Rep. Mike D'Agostino speaking to continuing-care retirement residents at a Hamden forum on the
"Bill of Rights Bill" he has introduced in the General Assembly.
March 4, 2015
A “Bill of Rights Bill”, authored by State Representative Mike D’Agostino, that would provide greater protections for Continuing-Care Retirement Community residents, was discussed Tuesday at a Hamden forum.
The event, held at the Whitney Center, was sponsored by the Connecticut Continuing Care Residents Association, a state wide organization composed of members from 17 Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) in Connecticut. CCRC President Georgia Erickson noted that its members testified in favor of Rep. D’Agostino’s bill at a public hearing last month.
Rep. Mike D'Agostino speaking to continuing-care retirement residents at a Hamden forum on the
"Bill of Rights Bill" he has introduced in the General Assembly.
Rep. D’Agostino was also joined by House Speaker Brendan Sharkey (D-Hamden) and State Senator Joseph Crisco (D-Woodbridge), supporters of the bill that is before the Human Services Committee.
Rep. D’Agostino pointed out that the bill is needed because current laws and regulations do not cover unsafe gaps regarding financial disclosure and state oversight, particularly if a CCRC is facing an unsafe financial condition, or with undisclosed expansion or growth plans not fully prudent in their financial condition.
“I want to protect the interest of residents who live in the state’s continuing-care retirement communities, like those who are here and live at the Whitney Center,” Rep. D’Agostino said. “We appreciate the input and support for the bill by residents of these facilities.”
Rep. D’Agostino urged everyone to contact their legislators to let them know about the bill and why they need to support it.
“Seniors are looking for, and deserve, peace of mind when they make a major life decision to move to a continuing care retirement community, such as the Whitney Center in my hometown of Hamden,” said Speaker of the House Brendan Sharkey. “By requiring these facilities to disclose their financial status, residents will be better protected and the state can act to help remediate potential problems.”
“I was delighted to join Rep. D’Agostino and Speaker Sharkey to discuss our legislative priorities with Whitney Center residents,” said Sen Crisco. “I was happy to speak with residents about Rep. D’Agostino’s bill and legislation. I’m co-sponsoring the CARE Act that will better support family caregivers as they safely help seniors stay in their homes. We want Hamden residents to know that we are looking out for them.”
Rep. D’Agostino is Vice Chairman of the Planning and Development Committee and serves on the Education and Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committees.