Senator Kelly, Representative Hwang Attend Elder Services Conference

State Senator Kevin Kelly (right) and State Representative Tony Hwang (left) met with members of the Greater Bridgeport Elder Services Council on Wednesday.

Hartford – Yesterday, State Senator Kevin Kelly (R-21) joined State Representative Tony Hwang (R-134) and other community leaders at a legislative panel hosted by the Greater Bridgeport Elder Services Council and the Southwestern Connecticut Agency on Aging in Trumbull.

“I am very happy to be a part of such an important legislative panel,” said Senator Kelly. “The topics covered in this discussion will benefit members of our community – both young and old – as we share thoughts and ideas on how to improve aging in place and home care options, as well as other issues pertaining to our aging population.”

The Greater Bridgeport Elder Services Council is made up of representatives from nursing facilities, community-based agencies, and municipal employees from the area. The Southwestern Connecticut Agency on Aging is a private, not-for-profit corporation, established in 1974 that is a funding source for federal and state dollars for the elderly in the fourteen town region of southwestern Connecticut. This funding supports nutrition, in-home, legal, health, adult day care, transportation, senior centers, and social support services for older individuals.

Representative Tony Hwang praised the work of the elder care advocates. “This is an extremely important opportunity to interact and learn from those front line advocates for elder care, and demonstrate that we care deeply about their mission,” he said. “Legislators need to demonstrate the political courage to seriously engage in policy reform to ensure those who need elder care are properly cared for during these difficult times.”

Senator Kelly continued, “Elder care is a human issue that we all hope to improve. I look forward to advocating on behalf of seniors who are concerned about funding for these essential programs. During the upcoming legislative session, I will bring these thoughts to Hartford to advocate for aging in place and rebalancing our institutional care dollars toward a more robust home care industry.”

According to U.S. Census Bureau figures, Connecticut is the seventh oldest state in the nation by median age.

As an elder law attorney, Senator Kelly brings more than 25 years of experience and knowledge to the panel.