee on Children, I hope this correspondence finds you well. I am reaching out in strong support of SB 157: AAC...FREE FEMININE HYGIENE PRODUCTS IN...STUDENT BATHROOMS and the strong work being done by the CT Period Team. Here in Hamden, we are lucky enough to have a group of student activists, led by Mariam Khan, that has been strongly engaged in the work of advocating for and working on behalf of individuals who may not be able to afford period products. They have coordinated with businesses and organizations all over the region to set up collection drives for such products. The success of this project and how wide-reaching it has been, speaks to how pervasive the issue is and how urgent it is that we must act. We are lucky in our community to have this group of students doing the work that they have done, and while their passion and hard work are inspiring, elected leaders like us should not continue to rely on the generosity of our youth to provide remedies to such important issues. Every day in schools across the nation, there are individuals who struggle to afford the period products that they need access to. We need to be doing better by our students and our community, and we in Connecticut now have the opportunity in front of us to be leaders on this issue. Accordingly, I do hope you will act in favor of this important legislation. -- Brad Macdowall Legislative Councilman, Hamden, Conn. [email protected] (203)-927-1075 421 My name is Lily Mazzullo and I support SB157 to provide free menstrual hygeine products in school. I support this bill because it is essential that all girls have access to these necessities and that they do not have to stress or worry about this on top of all the other stress of just being a teenage girl. We have had toilet paper in bathrooms for years with no need to ask or demand it, and it is about time these products are viewed the same way because they are, conceptually, the same. I hope this bill is passed on behalf of myself and all the strong and beautiful girls I know who have been working hard to make this happen. 422 My name is Luke Mazzullo and I support SB157 to provide free menstrual hygiene products in schools. I support this bill because I think that having free menstrual hygiene products in schools would greatly reduce stress for students at school. While I am a male student, I understand how hard it is for girls to have to not only pay for menstrual hygiene products every month but also stress about not having them in school. This bill would solve both these problems. In addition, this bill would be beneficial because it would save time and money for students who need those things for other activities more important to their lives and school work. In conclusion, I support bill SB157 because women shouldn’t have to buy hygiene products with their own money and they should have the ability to get these products in school easily. Sincerely, Luke Mazzullo 423 My name is Constanza Meyerhoff and I support SB157 to provide free menstrual hygiene products in school. I support this bill because I think it is a right for every menstruating student to have access to free menstrual hygiene. Giving these students this right will help them get a better education by stopping them from missing school due to their periods. Menstrual products are a necessity to every menstruating person and should be provided for free just as toilet paper or tissues are. 424 My name is Clara Meyers and I support SB157 to provide free menstrual hygiene products in school. I support this bill because not having access to menstrual products disadvantages female students in educational environments, perpetuating gender inequities and increasing the stigma on this natural process. 425 7HVWLPRQ\RI0LFKHOOH1RHKUHQ %HIRUHWKH &KLOGUHQ¶V&RPPLWWHH )HEUXDU\ 6HQDWRU0RRUH5HSUHVHQWDWLYH/LQHKDQDQGPHPEHUVRIWKH&KLOGUHQ¶V&RPPLWWHHWKDQN\RX IRUWKHRSSRUWXQLW\WRSURYLGHWHVWLPRQ\LQVXSSRUWRI6%$$&WKH3URYLVLRQRI)UHH )HPLQLQH+\JLHQH3URGXFWVLQ0LGGOHDQG+LJK6FKRRO6WXGHQW%DWKURRPV 7KLVLVVXHLVYHU\QHDUDQGGHDUWRP\KHDUW'XULQJWKH\HDUVWKDW,ZRUNHGDWWKH &RQQHFWLFXW/HJLVODWXUHVSHFLILFDOO\DWWKH3HUPDQHQW&RPPLVVLRQRQWKH6WDWXVRI:RPHQ, UDQDSURJUDPFDOOHG My name is Caitlin O’Brien and I support SB157 to provide free menstrual hygiene products in school. I support this bill because Every girl at school should be provided sanitary products. It should be a given to every person with a period that they are have the products they need so they don’t have to interrupt their learning by going to the nurse or trying to fix themselves up. 427 My name is Nadya Okamoto and I support SB157 to provide free menstrual hygiene products in school. Here is a full bio in case that is helpful - Nadya Okamoto, who grew up in Portland, OR, is a 21-year-old Harvard student. She is the Founder and Executive Director of PERIOD (period.org), an organization fighting to end period poverty and stigma that she founded at the age of 16. PERIOD is now the largest youth-run NGO in women’s health, and one of the fastest growing ones here in the United States. Since 2014 they have addressed over 900,000 periods and registered over 600 campus chapters in all 50 states and 30 other countries. In 2017, Nadya ran for public office in Cambridge, MA at age 19 — becoming the youngest Asian American to run in US history. Nadya recently published her debut book, Period Power: A Manifesto for the Menstrual Movement with publisher Simon & Schuster, which made the Kirkus Reviews list for Best Young Adult Nonfiction of 2018. Nadya is the Chief Brand Officer of JUV Consulting, a Generation Z marketing agency based in NYC. She was recently named to the 2019 Forbes 30 under 30 and the Bloomberg 50 “Ones to Watch” list. Speech at the 2019 MAKERS Conference on PERIOD MAKERS profile video NowThis profile video “What activism means to me” - 2019 Stories of Women - my story of jealousy | tw: sexual/child abuse The Menstrual Movement - TEDxPortland 2016 Clip from SHAPE event, 2019 - on self-worth Nadya’s writing: CNN, Period Poverty in Schools Betches, The Tampon Tax Bustle, The Menstrual Movement Nadya Okamoto Founder of PERIOD. The Menstrual Movement. p: 503-804-6959 | e: [email protected] w: https://www.period.org 428 My name is Lucia La Orden