Appropriations Committee
JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
Bill No.: SB-705
AN ACT ESTABLISHING AN OFFICE OF PANDEMIC AND PUBLIC HEALTH
Title: PREPAREDNESS.
Vote Date: 4/21/2021
Vote Action: Joint Favorable Substitute
PH Date: 3/26/2021
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:
Appropriations Committee
REASONS FOR BILL:
The intention of the bill is to establish an Office of Pandemic and Public Health Preparedness
in order to take proactive steps to ready the state for future public health emergencies.
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
Department of Public Health, Acting Commissioner Deidre S. Gifford opposed creating a
separate Office of Pandemic and Public Health Preparedness. She stated that the
Department of Public Health would rather take steps to reform the current system than create
a different one. She cited the March 2020 activation of the State Response framework which
enables the state to respond to emergencies. Under the State Response Framework, the
Department of Public Health is a lead agency for epidemiology and public health subject
matter. She cited the department's ability to mitigate the pandemic with this framework by
implementing statewide policies and procedures.
The already existing DPH Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response prepares the
state against public health emergencies. Acting Commissioner Gifford cited that the office
developed and implemented the state's public health emergency plan throughout the COVID-
19 pandemic and can continue to do so for future public health related emergencies.
Additionally, she cited the large-scale investment the state would have to make in order for
this bill to be feasible.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
Jeff Leake, President- CT Education Association cited food insecurity and sharing teaching
staff as two issues that should be addressed in looking to prepare for future emergencies as
he stated these were two major challenges of the pandemic as it relates to education.
Sal Luciano, President-CT AFL-CIO stated that a more collaborative approach to future
emergencies require cooperation from both the legislative and executive branches. He
highlighted the importance of Section 5 of the bill which recognizes the need to provide
assistance to essential workers.
George Mathanool, Commissioner- Groton Economic Development Commission emphasized
the importance of Connecticut utilizing the strength and possibilities of its supply chain to
better prepare for future emergencies.
Mag Morelli, President- Leading Age emphasized the importance of planning for future
emergencies rather than focusing on characteristics of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally,
she supports the allocation of additional resources to the Department of Public Health to
assist them.
Ashley Zane, Government Affairs Associate- CBIA stated CBIA's support of Section 1, which
would help the business community by connecting small businesses to PPE providers. She
highlights this bill's ability to create predictability and sustainability within the business
community in uncertain times.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:
None expressed
Reported by: Allie Kazlauskas Date: April 26, 2021
Page 2 of 2 SB-705


Statutes affected:
Committee Bill: 4-5
APP Joint Favorable Substitute: 4-5
File No. 659: 4-5