Labor and Public Employees Committee
JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
Bill No.: HB-6595
AN ACT CONCERNING LABOR MATTERS RELATED TO COVID-19,
Title: PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT AND OTHER STAFFING ISSUES.
Vote Date: 3/25/2021
Vote Action: Joint Favorable Substitute
PH Date: 3/11/2021
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:
Labor and Public Employees Committee
REASONS FOR BILL:
H.B. 6595 proposes changes to the general statutes related to labor issues, personal
protective equipment, and staffing issues in order to address employee needs that have
arisen as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Substitute Language LCO No. 6606
The substitute language made several technical modifications to the changes contemplated
in this bill. For example, the substitute language clarified that the legal presumption in
Section 3 applies to all existing and future COVID-19 claims, expanded the definition of
personal protective equipment, extended eligibility of Section 12 to include first responders,
and altered a few of the effective dates contained within the bill.
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
Kevin Dillion, Executive Director, Connecticut Airport Authority:
Mr. Dillion submitted written testimony in opposition to Section 30 of this bill. Their testimony
stated that the CAA opposes the additional requirements for public works project contracts
valued at ten million dollars or more. They also oppose any provisions that would further limit
its flexibility to enter into contracts with entities it deems qualified and appropriate. They
urged the committee to oppose these provisions at a time of immense hardship for the
aviation industry. They stressed that these provisions could limit their ability to recover and
maintain competitiveness with other regional airports.
Stephen Morelli, Chairman, CT Workers Compensation Commission:
Chairmen Morelli provided written and public hearing testimony about this legislation. They
specifically focused their testimony on Section 3 (f) in the bill. In their testimony, they offered
insight into the potential impacts this legislation would have on the Commission. They also
provided some background on the workers' compensation process. They stated that the
Commission is always happy to work with the committee and the legislature to provide the
information they have that would be useful.
Kurt Westby, Commissioner, Department of Labor:
Commissioner Westby provided written testimony stating that the Department of Labor
supported certain concepts within this proposed bill pertaining to delivering relief to
Connecticut employees and employers in reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted that
they were working with the committee to discuss the issues raised within the bill and to help
draft language to move this bill forward.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
Kim Ackerman, Direct Support Staff, Whole Life:
Ms. Ackerman submitted both written and public hearing testimony in support of this bill. In
her testimony, she detailed her work experience as a healthcare worker during the COVID-19
pandemic, including not receiving adequate personal protective equipment and her
workplaces minimal sick leave policy. She urged for the bill to be passed.
Theresa Aisevbonaye, Registered Nurse, University of Connecticut Health Center: Ms.
Aisevbonaye submitted written testimony in support of this bill. In her testimony, she
highlighted the impact of COVID-19 on her workplace. Already short-staffed, she detailed the
enormous strain the pandemic has had on both her patients and her co-workers. She strongly
urges the legislature to pass this bill because she believes it will help healthcare workers,
promote productivity, staff and patient safety, and staff retention.
Jill K. Alsgaard, Registered Nurse, UConn Health:
Ms. Alsgaard submitted written testimony in support of this bill. Ms. Alsgaard testified about
her experience working in a "biocontained" area of the ICU, which housed only COVID-19
patients. She detailed what it was like to work in this environment without always knowing if
there would be enough PPE. She noted that because of this lack of employer-provided PPE,
she eventually purchased PPE herself. Ms. Alsgaard also underscored how vital the
PTSD/COVID-19 worker's comp component was. She believes that this bill's passage will
allow frontline workers to take the time to heal and get help themselves without jeopardizing
their livelihood.
Stephen Anderson, President, CSEA SEIU Local 2001:
Mr. Anderson submitted written testimony in support of this bill. He believes that this bill will
begin to address the challenges faced by workers when it comes to PPE, providing paid sick
leave, and increasing benefits when a job might result in a workers death. Mr. Anderson
views the bill as a necessary response to the pandemic and the right thing to do for the
working people of Connecticut.
Page 2 of 18 HB-6595
Michael Baldwin, Radiology Clerkship Director/Associate Director, UConn Health
Diagnostic Radiology Residency:
Mr. Baldwin submitted both written and public hearing testimony in support of this bill. He
relayed his experience working as a physician during COVID-19, which included living apart
from his children for three months in the early days of the pandemic. For him, to truly
recognize the sacrifices of frontline workers means ensuring that they have PPE, workers'
compensation, and support for their families if they die.
Jamarah Barnaby-Anderson, Cook Assistant, Department of Veterans Affairs: They
submitted written testimony in support of this bill. In particular, their comments focused on
Sections 12-14 of the bill. They highlighted their own experience working in unpredictable and
dangerous conditions while having chronic asthma. In their testimony, they noted that they
ended up testing positive for COVID-19. They urged the committee to consider their
testimony when evaluating the importance of hazard pay to employees.