Oro and I support SB157 to provide free menstrual hygiene products in school. I support this bill because menstrual products are not a luxury, they are a right. In school, girls should not have to feel ashamed that they need these products and they should be able to attend school without worry about there being blood on their clothes. They should also not have to feel ashamed that they do not have these products. Thank you. 429 Committee on Children Hearing Testimony from Abdul Osmanu Distinguished Members of the Committee: Though I unfortunately be here today I hope my written testimony will be able help you realize how important it is that we as a state address period poverty. I am writing this in support of SB 157 to provide free menstrual products in schools. The CT Period team has for quite some time excelled at effectively changing the narrative in terms of how society thinks about and addresses periods and period poverty. Whether eliminating many of the stigmas surrounding periods or taking the problems of period poverty to task, they are a true example of activism. Taking such a step such as approving this bill would be a step towards ending period poverty as a whole and opening up new dialogue on various issues of inequities across the state. In a society where menstruators are often ostracized and menstruation is trivialized rather than treated like the natural process it is, it is the bare minimum non-menstruators such as I can do is voice; express my support as they seek a more equitable society that is accommodating of our peers who menstruate. So, I ask you whether menstruator or non-menstruator to take a stand with these brave activists and take steps towards ending period poverty in the state of Connecticut. 430 Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents TESTIMONY ON: RAISED S.B. NO. 140 AN ACT REQUIRING FREE FEMININE HYGIENE PRODUCTS IN MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT BATHROOMS RAISED S.B. 157 AN ACT CONCERNING THE PROVISION OF FREE FEMININE HYGIENE PRODUCTS IN MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT BATHROOMS To: Representative Liz Linehan, Senator Marilyn Moore, and Members of the Committee on Children: The Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents (CAPSS), which represents the Superintendents of Connecticut’s public schools and over a hundred other executive district leaders, has serious concerns regarding Raised S.B. No. 140 and Raised S.B. No. 157 for the following reasons: x The redeployment of scarce education funds to provide an unlimited supply of “free” feminine hygiene products as well as the maintenance of such a system. x Is there documentation or data as to the need for imposing this mandate? Protocols for student access to feminine hygiene products are best resolved through individual districts and their school administrators in consultation with parents and health officials. Respectfully submitted: Fran Rabinowitz Executive Director Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents 431 My name is Wyatt and I support SB157 to provide free menstrual hygiene products in schools. I support this bill because, as a female student at GHS, I understand that dealing with menstruation alone can be tough on students. Enough classes, extracurriculars, and parts of life cause students stress; no one should have to struggle to pay for menstrual hygiene products on top of everything else. Girls and members of the LGBTQ+ community who need access to menstrual hygiene products—especially those facing financial hardship—have enough problems to worry about. We as a community need to make sure cost isn’t one. -- Wyatt Radzin 432 SB 157 Hi, I am writing in against the bill that would mandate schools to provide feminine hygiene products to their students in the bathrooms. This would place a big and unnecessary financial burden on school districts. The nurse’s office at every school in Hartford, including mine, provides the products to females in need free of charge. It is done in a controlled fashion instead of what would be a grab as much as you want fashion in a bathroom. Surprisingly, even in such a high need school we probably only give out on average about 1-2 products a day. Please consider the financial burden this would place on schools and how the money could be better spent. The system we have now works, and works well. Sincerely, Emily Rasgo RN, MSN Bulkeley High School 300 Wethersfield Avenue Hartford, Ct 06114 433 My name is Joy Ren and I support SB157 to provide free menstrual hygiene products in school. I support this bill because proper menstrual hygiene is a health necessity for half of the population of Earth. Like toilet paper or hand washing soap in public restrooms, it should be free and easily accessible to everyone. When there is a tax or price on period products, only the people that can afford the products have access to proper menstrual hygiene. People that cannot afford these products must rely on other means to stay healthy and clean during their periods. Sometimes, young girls are forced to skip days of school or women can't go to their jobs. This is not okay. We are robbing girls of their education and stripping people of their freedom just because they can't afford a luxury item. We live in a society that should be able to provide for the health needs of everyone. More than that, spreading menstrual hygiene awareness through this bill has such an influential impact on the younger generation. This bill promotes discussions about periods and works to de-stigmatize the topic of menstrual hygiene. Support for menstrual equity creates an environment where no one is ashamed of their bodily needs. This bill is so important to people everywhere. Thank you. 434 SB 157 My name is Camaryn Reynolds and I’m a student at Hamden High School. I am writing in support of the CT Period Team and the passage of this bill because Connecticut students deserve access to menstrual hygiene products! It’s essential for proper hygiene for women! I hope you all will support this bill and affirm period products as a right for menstruators all over the state. 