State Rep. Tom Delnicki Supports Bill to Address Needs for Intellectually or Developmentally Disabled Community

HARTFORD- To shine a bright light on a major legislation priority, State Representative Tom Delnicki (R-14), a co-sponsor of the legislation attended a press conference ahead of a Human Services Committee public hearing on House Bill #5001, An Act Concerning Resources and Support Services for Persons With An Intellectual or Developmental Disability.

The bipartisan proposal intends to address the many critical issues affecting the Intellectually and/or Developmentally Disabled Community, including but not limited to:

• Funding to address waitlists for services at the CT Department of Developmental Services and the CT Department of Social Services (approx. 950 individuals waiting on DDS and 2000 individuals waiting on DSS)
• Evaluation of current services and bridging statewide silos between housing, transportation services (macro and micro), adult day services, education transitional services, and workforce development opportunities
• Requiring more transparency and accountability for agencies and nonprofit providers working with IDD population
• Increasing income and asset limitations to provide access expansion and retainment

Additionally, as Ranking Member of the Banking Committee, Rep. Delnicki voted for and has co-sponsored legislation House Bill 6753, An Act Concerning ABLE Accounts which improves the program, also known as ‘Achieving a Better Life Experience – or ABLE – is a federally tax-advantaged savings program that allows individuals with disabilities to save for the future without jeopardizing the other federal disability benefits on which they rely, like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

“Addressing these common-sense reforms will give many families the comfort, support and protections needed,” said Rep. Delnicki. “This legislation, which is a priority for the House of Representatives, put the focus on improving the services and addressing critical needs of the Intellectually and Developmentally Disabled community.