A measure to protect funding for the Meals on Wheels program gets a public hearing today.

Meals on Wheels is a non-profit, volunteer-based service that delivers nutritious meals to people who are elderly or disabled, homebound, and unable to prepare their own meals.

Senate Bill 154 calls for an increase in the fee schedule for Meals on Wheels provided under the Connecticut home-care program for the elderly.

The increase will “reflect reasonable costs of providers and minimize any copayments incurred by participants in the program.”

Here’s how you can speak out on behalf of this bill to urge its passage into state law.

1. Send a brief email to AGEtestimony@cga.ct.gov
2. Reference Senate Bill 154 in the subject line
3. Copy me at Tony.Hwang@cga.ct.gov / include your name and town
4. Share this information with anyone who supports Meals on Wheels

The bill can be read here:  www.cga.ct.gov/2018/TOB/s/2018SB-00154-R00-SB.htm

Feel free to contact me with any questions.

Thank you!

An important proposal to protect seniors gets a public hearing on Thursday:

Senate Bill 150  – An Act Providing for Protections for Consumers Applying for Reverse Mortgages

The bill prevents CT banks from originating a reverse mortgage unless the bank has:

•  informed the applicant of the HUD counseling requirement
• received certification that the applicant has attended the counseling session, and that the counseling session was conducted in person.

Here’s how you can speak out on behalf of this bill to urge its passage into state law.

1.  Send a brief email to AGEtestimony@cga.ct.gov
2. Reference Senate Bill 150 in the subject line
3. Copy me at Tony.Hwang@cga.ct.gov / include your name and town
4. Share this information with CT seniors and their families.

The bill can be read here: www.cga.ct.gov/2018/TOB/s/2018SB-00150-R00-SB.htm

Feel free to contact me with any questions.

Thank you!

The Honorable Daniel F. Caruso

http://spearfuneralhome.com/obituaries/the-honorable-daniel-f-caruso/

Fairfield Sen. Tony Hwang issued the following statement on the passing of Daniel F. Caruso, Fairfield’s longtime probate judge:

“Judge Caruso was a man of deep faith, a devoted public servant and a friend to many.  To me, he was a mentor and a role model.  He dedicated himself to improving the lives of Fairfield residents and the lives of people across Connecticut.  His sudden loss is heartbreaking, and we join together in sending our condolences to his family.  I know Judge Caruso’s legacy will live on as we remember his commitment to community, his kindness, and his tireless efforts to help others.”

(News 8)

State Senator Tony Hwang (R-Fairfield) was one of the driving forces behind the new tougher laws.

He explained that while it’s difficult to count or even estimate the cost to cities for extra police protection out front of the schools and extra detectives to handle the investigations, it is equally hard to measure the psychological cost it takes on the school system.

“It has such dramatic and traumatic effect on our kids, on our teachers, and our parents who send their loved ones…With a rash of recent threats, I think we are far too easy in the application of this law,” Sen. Hwang said.

http://wtnh.com/2018/02/26/recent-uptick-in-reported-school-threats-can-bring-serious-penalties/