435 My name is Phillip Shim and I support SB157 to provide free menstrual hygiene products in school. I support this bill because of the level of disturbance the lack of hygiene products creates throughout my school. My friends are consistently missing class because of the lack of easy availability of products. Because of the high intensity of our school climate, sometimes the stress associated with the lack of products can affect other parts of your school life, like grades and sports. I believe that students in Connecticut should be focused on their academics first, not inhibited by a lack proper sanitation. I also think that there’s an unnecessary stigma surrounding discussion and education about menstrual health, which creates problems similar to the ones just mentioned. Thank you. 436 February 25, 2020 Committee on Children Public Hearing SB 157- An Act Concerning the Provision of Free Feminine Hygiene Products in Middle School and High School Student Bathrooms Good afternoon to the Chairs of the Committee on Children – Senator Moore and Representative Linehan – ranking members Senator Kelly and Representative Green, Vice chairs and all other members. My name is Derek Slap, and I’m the senator for the 5th State Senate district. I am here to testify in support of Senate Bill 157, which aims to provide free period products in middle school and high school student bathrooms. Half of all students experience menstruation. The average monthly cost of period products is between $10-$15. According to a recent study of middle-class students, 1 in 5 teens have struggled to afford period products or have not been able to purchase them at all, and 1 in 4 teens have missed class due to lack of access to menstrual hygiene products. The numbers skyrocket when poverty is factored into the conversation. Approximately 360,000 Connecticut residents live in poverty and receive SNAP benefits. 77,000 of those residents are students living in poverty and experience or will experience menstruation while attending middle school and high school. Nearly 85% of teens living in poverty report missing class or knowing someone that has missed class because they did not have access to period products. (6,545 students in CT) Nearly two thirds of those students also reported using a pad or tampon past the recommended 4 hours and risked infection and toxic shock syndrome because they had to ration their limited period product supplies. (5,082 CT students) Students are denied equal learning opportunities when they skip educational activities due a lack of access to period products. It's particularly egregious considering that this is a challenge with a simple remedy. When students are forced to address their menstrual health without access to necessary products, they face physical, emotional, and psychological risks, along with social stigma and educational fallout. Half of the state's student population uses period products. If we can ensure that products are available to menstruating students when they are attending school, then we have easily and successfully removed another barrier that can disrupt and/or terminate a student's education. Half of the state's students need not be at an educational disadvantage because they lack access to these medically necessary products. Other states and municipalities are addressing this issue. Our neighbors to the west, New York City, now provides free period products in public schools because these products need to be treated like and supplied in restrooms the same as other basic hygiene products such as toilet paper, hand soap, and water. 437 I urge you to pass Senate Bill 157, An Act Concerning the Provision of Free Feminine Hygiene Products in Middle and High School Student Bathrooms. Thank you. 438 My name is Veda Swaminathan and I support SB157 to provide free menstrual hygiene products in schools. I support this bill because I am a girl in a school who had found herself in need of hygiene products and am sometimes too far away from the nurses office. It's not a situation I want other girls to experience. It's also not a fun conversation to have with teachers who ask "why were you gone so long?" when you tell them you're going to the bathroom and end up finding yourself in the nurses. -- Thanks for taking the time to read this, Veda Swaminathan 439 HB 157 Hello, My name is Rebecca and I’m a student at Hamden High School. I am writing in support of the CT Period Team and the passage of this bill because Connecticut students deserve access to menstrual hygiene products! I hope you all will support this bill and affirm period products as a right for women all over the state. Thank you for your attention, Rebecca Theroux 440 My name is Chloe Trogni and I support SB157 to provide free menstrual hygiene products in school. I support this bill because it is so important that women in our school get the supplies they need free of cost, without being embarrassed to go to the nurse or to call their parent and can be easy access for all the women at GHS. Every woman can learn and be the very best without having periods hold them back. Thank you this is so so important! 441 Center for Youth Leadership Mayor’s Youth Leadership Council ______Why wait for someone else to make a difference? Connecticut Legislature: Committee on Children Testimony in Support of SB 157: An Act Concerning the Provision of Free Feminine Hygiene Products in Middle and High School Student Bathrooms February 25, 2020 Good afternoon Senator Moore, Representative Linehan, and members of the Committee on Children. Although she is not a member of the committee, we have a special greeting for Senator Alex Bergstein. She represents our interests in Stamford, including the bill that is the topic of our advocacy and testimony. My name is Casey Van. I am a member of the Mayor’s Youth Leadership Council, which is a program of the Stamford Youth Services Bureau. I am joined by Natalie Ochoa. She is a member of the Center for Youth Leadership, which is our sister program at Brien McMahon High School in Norwalk. On behalf of our 200 student activist members, we are proud to testify in solidarity with our peers and adult allies in support of SB 157, An Act Concerning the Provision of Free Feminine Hygiene Products in Middle and High School Student Bathrooms. Since 2017, our work on this topic has