Republican Legislation Providing Benefits to Victims of Domestic Violence Moves Forward

Hartford – The legislature’s Human Services Committee took favorable action on a new bill that seeks to provide immediate assistance to victims of domestic violence. According to State Reps. Jay Case (R-Winsted) and Holly Cheesman (R- East Lyme/Salem), H.B. 6520 An Act Concerning the Provision of Temporary State Services to Victims of Domestic Violence was unanimously voted out of committee on Thursday morning.

“This concept was offered to the committee as part of the House Republican RestartCT platform, which places an emphasis on prioritizing public policy that preserves health and safety. The provisions within this bill provide food, shelter, and other necessary resources for victims of abusive situations,” explained Rep. Case, who serves as the highest-ranking House Republican on the committee. “The passage of this law will give those in crisis greater options and resources to remove themselves from harmful situations.”

The legislation effectively provides an immediate 90 days of temporary relief benefits to victims of domestic violence, to the extent permissible under federal law. If necessary, income requirements will be waived during that time period in order to ensure all Connecticut residents would be eligible to receive critical resources in a time of crisis. Benefits, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Family Assistance (TFA), will also be expedited to victims and their families.

“The availability of resources is so important to those who feel trapped in a toxic situation. Carving out an abuser’s income and providing further protections for victims is a small step forward in helping so many throughout our state. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to provide this much needed relief,” stated Rep. Cheeseman.

With the favorable action of the committee, the bill will head to the House Floor for further action. House Republicans are hopeful that the legislation will ultimately be debated and supported by the entire General Assembly.

To learn more about this legislation, and other proposals within the RestartCT platform you can head to www.cthousegop.com/restartct.

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