2008 LEGISLATIVE AND ADMINISTRATIVE PRIORITIES

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  EDUCATION

Results from the most recent statewide standardized tests continue to show a wide gap in student achievement between students from low-income school districts and students from wealthier school districts. The high school drop out rate for blacks has been twice that of whites since 1998. This trend is especially troubling for young black males who without early intervention may end up in the criminal justice system.

AAAC's Position:

• Close the Achievement Gap
  
• Develop classroom assessment tools to enhance instruction and learning
  
• Strengthen parental involvement
  
• Strengthen mentorship programs statewide
  
• Strengthen reading programs
  
• Provide incentives to schools to incorporate multicultural education into curriculum.

HEALTH

It is estimated that 11 percent of Connecticut's uninsured are African-American. Eliminating racial disparities in healthcare delivery remains a top priority for the Commission. While a comprehensive health care plan failed to materialize in the previous session, a number of other key initiatives were successfully passed into law. The Commission plans on its continued support of initiatives that foster and promote the health and well being of African-Americans in the state.

AAAC's Position:

• Support a universal health care plan
  
• Institute cultural competency requirements in health care
  
• Support HIV/AIDS prevention initiatives
  
• Support initiatives for diabetes prevention and care
  
• Support initiatives for cardiovascular disease and stroke prevention

JUVENILE JUSTICE

An estimated 75 percent of juveniles in state detention facilities are minorities. This overrepresentation is apparent at various levels, arrest, detention, prosecution and may intensify as juveniles continue through the system. The Commission remains an advocate for early intervention and diversion.

AAAC's Position:

• Supporting youth employment and mentorship opportunities
  
• Supporting efforts to transition 16 and 17 year olds from adult to juvenile courts
  
• Support legislation that will eliminate the disparity between youth of color and whites who are transferred as juveniles to the adult system.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE

African-Americans represent 43 percent of Connecticut's prison population. This overrepresentation is likely to increase in the coming years in light of recent policy decisions by the state legislature. The Commission remains committed to supporting measures that prevent recidivism and successful community re-integration of ex-offenders

AAAC's Position:

• Increase funding for post incarceration initiatives
  
• Employment
  
• Housing
  
• Transportation
  
• Increase minority representation of state prosecutors and judges
  
• Support greater access to court files and information including a defendant's charges, disposition of the case (i.e. substituted charges), prosecuting attorney and the name of the judge of record on a given case.  This will allow for greater monitoring of the courts.

FAMILY AND CHILD WELFARE

At least 50 percent of African-American households are headed by a single parent usually female. However it is becoming increasingly evident of the critical role fathers play in child development. Abundant research most notably recommendations emerging from the Child Poverty Council reference fatherhood involvement as a key component in strengthening families.

AAAC's Position:

• Strengthen families through effective fatherhood initiatives

BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The asset poverty rate of minorities in Connecticut is almost four times that of white families. Research shows that generations of slavery, segregation, disinvestment and discrimination have left African-American communities well behind in their capacity to generate wealth. A recent report identifies Connecticut as one of the states with the worst racial disparities with regard to ownership of assets.

AAAC's Position:

• Support initiatives to promote minority businesses in the state.  

HOUSING

Housing discrimination and affordability continue to remain stumbling blocks for many African-Americans seeking homeownership. The problem is compounded by a recent upsurge in foreclosure rates particularly for low-income African-Americans. Rejection rates for conventional mortgage loans for blacks are twice as likely to be higher than whites, forcing minorities to accept sub prime loans where predatory lending occurs.

AAAC's Position:

• Strengthen anti-predatory lending laws
  
• Increase funding for public housing units
  
• Strengthen laws to combat racial discrimination in housing rentals.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Research shows that the gap in median income between African-American families and white families has actually increased since the last census was reported. To this end the Commission is committed in supporting policies that deliver living wages, provide career ladders and offer quality job training and skill enhancement opportunities for the underserved.

 AAAC's Position:

• Enhance work support systems for recipients transitioning from welfare to work
  
• Establish a State Earned Income Tax Credit
  
• Increase the minimum wage

CIVIL RIGHTS

Recently there has been an increase in hate crimes in the state and nationally. In fact the FBI reports an increase in hate crimes across the nation. Connecticut has certainly seen its share.  A number of hideous incidents in the state have prompted the Commission to re-examine the issue of race relations and cultural sensitivity in the state.

AAAC's Position:

• Strengthen laws and penalties for hate crimes
  
• Support a resolution apologizing for Connecticut's role in slavery

ENVIRONMENT

In the 2007 session the ABACA together with its partners made significant gains in addressing the issue of childhood lead poisoning in the state. There are a number of other health related consequences attributable to environmental hazards. These include pollution from a variety of emission producing facilities.

AAAC's Position:

• Prevent environmental pollution in the state especially in urban communities
  
• Continue efforts to reduce childhood lead poisoning in the state especially in urban communities