focused on normalizing conversations about period or menstrual equity. We try our best to make the case that “…menstruation falls squarely at the intersection of economic, health and education policy” (1). Our hallway and street outreach efforts call on every state legislature to eliminate the tampon tax, which Connecticut did in 2018, and we trumpet the fact that our schools provide tampons and pads free to female bodied students. Inroads with our fellow students on the health aspects of period equity have been more difficult to come by, but we’re still trying. Every month, on Tampon Tuesday, we hand out tampons and pads with an information sheet. The handout addresses the stigma that way too many people associate with periods; the importance of menstrual and vaginal healthcare in the everyday lives of female bodied students; and the importance of casting a wide net to include boys and men in the period movement. According to Nadya Okamoto, a period equity advocate, “This is not just a women’s issue and if it’s treated as such we won’t get anywhere. The majority of decision makers on these issues are still men, and they have to be comfortable standing up for this, to be unafraid to fight for a natural, normal thing (2). We also call attention to the educational equity aspect of periods; that limiting access to tampons and pads in school results in too many female bodied students missing too much class time. That’s what SB 157 addresses. Yes, period products are available in our nurse’s office, which we appreciate, but that should be just one of several access points in school for female bodied students to get tampons and pads (3). It is common sense; “a no-brainer,” according to Senator Derek Slap of West Hartford (4). ______ 300 Highland Avenue, Norwalk Connecticut 06854, 203-852-9488 888 Washington Boulevard, Stamford, Connecticut 06901, 203-977-4643 442 We believe it is time to free the tampon from the stigma that periods are a medical issue; to free the tampon from adult supervision and allow teens to manage their own bodies; and to free the tampon so female bodied students, with easier access to products, can be fully engaged in classroom learning (5). Given that SB 157 is proposed as an unfunded mandate, how much will it cost school districts to free the tampon; to place them in dispensers in girls and gender neutral bathrooms? One school district in upstate New York spent $8,800 on 24 dispensers, while a neighboring district spent $$3,700 on 12 dispensers (6). Closer to home, Norwalk Public Schools estimates that the first year cost would total $16,500, with $10,000 spent on dispensers for 50 middle school and high school bathrooms; $5,000 earmarked for pads and tampons; and $1,500 for the upkeep of the dispensers. The annual cost thereafter is estimated at $6,500 for tampons, pads, and the maintenance of the dispensers (7). This is from an annual operating budget off 200 million dollars. According to the school district staff we consulted, the state Department of Administrative Services has not put dispensers and supplies out to bid at this point, so school districts would be free to solicit their own bids. Yes, we are basing this on the purchase of dispensers, each of which would have a ten- or fifteen-second delay between each tampon release. We tried other less secure methods of distribution (baskets on tables in bathrooms), but they proved problematic in terms of upkeep (8). We encourage our fellow advocates to work with the companies that purchase the soap, hand sanitizer, and toilet paper for your school districts. We are sure you can negotiate discounted rates for dispensers and period products (9). Why should taxpayers pay for the period products and dispensers? Many advocates, from teen activists to elected officials, point to tampons and pads as necessities, similar to soap and toilet paper in school bathrooms. “These are not products girls can simply choose not to use, like perfume or cosmetics” (10). Finally, we ask you to remember that girls have bodies and they bring them to school. Let’s make it a little bit fairer for them to learn with dignity. Thanks for letting us testify. ______ Notes 1.Jennifer Weiss-Wolfe, “Why Feminine Hygiene Products Should Be Free in School,” Newsweek, April 20, 2016 and “Republican or Democrat - We Can All Agree on Axing the Tampon Tax,” Newsweek, April 15, 2019. 2.Emma Coleman, “States Are making Periods Easier with Free Menstrual Products in School Bathrooms,” Route Fifty, July 23, 2019. 3.Sarah Groustra, “Stigma Around Periods Produces Undue Shame,” The Sagamore, the Brookline High School (Massachusetts) student newspaper, April 26, 2018. 4.Christine Stuart, “Lawmakers to Debate Mandating Period Products in Schools,” CT News Junkie, February 7, 2020. 443 5.Abigail Jones, “Free Tampons and Pads Are Making Their Way to U.S. Colleges, High Schools, and Middle Schools,” Newsweek, September 6, 2016. Daniela Altimari, “Seeking To End Period Stigma, Teen Activists Push for Access to Free Menstrual Supplies,” Hartford Courant, October 14, 2019. Megan Zander, “!4-Year-Old Hero Convinces School to Provide Free Pads and Tampons in Bathrooms,” Scary Mommy, July 7, 2017. Leah Willingham, “Students Seeking Free Access to Tampons and Pads at New Hampshire Schools,” Concord Monitor, February 5, 2019. 6.Meghan Finnerly, “Free Tampons Available in Schools: Districts Spend Thousands on Dispensers,” Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, September 10, 2018. Boston provided Boston Public Schools with $100,00 to buys producers only for its 77 middle and high schools. See the press release of June 17, 2019 from Mayor Martine Walsh’s office. reed to spend 7.The school district has an annual operating budget of $200 million and an enrollment of 2,554 students in the district’s four middle school (1,270 females) and 6,122 students in two high schools (3,061 females). The number of girls and gender neutral bathrooms in six schools is 50, including locker rooms. 