Human Services Committee
JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
Bill No.: HB-6519
AN ACT CONCERNING DATA COLLECTION TO PREVENT MALNUTRITION
Title: AMONG SENIOR CITIZENS.
Vote Date: 3/31/2021
Vote Action: Joint Favorable Substitute
PH Date: 3/4/2021
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:
Human Services
REASONS FOR BILL:
This legislation would utilize a survey provided by the National Aging Program Information
System to identify scores correlating to the risk of malnutrition with elderly residents. This
survey shall collect assessments from individuals and report average scores for elderly
planning and service. This information will be used to evaluate the methods used to allocate
funding for elderly nutrition programs based on factors such as elderly population, survey
scores, and increased costs for providers that deliver meals on wheels for the elderly
population. An annual report will be submitted to the committees having cognizance on the
data on service levels and costs.
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
Amy Porter, State of Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services, Commissioner :
Commissioner Porter testified in opposition for the following reasons: 1) Elderly Nutrition
Programs are part of a bidding process and can not be presumed to win the contract award;
2) Connecticut has in place six criteria which determine need. The addition of "rural" factors
could disrupt the formula; 3) the proposal would unnecessarily impact other programs
effectively running; 4) technical language does not specify ADS or DSS as meals on wheels
in a program run by both agencies; and 5) input is rendered by interested parties. ADS finds
this is a vital part of the relationship between the agency and the parties, and they will
continue to use their input to inform the agency's work.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
Katie Pachkovsky, End Hunger Connecticut: Stated we should not forget the specific food
assistance needs of older adults. Our elders can be extremely isolated and need connection
to the community. Testified that those who are unaware of the program's resources should
have access and understanding. Hopes the data collected can be used in ways to increase
access and funding for Meals on Wheels.
Suzi Craig, Mental Health Connecticut, Chief Strategy Officer: Believes data is critical to
understand how state budget cuts have impacted senior citizens through meal delivery and
where funding needs to be reinstated.
Connecticut Association for Community Action: CAFCA works with Community Action
Agencies that help connect individuals with programs and services. Five CAAs helped 14,450
elderly residents address food security in 2019. These services were even more critical at the
height of the pandemic. CAFCA sees programs such as delivered meal programs are
underfunded, affecting community action agencies in their work. CAFCA hopes this study will
identify and recommend improvements for long-term success.
Connecticut Association of Nutrition and Aging Service Providers (CANASP): CANASP
appreciates this bill as it codifies the collaborative approach to assessing the funding needs.
They believe meal programs are an integral part of preventing malnutrition and many
common chronic conditions can be treated with proper nutrition.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:
None offered.
Reported by: Cassandra Gallion Date: 04/05/2021
Page 2 of 2 HB-6519


Statutes affected:
HS Joint Favorable Substitute:
File No. 502: