March 25, 2015
Important legislation to expand food benefits for seniors has been approved by the General Assembly's Environment Committee. I serve on the committee, and nutrition is a key priority.
The proposal, HB 5734, would establish a minimum voucher amount of $21 to senior citizens participating in the Connecticut Farmers' Market/Senior Nutrition Program. At the October 2014 meeting of the New Haven Commission on Aging, I heard concerns from constituents about increasing food prices and submitted proposed legislation that became the basis of the current bill.
Food benefits are not keeping up with food prices. In a difficult budget year, we would need to add dollars so seniors will be served. But adoption by the Environment Committee is an important step.