8.Sara Coughlin, “25 New York City Public Schools Will Provide Free Tampons to Students,” Refinery 29, March 14, 2016. “City Councilwoman Julissa Ferreras-Copeland…had a single tampon and pad dispenser installed at the High School for Arts and Business in Queens. After receiving nothing but praise from students and staff alike, she knew this would be a welcome change elsewhere. (The) tampons will be provided via a dispenser — other schools already offer free tampons and pads in the nurse's office, but that isn't nearly as helpful as simply having them available when and where girls need them. As one high schooler tells the Daily News, ‘you feel more confident and don’t feel as nervous’ when using dispensers.” Amanda Beland, “Massachusetts is Making Tampons and Pads Easier to Access for Teens,” Teen Vogue, July 2, 2019. Joseph Bustos, “Illinois Decided to Make Feminine Hygiene Products Available in Schools - for Free,” The Sacramento Bee, September 15, 2017. 9.Ibid, Willingham, February 5, 2019. 10.Katha Pollitt, “Are We Finally Getting Over the Belief That Periods Are Embarrassing?,” The Nation, May 10, 2018. 444 My name is Ana Vieira and I support SB157 to provide free menstrual hygiene products in schools. I support this bill because menstrual products are a necessity. Many families cannot afford to provide menstrual products to their daughters. By providing menstrual products in school we show support to teenage girls and support health. 445 My name is Joshua Wakeling and I support SB157 to provide free menstrual hygiene products in school. I support this bill because no girl be stopped from coming to school because of her period or being unable to access necessary hygiene products. Providing them for free in schools would be a great step forward, nationwide the US has nearly 12 million women living below the poverty line, many without access to any menstrual hygiene products. Having free access to such items free of charge in schools in Connecticut is a necessary step in reducing the number of people, especially school children, who need sanitary products but are unable to access them due to their cost. 446 My name is Alexandra Wilkowski and I support SB157 to provide free menstrual hygiene products in schools. I support this bill because quite often many students, including myself, are put in uncomfortable positions due to lack of menstrual hygiene products. I miss out on class time sometimes, having to go to the nurse’s office to get free menstrual hygiene products and sometimes I’m to emabressed to go, which should be an unacceptable thing for a student. 447 My name is Shannon Wills and I support SB157 to provide free menstrual hygiene products in school. I support this bill because women don't have a choice on whether or not they want their periods. Thus, we can't be on our period without tampons or pads as if we don't wear them we face consequences both physically and mentally. If we are in need of a pad or tampon when we go to the bathroom, we shouldn't have to walk to the otherside of the school to get what we need from the nurse, it should be more accessible and easy to attain. 448 My name is Annika Wolle and I support SB157 to provide free menstrual hygiene products in school. I support this bill because I believe all girls should be able to have access to necessary hygiene products which keep us clean and free from embarrassment. Thank you. 449 My name is Robbi Zamora and I support SB157 to provide free menstrual hygiene products in school. I support this bill because I am a femal who believes this is important. Thank you!! 450 My name is Angie Zarrilli and I support SB157 to provide free menstrual hygiene products in school. I support this bill because period poverty effects so many women and it’s such an unknown issue! While people think that feminine hygiene products are relatively cheap, the money that goes towards it per year adds up. This is such an important issue that needs to be addressed! Thank you, Angie Zarrilli 451 My name is Zoë and I support SB157 to provide free menstrual hygiene products in school. I support this bill because menstruators should not have to constantly have sanitary products on hand. It is unfair and unreasonable to expect menstruators to be constantly prepared for their periods, as cycles can be very unpredictable. Students should not have to spend extra class time going to the nurses’ office for supplies or going to and from the bathroom to retrieve their needed pads/tampons. I also believe that schools should normalize periods as well as support menstruators, and providing free sanitary products is a step in the right direction. Lastly, not all menstruators can afford sanitary products, and schools should account for all students’ needs. Thank you! 452 Connecticut Department of Public Health Testimony Presented Before the Children’s Committee February 25, 2020 Commissioner Renée D. Coleman-Mitchell, M.P.H. 860-509-7101 Senate Bill 158, An Act Concerning The Albert J. Solnit Children’s Center The Department of Public Health (DPH) supports the intent of Senate Bill 158, which would require the Albert J. Solnit Children’s Center (Solnit Center) to be licensed by DPH. Thank you for the opportunity to testify on this important issue. DPH does not believe this bill is necessary given the Governor’s budget proposal and accompanying implementation language, which provide for licensing of the Solnit Center, in accordance with the recommendations of a working group formed last year pursuant to Special Act 19-16. The Solnit Center is a state-administered children’s psychiatric facility operated by the Department of Children and Families (DCF). The South Campus, in Middletown, consists of four coed hospital units and three female adolescent psychiatric residential treatment facility (PRTF) cottages. The North Campus, in East Windsor, provides PRTF services to adolescent males. The hospital and PRTF units at the Solnit Center are each certified through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). However, they are currently exempt from licensing by DPH pursuant to Section 19a-490 of the General Statutes. Removing this exemption will provide greater oversight of the two campuses to ensure quality of care. Last year, the Committee on Children favorably reported sSB 886, enacted as SA 19-16, An Act Concerning the Licensure of the Albert J. Solnit Children’s Center. The Commissioner of Children and Families was directed to submit a report recommending a process