About the Commission on Aging

Our Mission:  The mission of the Connecticut Commission on Aging is to advocate on behalf of Connecticut’s present and future generations of older adults and to serve as an objective, credible source of information on issues affecting them. 

The Connecticut Commission on Aging is an independent state agency devoted to enhancing the lives of older adults and to promote responsible public policy in preparation of an aging state and nation.  The Commission’s 17 volunteer “voting” members are appointed by state legislators or the governor. The Commission also includes 16 ex officio members—four state senators and four state representatives from both parties who hold leadership positions on the Select Committee on Aging or the Human Services Committee—and eight commissioners from state agencies including the Department of Social Services. The Commission’s staff includes an executive director and three full-time professionals. 

In carrying out its mission, the Commission leads public/private-sector efforts to promote and improve public policy on older adult issues including health care, long-term care, transportation, financial security, housing, employment, legal assistance and many others.

The Commission was created by the Connecticut General Assembly in 1993. It fills a unique role within state government by building bridges, opening dialogue and seeking solutions between influential groups including the legislative and executive branches of state government, local government, the business community, state and local organizations that serve critical needs of older citizens and statewide public/private sector coalitions such as the Connecticut Elder Action Network and Connecticut Long-Term Care Advisory Council.

In filling its statutory role as an independent advocate for the elderly, the Commission serves as a vital communications link between Connecticut’s citizens and the often complex workings of the governmental process.

What We Do

To achieve its goals, the Commission:

• Independently, or more often by building bridges with other organizations and individuals, proposes, supports and/or critiques legislation that will improve the quality of life for older residents. For example, the Commission has taken a leadership role in forming public/private-sector partnerships such as the Connecticut Elder Action Network and serves as chair and manager for the Long-Term Care Advisory Council.

• Meets regularly with—and serves as a resource to—representatives of state agencies, other state officials and legislators to review and comment on policies, budgets and procedures that affect the elderly.

• Reviews and comments on the budget of the State Unit on Aging within the Department of Social Services.

• Provides information on issues facing the elderly to the business and education community, state and local governments and the news media.

•  Develops and promotes legislative proposals and drafts and testifies before the General Assembly

• Works directly with the state legislature, the executive branch and others to shape effective public policy.

• Proactively advocates for and at the General Assembly’s direction, directs comprehensive studies on issues, such as long-term care, that impact older adults and at times persons with disabilities.

• Develops and promotes legislative proposals and drafts and presents testimony before the General Assembly.

• Analyzes demographic, economic, and service delivery trends in aging.

• Identifies and researches emerging issues.

In all of its work as an independent entity, the Commission’s activities involve a public trust and confidence.

CT State Statute Section 17b-420