Jody Barr, Executive Director, Council 4 AFSCME:
They submitted written testimony in support of this bill. They highlighted their correction
employee members' experiences, who, despite working in perhaps the most COVID-19
contaminated and dangerous workplace, showed up and did their jobs. They stressed that
they have members from many different workplaces who have gotten COVID-19 on the job,
with some, unfortunately, infecting family members at home. They strongly urged for the bill
to be passed.
John Brady, Registered Nurse, Executive Vice President AFT Connecticut:
Mr. Brady submitted both written and public hearing testimony in support of this bill. In his
testimony, he explained his support for the COVID-19 workers compensation presumption,
PTSI for healthcare workers, PPE stockpile/data transparency, staffing transparency in
hospitals, sick time, and hazard pay.
Kyle Brennan, HVAC Supervision, Western Connecticut State University:
Mr. Brennan submitted written testimony in support of this bill. In his testimony he specifically
focused on Sections 12-14 in the bill by detailing his experience as an essential worker. Mr.
Brennan believes that people who have worked throughout the pandemic should be
compensated.
Christina Briggs, Assistant Program Coordinator, Journey Found:
Ms. Briggs submitted both written and public hearing testimony in support of this bill. Ms.
Briggs detailed her experience working at a group home, including the lack of PPE and
quarantining for Christmas to ensure her family was safe. She noted that the staff put their
lives at risk and would have benefited significantly from hero pay. Because of COVID-19, her
husband lost his job, and now they are down to one income. She stated that this bill would be
her road to recovery.
Shawn Brown, Administrative Fiscal Assistant UConn Health, Vice President of
Membership AFT Local 3837:
Mr. Brown submitted written testimony in support of this bill. Mr. Brown testified about his
experience working as an employee in the states only public hospital. He recounted the lack
of personal protective equipment, which forced some staff to reuse other peoples PPE. Mr.
Brown also noted the enormous mental, physical, and emotional stress that frontline workers
Page 3 of 18 HB-6595
have endured without any form of hazard pay. He urged the legislature to pass this
legislation.
DeShawn Brownell, Security Officer, Adult Probation Office:
Mr. Brownell submitted written testimony in support of this bill. He detailed his workplace
experience as an essential worker. Mr. Brownell expressed his anxiety about getting COVID-
19 because of his high blood pressure and his epilepsy. He believes that all mandatory
workers deserve hazard pay and deserve compensation when they have to quarantine
without using personal time off.
Kim Burns, Registered Nurse, State of Connecticut:
Ms. Burns submitted both written and public hearing testimony in support of this bill. She
wrote in support of the hero pay provision in the bill. Ms. Burns views hero pay as
acknowledging the risk she and her colleagues took throughout the pandemic.
Eric Canada, DMHAS, Woodward Hall at Connecticut Valley Hospital:
Mr. Canada submitted written testimony in support of this bill. In particular, he voiced support
for the hero pay provision in the bill. Mr. Canada details what it was like to work as a frontline
worker in his workplace. There was a lack of PPE, which was a critical issue because there
were patients under his care with COVID-19. Unfortunately, he contracted COVID-19 and
passed it onto his wife, but thankfully not his son, who was undergoing Chemo at the time.
He also detailed how an administrative mistake caused him to have to fight for time off. Mr.
Canada asked the legislature to have compassion for staff that takes care of these patients,
who do the hard work knowing they are putting themselves in danger.
Candice Carlson, Caseworker, DDS Individual Home Supports Program:
Ms. Carlson submitted both written and public hearing testimony in support of this bill. She
wrote in support of the hero pay provision within the bill. Ms. Carlson views the hero pay
compensation provision as recognition for the sacrifices and extraordinary everyday work by
frontline employees.
Jean Castagno, Clinical Office Assistant, UConn Health:
Ms. Castagno submitted written testimony in support of this bill. In her testimony, she detailed
what it is like to be a frontline worker. She supports this bill because of several of its
provisions including, PPE improvements and hazard pay. She urged the legislature to pass
this critical legislation.
Cameron Champlin, Pipefitters Local Union 777:
Mr. Champlin submitted both written and public hearing testimony in support of this bill. They
noted that this bill addresses the issue that put frontline workers at risk, namely the lack of
PPE. They believe that these inadequacies should not happen in the future. They also
testified in support of workers collecting the appropriate amount of compensation.
Joseph Cherry, Cook, Department of Veterans Affairs:
Mr. Cherry submitted written testimony in support of this bill. In particular, he voiced support
of Sections 12-14 because of his work experience as a frontline worker, which he details in
his testimony. Mr. Cherry urged the committee to support the bill.
Page 4 of 18 HB-6595
Carl Chisem, President, CEUI -- SEIU Local 511 -- SEIU Local 506:
Mr. Chisem submitted both written and public hearing testimony in support of this bill. They
view this bill and related bills as a first necessary step in rectifying the unequal and disparate
treatment that essential workers have long endured. They believe that this bill's passage will
go a long way in restoring the dignity essential workers deserve.