for DPH to license the Solnit Center’s North and South Campuses. DCF worked with the Departments of Public Health and Social Services and the Office of the Child Advocate in the drafting of the report. A working group was organized in August 2019, comprised of representatives from the four state agencies, the Solnit Center, Beacon Health Options, and two privately-operated adolescent psychiatric treatment facilities. Recommendations were developed and a report was issued earlier this year. The working group’s recommendations are reflected in Sections 8 through 10 of House Bill 5020, An Act Implementing the Governor’s Budget Recommendations Regarding Public Health. The Phone: (860) 509-7269 410 Capitol Avenue - MS # 13GRE, P.O. Box 340308 Hartford, CT 06134 An Equal Opportunity Employer 453 Governor’s proposal is more expansive than the language in Senate Bill 158 because it will lead to DPH licensure of the PRTFs at both the North and South Campuses and the hospital at the South Campus. The Governor’s proposed midterm budget provides DPH with one additional Nurse Consultant needed to conduct licensure and complaint investigation activities. Thank you for your consideration of this information. Phone: (860) 509-7269 410 Capitol Avenue - MS # 13GRE, P.O. Box 340308 Hartford, CT 06134 An Equal Opportunity Employer 454 STATE OF CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES x x x Public Hearing Testimony x Committee on Children x February 25, 2020 To: Sen. Marilyn Moore, Chair Rep. Liz Linehan, Chair Sen. Kevin Kelly, Ranking Member Rep. Robin Green, Ranking Member Distinguished Members of the Committee on Children From: Vannessa Dorantes, Commissioner Department of Children and Families Re: Raised SB 158, An Act Concerning the Albert J. Solnit Children’s Center ______The Department of Children and Families (DCF) supports the intent of Raised SB 158, however respectfully suggests that this stand-alone bill is redundant. Last year, the Committee on Children passed Special Act 19-16, An Act Concerning the Licensure of the Albert J. Solnit Children’s Center, which directed the Commissioner of Children and Families to submit a report recommending a process for the Department of Public Health (DPH) to license the north and south campuses of the Solnit Center. The Act required DCF to work with the Commissioners of DPH and Social Services (DSS), and the Office of the Child Advocate (OCA) in the drafting of the report. To implement this requirement, a Working Group was organized in August 2019, comprised of representatives from DCF, DPH, DSS, OCA, the Solnit Center campuses, Beacon Health Options, and two privately-operated adolescent psychiatric treatment facilities. The Working Group met on a bi-weekly basis through November 2019 in order to draft the report, which was submitted to the committee earlier this year. For further reference, please see Special Act 19-16 Solnit Licensing Report. The Working Group’s recommendations have already been incorporated into sections 8 through 10 of House Bill 5020, An Act Implementing the Governor’s Budget Recommendations Regarding Public Health. The Governor’s proposal goes beyond the language in this bill by requiring DPH to promulgate regulations on licensing the psychiatric residential treatment facilities (PRTF) at both the north and south campuses, as well requiring licensure of the psychiatric hospital located at Solnit South. Further, the Governor’s budget adjustments allow for 6 additional nurses and 1 more clinician to be employed at Solnit North. These positions are needed for Solnit North to meet the staffing requirements for licensure recommended in the report. The Department does not believe this bill is necessary given the Governor’s budget proposal and accompanying implementation language. 455 STATE OF CONNECTICUT OFFICE OF THE CHILD ADVOCATE 999 ASYLUM AVENUE, HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT 06105 Sarah Healy Eagan Child Advocate TESTIMONY OF THE OFFICE OF THE CHILD ADVOCATE FOR THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2020 Senator Moore, Representative Linehan, Senator Kelly, Representative Green, and all other distinguished members of the Committee on Children: This testimony is being submitted on behalf of the Office of the Child Advocate (“OCA”) in support or in response to the below referenced Bills. The obligations of the OCA are to review, investigate where necessary, and make recommendations regarding how our state-funded systems meet the needs of vulnerable children. This Legislature granted the OCA broad authority regarding access to information about children and state-funded facilities and programs, which provides this Office with a unique insight into the needs of at-risk, abused, neglected and special needs children and the agencies that serve those children. The above referenced all seek to address how the needs of this state’s children are being met, including its most vulnerable children. S.B. 158 An Act Concerning The Albert J. Solnit Children's Center. The OCA supports the goal of S.B. Bill 158 which proposes greater oversight transparency regarding the safety and operation of a state-licensed psychiatric and therapeutic treatment setting for children. OCA is respectfully proposing that the committee consider amending or merging this bill with the Governor’s proposal regarding the licensure of the Solnit Center to ensure optimal clarity going forward, including with regard to the scope of the licensure requirement (i.e. Solnit Center North and South versus only a licensing requirement for Solnit South). Last session this Committee drafted and the legislature ultimately passed Special Act 19-16, An Act Concerning the Licensure of the Albert J. Solnit Children’s Center1 (the Solnit Center), which Act directed the Commissioner of Children and Families (DCF) to submit a report to the Children’s Committee of the General Assembly recommending a process for the Department of Public Health (DPH) to license the north and south campuses of the Solnit Center (Solnit North and South). The language in the act required DCF to work with the Commissioners of Public Health and Social Services (DSS), and the Office of the Child Advocate (OCA) in the drafting of