E-CAPS Number 5
March 26, 2001
Thanks to everyone who made the Public Hearing on Early Childhood Teacher's Wages a success. The effort of CT's community action agencies made the difference at the hearing. We expect the bill to be passed by the Labor Committee on 3/29. It is still very important for you to contact your local legislators about supporting bill 6931.
In this issue of E-CAPS:
++ An update on the Preschool teacher wages issue
++ An update on Housing issues
++ Upcoming Hearings for Appropriations, Housing (in Bridgeport) and Education
++ Upcoming Action Days at the LOB on many issues we are concerned about
PUBLIC HEARING ON EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHERS WAGES
Bill No. 6931: Educational Opportunities and Equitable Salaries for Early Child
Care Professionals
The day went very well and CAFCA's effort was instrumental. Over sixty teachers,
staff and parents attended the hearing from HRA, CRT, BCO, NEON, and ABCD. Paul
Puzzo and Bob Burgess testified, as well as three teachers, two program
managers. Many other staff and parents turned in written testimony and petitions
on this issue. Milicent Coburn, a teacher from ABCD, was excellent. She spoke
passionately at the press conference, testified and was quoted extensively in
the Hartford Courant article.
(Click on http://www.ctnow.com/scripts/editorial.dll?fromspage=CG/articles/state.htm&categoryid=&bfromind=557&eeid=4173783&eetype=article&render=y
to view the article on ctnow.com website.)
The deadline for Labor Committee's JF reporting is April 3, 2001.
HOUSING UPDATE
The Connecticut Housing Partnership Fund, Substitute House Bill 5388, and
Enhancement of the Rental Assistance Program, House Bill 6699, were passed
unanimously by the Planning and Development Committee. The bills are now on
their way to the Appropriations Committee.
TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2001
APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: The Appropriations Committee will hold an
informational Forum regarding Cost of Living Adjustments for Non-Profits Human
Services Providers on Tuesday, March 27, 2001 at 1:30 P.M. in Room 2C of the
LOB. The Forum is for invited speakers only.
RESCHEDULED COMMITTEE ON HOUSING HEARING IN BRIDGEPORT
The Select Committee on Housing has rescheduled the public hearing in
Bridgeport. Since legislators often express concern that they do not hear from
consumers themselves, it is very important that individuals and families who
need affordable and supportive housing speak at these hearings. It is also
important that a large number of people turn out for these hearings in order to
demonstrate the great need for affordable and supportive housing in Connecticut.
Any of the bills, which were before the Select Committee on Housing, may be
discussed at the hearing. Sign ups to testify will begin at 6:30 PM.
BRIDGEPORT
Tuesday, March 27, 2001, 7-9 pm
City Council Chambers
45 Lyon Terrace
EFFECTIVE DEMOCRACY DAY AT THE CAPITOL,
TUESDAY, MARCH 27th
Contact: DemocracyWorks, 860-727-1157
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28, 2001
EDUCATION COMMITTEE: The Education Committee will hold a public hearing on
Monday, March 19, 2001 at 11:00 A.M. in Room 1E of the LOB. Sign-up sheets will
be available one hour prior to the hearing in Room 1A of the LOB. Please submit
50 copies of written testimony at that time. The first hour of the hearing is
reserved for legislators and state agency heads and chief elected municipal
heads. The public portion will start at 12:00 P.M. Speakers will be limited to
three minutes of testimony.
SUBJECT MATTER: School Readiness and Early Literacy, Afterschool Programs
H.B. NO. 6876 AN ACT CONCERNING THE SCHOOL READINESS AND EARLY READING SUCCESS
GRANT PROGRAMS
AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE DAY AT THE CAPITOL,
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28th
Contact: Health Care for All, 860-947-2200.
GOOD JOBS DAY AT THE CAPITOL, THURSDAY, MARCH 29th
Contact: Citizens for Economic Opportunity, 860-674-0143
HOUSING DAY AT THE CAPITOL, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4
11 AM - 2 PM
Room 1B, Legislative Office Building (LOB)
Make an impact on affordable housing. Join housing activists and advocates
from around the state for an exciting "Housing Day at the Capitol."
Hear
the latest news on the progress of housing legislation. Discuss strategies
on how to achieve victories on our issues. Meet with legislators to
describe housing needs in your community and demand that Connecticut restore
its commitment to affordable housing.
To let us know that you will be attending, and for further information,
please contact: Connecticut Housing Coalition (860-563-2943), or Robin Koskey at
the Partnership for Strong Communities at Robin Koskey Partnership for Strong
Communities 860-247-4322
David MacDonald
CAFCA Communications Director
TEL: 560-5847
FAX: 560-5848
[home]