Tina Chupas, Coding Reimbursement Specialist, UConn Health:
Ms. Chupas submitted written testimony in support of this bill. She stressed that although she
could work at home during the pandemic, many of her colleagues were not. She notes that
the lack of PPE made an already stressful situation worse. Ms. Chupas also provided
testimony about workers compensation cases at UConn Health, for which she does the
billing. She highlighted the fact that no COVID-19 cases have come across her desk. Ms.
Chupas explained that it was her understanding that workers were denied the right to file
workers compensation claims because there was no clear confirmation that they contracted
COVID-19 at work. Because of this experience, she strongly urged the legislature to support
the bill.
Dino Circosta, Employee UConn Health, Union Representative UHP Local 3837:
Mr. Circosta submitted written testimony in support of this bill. He expressed his anger that
many of his co-workers had to work without proper personal protective equipment. He also
noted that while some essential workers received bonuses for their sacrifices on the
frontlines, many were not. He urged the legislature to vote for the bill.
Kyra Clark, Dental Assistant, UConn Health Dental Center:
Ms. Clark submitted written testimony in support of this bill. She noted that according to the
CDC, working in dental care settings constitutes a high risk for contracting COVID-19. Ms.
Clark explains how stressful it for employees who worry about possible exposure at work,
especially those with underlying conditions. She expressed her hope that dental assistants
working at UConn Health are considered essential workers regarding hero pay.
Aida Colon, Home Care Consumer:
Ms. Colon submitted written testimony in support of this bill. A home care consumer, she
wrote this testimony on behalf of their two personal care assistants, Linda and Esther.
Because of an injury, Ms. Colon needs help with daily tasks such as bathing, cooking,
dressing, laundry, and other housework. The PCAs also take her to the grocery store, church,
and medical appointments. Ms. Colon believes that PCAs need to be treated with respect
and given PPE, hazard pay, and the sick leave they deserve.
Natasha Cruz, Personal Care Attendant:
Ms. Cruz submitted both written and public hearing testimony in support of this bill. She
detailed what her experience has been as a frontline worker and a single parent with two
daughters. Ms. Cruz recounted how a co-worker was forced to come back to work even
though they were still sick because they could not take off more than a couple of days. She
described how even though her customer was ill with COVID-19, she continued providing
care despite not having proper personal protective equipment, which caused her to worry
about contracting and passing COVID-19 to her daughters. She expressed her belief that she
deserves the reassurance of knowing she doesn't have to choose between her livelihood and
her family's health.
Page 5 of 18 HB-6595
Dale Cunningham, Staff Nurse Lawrence & Memorial Hospital, President AFT
Local 5049:
Mr. Cunningham submitted written testimony in support of this bill. In his testimony, he
described what it was like as a frontline worker, including experiencing a lack of personal
protective equipment. He noted that many of his union members and other frontline
healthcare workers had faced obstacles and denials of their workers' compensation claims.
He also wrote about Section 32 and the importance of proper staffing levels and
transparency.
Jordan DeAngelo, Personal Care Attendant:
They submitted both written and public hearing testimony in support of this bill. They detailed
their experience as a personal care attendant and stressed the importance of their work.
Their testimony describes how difficult it was for PCAs to get their hands on personal
protective equipment. They also noted that PCAs do not receive health insurance or paid sick
leave through their jobs, unlike other healthcare professions. They urged support of this bill
so that PCAs, like themselves, receive sick leave, hazard pay, and the benefits they deserve.
Chris DeFrancesco, Communications Specialist UConn Health, Vice President of
Communication AFT Local 3837:
Mr. DeFrancesco submitted both written and public hearing testimony in support of this bill.
As part of his job, Mr. DeFrancesco tells the stories of healthcare workers. In his testimony,
he recounts the story of nurse Maria Budzinski who contracted COVID-19. He conveyed his
belief that workers like Maria deserve hazard pay, even if the employer disagrees.
Karen Droz, Home Visitor, TEAM Inc.:
Ms. Droz submitted both written and public hearing testimony in support of this bill. In her
testimony, she detailed her experience as a frontline worker. During a home visit, she was
unfortunately exposed to COVID-19 and had to quarantine for 14 days. Fortunately, she was
paid and did not have to use her personal time off. However, she knows that other people
have had to quarantine more than once and use personal time off. She urged the bill's
passage so that workers get hazard pay and support from their employer should they need to
quarantine or fall ill.
Danielle Eldredge, Custodian, Department of Veterans Affairs:
Ms. Eldredge submitted written testimony in support of this bill. In her testimony, she focused
on Section 12-14 of the bill. She described the stress of her experience as working as a
frontline worker. Unfortunately, her workplace has faced outbreaks of COVID-19. She
worries about contacting and transmitting COVID-19 to her two teenage boys. She urges the
committee to support the bill, which includes hazard pay.
Manuel Estrada, Maintenance Worker, State Capital Building:
Mr. Estrada submitted both written and public hearing testimony in support of this bill. In his
testimony, he noted that while the building is empty of legislators and staff, about 40
maintenance workers and mechanics still come in every day. Mr. Estrada detailed what his
job entails as a frontline worker. He noted that, fortunately, his direct employer, SMG,
provides special COVID-19 pay for two weeks if workers h