Public Safety and Security Committee
JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
Bill No.: HB-6034
Title: AN ACT CONCERNING PROJECT LONGEVITY.
Vote Date: 3/24/2021
Vote Action: Joint Favorable Substitute
PH Date: 3/2/2021
File No.:
Disclaimer: The following JOINT FAVORABLE Report is prepared for the benefit of the
members of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and
explanation and does not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber
thereof for any purpose.
SPONSORS OF BILL:
Public Safety and Security Committee
REASONS FOR BILL:
Gun violence continues to be an issue in the state. It costs residents lives as well as millions
of dollars to the taxpayers of the state on an annual basis. This legislation aims to assist
Project Longevity in its mission to combat gun violence in the state.
Substitute Language
The bill will include the city of Waterbury.
Section 1, (i) at a minimum included how to provide clients served by Project Longevity
Initiative with access to various educational avenues, such as but not limited to a university,
community college, technical education and career system. No later February 1, 2022, the
secretary will submit the plan to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly
relating to public safety and security.
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
Sen. Martin Looney, State Senator 11th District, President Pro-Tempore Connecticut
General Assembly This testimony offers support of HB 6034. Project Longevity is modeled
after other successful community efforts throughout our country. It utilizes a three-tiered
approach of Community Involvement, Social Services and Focused Policing to positively
influence group dynamics. Project Longevity, as well as other projects, are necessary in our
continued efforts to revitalize our urban centers.
Rebecca Garcia, Acting Chief of Police, City of Bridgeport This testimony is offered is
in support of the proposed legislation regarding Project Longevity. The work of Project
Longevity is critical in decreasing violent acts and gun violence in the City of Bridgeport.
Addressing chronic violence in urban areas, especially when regarding our youth, is one of
our utmost concerns.
Luke Bronin, Mayor, City of Hartford The testimony submitted was in support of the
proposed legislation. The testimony believes in the program and notes that success requires
consistent and adequate funding. Evidence supports that Project Longevity can be one
critical component to reduce violence in the City of Hartford and other cities throughout the
state.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
Jeremy Stein, Executive Director, CT Against Gun Violence This testimony is in support
of HB 6034. The submitted notes that gun violence disproportionately affects communities of
color. It notes that 56% of gun homicides are black while they only comprise about 10% of
the states population. Additionally, the Latin community affected 23% of gun homicides while
they only represent about 14% of the states population., The testimony also points to many
other statistics regarding gun violence in urban areas.
Elana Atlas, Constituent, Westport The testimony submitted supports the proposed
legislation. It was noted that gun homicides in 2020 increased by 50% over the prior year.
Additionally, it was noted that over $1.2 billion is lost in the state due to gun violence. Black
and brown people, woman and other marginalized groups are disproportionately affected by
gun violence in the state.
Richard Boritz, Constituent, Southbury The testimony submitted supports HB 6034. The
testimony states that providing funding for Project Longevity pays off by saving lives of
residents as well as saving tax payer dollars by reducing the prison expenses for the
incarceration of our youth.
Dr. Kimberly Stoner, Constituent, New Haven The testimony submitted supports HB
6034. It was noted that intervention groups, such as Project Longevity, have been successful
if the government continued to maintain its commitment and funding to the programs.
Investing in community-based violence prevention programs will save lives, reduce
community trauma and save taxpayers money.
Fifteen other pieces of constituent testimony were submitted in support of HB 6034.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:
No testimony was offered.
Reported by: Richard O"Neil Date: 4/6/2021
Page 2 of 2 HB-6034


Statutes affected:
Committee Bill: 4-68bb
PS Joint Favorable Substitute: 4-68bb
File No. 379: 4-68bb
Public Act No. 21-153: 4-68bb