the report. To 1 Special Act 19-16, AAC the Licensure of the Albert J. Solnit Children's Center 1 456 implement this requirement, a Working Group was organized in August 2019, comprised of, among others, representatives from DCF, DPH, DSS, OCA, the Solnit Center campuses. To successfully license the Solnit Center campuses, the Working Group recommending the following actions: x Amend C.G.S. section 19a-490 to remove the exemption from licensure for the Solnit Center South and North campuses. x Amend C.G.S. section 17a-145 to direct DCF and DPH to jointly develop regulations for the licensing of Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities (PRTF). x DPH and DCF to jointly develop policies and procedures to be used on an interim basis for the licensing of the Solnit South and North PRTF programs. x DPH to revise regulations for the licensing of Hospitals for Mentally Ill Persons. x DPH to hire and train one full-time and one part-time Nurse Consultant positions. x Secure funding to DCF for facility physical plant renovations to enhance safety. x Secure funding to DCF for additional clinical and nursing positions to enhance service delivery. Recommendation for the Licensure of Solnit Center Initially Arose From an OCA Child Fatality and Facility Investigation Report, Published September 2018 The Solnit Center is a DCF-owned and operated psychiatric treatment facility for children that comprises a psychiatric hospital and two PRTFs. The hospital and one PRTF are located in Middletown (Solnit South) and the other PRTF is in East Windsor (Solnit North). Pursuant to C.G.S. section 19a-490, the Solnit Center has been statutorily exempt from state licensing requirements. The Solnit Center is certified through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and accredited through The Joint Commission. Pursuant to federal Medicaid mandates, the Solnit campuses are subject to mandatory outside inspection 1) once every five year when a general inspection is conducted, or 2) when an investigation of a serious occurrence within the facility is required. These actions are undertaken in Connecticut by DPH under contract with DSS. The recommendation that Connecticut take steps to end the Solnit Center’s licensing exemption was contained in a September 2018 investigative report issued by the OCA2 after the June 2018 suicide death of a pregnant 16 year old girl at the Solnit South PRTF. The child’s death occurred after six previous suicide attempts by youth in the facility in the preceding months and shortly after findings had been made by DPH that had identified deficiencies in the care and treatment of youth in the facility, including deficiencies which DPH found placed children in “immediate jeopardy” of harm.3 Following the youth’s suicide, DPH, in partnership with DSS and DCF, continued to investigate safety and care issues at the Solnit South PRTF, and, after making additional findings that youth remained 2 See OCA Legislative Hearing Report Albert J Solnit Center South and the OCA Review of Circumstances Leading to the Death of Destiny G., September 26, 2018 found on the web at https://www.ct.gov/oca/lib/oca/OCA.SolnitS.Leg.Report.9.26.2018.pdf. 3 “Immediate Jeopardy,” is defined as “[a] situation in which the provider’s noncompliance with one or more requirements of [Medicaid] participation has caused, or is likely to cause, serious injury, harm, impairment, or death to a resident.” See 42 CFR Part 489.3. 2 457 in “immediate jeopardy” of harm4, the agencies jointly issued to DCF a directed Plan of Correction as a condition of the facility’s continued participation in the federal Medicaid program. Pursuant to federal regulations regarding remediation of Immediate Jeopardy concerns, the Plan of Correction included a requirement that DCF retain a full-time consulting team to help monitor and implement necessary improvements.5 Based on the required Plan of Correction, Beacon Health Options6, an expert in the area of quality management, was engaged to develop a Quality Management Program Outline intended to build and sustain high quality clinical care and services. Over the next several months, Solnit staff and administrators worked with DPH inspectors, Barrins & Associates—an independent monitoring consultant—and Beacon Health Options to successfully comply with the DPH/DSS directives. The Solnit South PRTF was subsequently discharged from further intensive monitoring by DPH once the required Plan of Correction was fully implemented. However, even with the implementation of the recent performance improvement initiatives outlined above, the creation of an external licensing framework will provide a necessary level of oversight and transparency and help ensure the facility’s sustained adherence to established standards for quality care and treatment. Ensuring that this work move forward, with clear direction, appropriation and accountability, including a timeline for implementation, will be essential to accomplishing this critical effort. OCA wants to specifically acknowledge the work of DCF in bringing colleagues, including OCA, to the table to address the important quality of care issues discussed herein. The Solnit Center, and its predecessor, Riverview Hospital, have long been the subject of passionate and controversial discussion at the legislature and among stakeholders given periodic but persistent questions about the quality and cost of treatment in the only state-run psychiatric facility for children. The collaborative work undertaken in the wake of Destiny’s death and this legislature’s response is noteworthy and welcome and an important step in improving our system of care for highly vulnerable children. We look forward to completing this essential work expeditiously. S.B. 159 An Act Concerning The Placement Of Children Committed To The Custody Of The Commissioner Of Children And Families. The OCA appreciates the intent of Senate Bill 159, which bill is designed to promote placements of abuse and neglected children with grandparents. However OCA must oppose this bill for a variety of reasons, chiefly that in prioritizing grandparents as a relative placement, the bill does so without mention of the potential appropriateness of the child’s current placement, other relative placements, or even a consideration of the best interests of the child, the latter being the central tenet of all permanency and placement decisions in the Superior Court for Juvenile Matters. Over the last decade Connecticut DCF has worked to increase opportunities for abused and neglected children to be placed with relatives or persons known to them. The state’s emphasis on reducing trauma for children and considering all relative resources for a child is good public policy and often 4 DPH issued additional “Immediate Jeopardy” findings on July 20 and July 18, 2018. 