Candelora & Kokoruda Testify on Bipartisan Legislation that Supports Victims of Domestic Abuse

HARTFORD — State Reps. Vincent Candelora and Noreen Kokoruda on Thursday testified in favor of legislation that would make it easier for victims of domestic violence to access temporary state benefits that are critically important when they try to gain freedom from their abusers. The legislation (H.B. 5306) was subject of a public hearing in the Human Services Committee, and the concept is supported not just by Candelora and Kokoruda but also state Reps. Sean Scanlon and Robin Comey, as well as state Sen. Christine Cohen. "Victims trying to leave abusive situations often find it difficult to qualify for the critical state aid they need because their partner's income is factored during the application process," said Candelora (R-North Branford), Deputy House Republican Leader. "Unfortunately, that administrative hurdle can be enough to cause some women to stay in a dangerous situation because they don't have the financial resources to cover their living expenses." The proposal would exclude the income of the abuser from the application process for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, SAGA Cash, and the Care-4-Kids Program by offering 90 days of temporary benefits to victims trying to move on with their lives. "Securing the necessary financial and nutritional resources is an important first step for domestic violence victims seeking independence,” said Kokoruda (R-Madison.) “This bill relieves existing impediments to these resources and affords victims of domestic violence a chance to escape their dangerous situations." The concept has roots in a December legislative roundtable hosted by Guilford-based Women & Family Life Center, and Tara Clark, a social worker there, testified alongside Kokoruda. Cohen, Scanlon, and Comey were at the forum with Candelora and Kokoruda. “We have heard from an incredibly vulnerable segment of our population that they are unable to untether themselves from dangerous situations due to financial constraints. House Bill 5306 would provide a bridge to independence for victims of domestic violence, allowing them to finally flee their abuser,” said Cohen (D-Guilford.) Together, members of the Shoreline Delegation have urged members of the Human Services Committee to advance the bill for consideration by the full General Assembly. "Financial stability is often the main determining factor between safety and tragedy for those trying to escape an abusive partner," said Rep. Comey (D-Branford). "This measure will serve as a life bridge for many victims suffering from domestic abuse, and it is a bill that we should all get behind and support."