Aging Committee
JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
Bill No.: HB-6354
AN ACT CONCERNING THE RENTERS' REBATE PROGRAM FOR SENIOR
Title: CITIZENS AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES.
Vote Date: 2/16/2021
Vote Action: Joint Favorable
PH Date: 2/9/2021
File No.: 10
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:
Aging Committee
REASONS FOR BILL:
Currently there are requirements such as notarized correspondence and time sensitive
deadlines for seniors and disabled residents must meet in order to participate in the Renters
Rebate program. This bill proposes to reduce the obstacles currently faced by senior citizens
and persons with disabilities to apply for rental assistance. It also provides direction as to how
to manage these obstacles.
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
Representative Al Paolillo, Connecticut General Assembly: His testimony is in support of
this proposal. He has a senior living community in his district and has heard from many
constituents who have experienced frustration with the application process. He believes that
changes outlined in this bill will help simplify the Renters Rebate application process and
make it easier for seniors and those who are disabled, and who are otherwise qualified, to
secure the benefits.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
Marie Allen, Executive Director, Connecticut Assoc. of Area Agencies on Aging: Their
testimony was in support of this legislation. Accessible and affordable housing remains one of
the most pressing issues facing older adults and persons with disabilities and these were
greatly increased as a result of the pandemic. This bill would help those in the greatest need.
Kathleen Flaherty, Executive Director, Connecticut Legal Rights Project: They are in
support of this bill and they believe that elimination of the requirement of a yearly submission
of a notarized document when the tenant has not moved makes the application process
easier for everyone.
Nicholas Coplavolpe, Commissioner for Elderly Serv ices, New Haven: submitted
testimony in support of this bill. The Renters Rebate Program is designed to help seniors and
disabled persons with rent and utilities and this bill will help streamline the application
process.
Michele Clary-Butler, City of New Haven, Elderly Services: They offered testimony in
support of this proposal. She points out that many seniors have a difficulty getting in touch
with their landlords. Her comments make several suggestions on how to streamline the
process. (#"s 6 through 10)
Mary-Ann Langton, West Hartford, Connecticut Cross-Disability Lifespan Alliance: She
supports this bill because low-income seniors and persons with disabilities would have more
opportunity to obtain rental assistance.
Unidentified submission: The testimony is in support of this bill. The information appears to
be a copy of Michele Clary-Butler's comments from a previous year.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:
No opposition testimony was submitted.
Reported by: Joe Perkus, Clerk Date: 3/2/21
Richard Ferrari, Assistant Clerk
Richard ONeil, Assistant Clerk
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