5 Barrins & Associates September 20, 2018 Independent Consultant Review. 6 Beacon Health Options Outline of Quality Management Program for the Solnit Center 3 458 results in a first time placement for a child that is in the child’s best interests. Moreover, the current statutory scheme already provides multiple provisions that require DCF and the Court to consider the placement of a child with a fit and willing relative, including grandparents: 1. The law requires that DCF must investigate “any relative proposed to serve as a licensed foster parent or temporary custody of a child prior to a preliminary hearing and provide a report at such hearing as to such relative’s suitability…” 2. The law requires that at the outset of a case where a child has been removed from their home due to abuse or neglect that the Court “identify any person or persons related to the child or youth by blood or marriage residing in this state who might serve as a licensed foster parents or temporary custodians and order DCF to investigate and report to the court, not later than thirty days after the preliminary hearing, the appropriateness of placing the child or youth with such relative/s.” 3. The law requires that the court direct DCF to “identify any person or persons related to the child or youth by blood or marriage residing out of state who might serve as licensed foster parents or temporary custodians, and order the Commissioner of Children and Families to investigate and determine, within a reasonable time, the appropriateness of placing the child or youth with such relative or relatives.” 4. The law also states that a relative has a presumptive right to intervene as a legal party in a child protection matter in the first 90 days after the initial preliminary hearing in the case, to be heard on matters related to the child nad the child’s placement. 5. The law even provides that where a relative intervenes in the early stages of a case and seeks custody, and the relative is deemed an appropriate resource (meets licensing criteria) that there shall be a presumption that placement of the child with the relative is appropriate. Given the existing public policy and practices that encourage relative placement for a child whenever such placement serves the child’s best interests, and given the numerous statutory provision that support these practices, OCA does not support this bill. Respectfully submitted, Sarah Healy Eagan Sarah Healy Eagan, JD Child Advocate, Office of the Child Advocate State of Connecticut 4 459 ~tate of ~onnecticut SENATOR LEONARD A. FASANO SENATE REPUBLICAN LEADER HARTFORD: 240-8800 l.EGISlATIVE OFFICE BUILDING 34TH DISTRICT (860) :lXl CAPITO.. AVENUE. SUITE 3400 TOil FREE: (80'.l) 842-1421 HARTFORD, CONNECTlCUT 06106-1591 FAX: (860) 240-8306 www.SenatOffosono.com [email protected] Testimony, Committee on Children Raised S.B. No. 158 AN ACT CONCERNING THE ALBERT J. SOLNIT CHILDREN'S CENTER February 25, 2020 Senator Moore, Representative Linehan, Senator Kelly, Representative Green and members of the Committee on Children, thank you for the opportunity to submit testimony in support of Senate Bill No. 158 An Act Concerning the Albert J. Solnit Children's Center. This proposal would require that the Albert J. Solnit Children's Center - South Campus obtain licensure from the Department of Public Health. It would enable the Department of Public Health to license, regulate and inspect the center. In 2018 a deeply disturbing tragedy occurred at the South Campus of the Albert J. Solnit Children’s Center in Middletown. A pregnant teenager died by suicide. You are all familiar with the heartbreaking details of the situation and the enormous questions raised not only by this tragedy, but by the problems uncovered in following investigations. Between November 2017 and July 2018 there were eight suicide attempts by children at Solnit, including six between November 2017 and March 2018, the death that occurred in June 2018, and an attempt by another youth in the facility in July 2018. But issues at the center were not disclosed or discussed until after the public attention that followed the death by suicide in June. The Office of the Child Advocate has raised concerns that on three occasions, in March 2018 and twice in July 2018, Solnit South was found by public health inspectors to be placing vulnerable patients in “immediate jeopardy" and had failed properly supervise suicidal residents. However, findings were not published or shared publicly with stakeholders, including parents of Solnit residents. Since the tragedy, may advocates and officials have worked together to closely examine the center and work to identify the best solutions to protect vulnerable youth, and this is a conversation that must continue. The Office of the Child Advocate (OCA) has called for increasing transparency and strengthening an accountable framework for treatment facilities that serve children that are licensed by DCF or run by DCF. Transparency would include regular publishing of facility performance measures, including information regarding safety, child maltreatment, corrective actions, and treatment outcomes. The OCA has also specifically recommended that Connecticut require that all state-run programs for children be licensed and subject to routine program review and inspection. These recommendations should be closely considered by this Committee. I thank the OCA for their work investigating and offering proposals to better protect our most vulnerable children. I thank the Committee on Children for raising this proposal for discussion. 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