Senator Kissel Receives Legislative Award from State AARP

State Sen. John A. Kissel, R-Enfield, has been received an award from the American Association of Retired People (AARP) of Connecticut for his dedication and support for issues facing senior citizens in the state. He is one of three legislators to receive the organization’s 2007 Legislative Award for his commitment to improving long-term care choices in Connecticut, including home care and community services.

Each year AARP staff and volunteers recognize selected legislators who have demonstrated outstanding leadership on an important AARP issue. Sen. Kissel has been a leader in the fight to expand home and community based choices for long term care so that older residents and people with disabilities can choose the most appropriate and least restrictive setting for their care.

“I am honored to receive this award from such a distinguished organization,” said Sen. Kissel. “The AARP of Connecticut should be commended for their tireless work in promoting the interests of Connecticut’s senior citizens. The AARP does a remarkable job of educating and advancing the causes and that are vital to their members. This is a great honor.”

Sen. Kissel worked to advance the “Money Follows the Person” demonstration project which will transition up to 700 people from nursing homes to the community. Sen. Kissel was also an active participant and panelist during AARP’s “Long Term Care: You Decide Where” policy conference, where discussions centered on long term care from an international, national and state perspective.

“We appreciate Sen. Kissel’s strong leadership to rebalance Connecticut’s Long Term Care system so that residents can choose the most appropriate setting for their long term care needs. AARP looks forward to standing alongside Sen. Kissel once again next session as we continue to fight to reform Connecticut’s long term care system for older residents and people with disabilities,” said AARP State Director Brenda Kelley.

AARP is a nonprofit, non partisan membership organization dedicated to making life better for people 50 and older. There are over 611,000 Connecticut members and 62 chapters across the state. AARP Connecticut provides information and resources; engages in legislative, regulatory and legal advocacy; assist members in serving their communities.