March 29, 2012

BLACK AND PUERTO RICAN CAUCUS HEAR FROM CHRO
ON PROTECTING MINORITY CONCERNS
Public hearing answers questions on the vitality of existing programs

The legislatures Black and Puerto Rican Caucus heard from the Connecticut Human Rights and Opportunities Commission (CHRO) during a public hearing this afternoon in the Legislative Office Building. CHRO was asked to inform the caucus on its progress on a number of issues.

During the public hearing, CHRO answered questions on a variety of issues including:

• The commitment to ensure Connecticut's small businesses and those owned by ethnic minorities, women, and person with disabilities are solicited and employed on all stages of state funded projects.
• The commitment to ensure Connecticut's workforce goals are met on state funded projects.
• Funding and implementation of the State Disparity Study.
• Operation of CHRO and their policies and procedures.

“The B&PR caucus hopes to gain an understanding of how CHRO and state agencies handle the above concerns,” said State Representative Larry B. Butler (D-Waterbury).

“We hope to address the economic disparity for minorities in the state of Connecticut,” said State Representative Bruce Morris (D-Norwalk)

A representative from the State Fire Training School was invited to participate and the policies and procedures of the school as they pertain to ethnic minorities.