You are here: Programs > Public Policy & Advocacy > Legislative Advocacy

Legislative Advocacy

Yearly, CWEALF staff provides public testimony at the State legislature on topics ranging from employment and training supports for women moving from welfare to work, paid family medical leave, and same-sex marriage to balancing the state budget. We work closely with a number of coalitions to advocate for women including One Connecticut, the Welfare Working Group, the Connecticut Women’s Agenda, the Hate Crime Network, Love Makes a Family and the Coalition for Choice.

For a summary of legislation CWEALF either testified on, or submitted written testimony on behalf of, during the 2006 legislative session click here. CWEALF led coalitions in transgender equity, family law, workforce development and Title IX issues. For instance, CWEALF was asked or expected to provide testimony on bills related to Career Ladders due to CWEALF’s Executive Director’s role within the workforce development and higher education arenas. During the past year CWEALF staff contributed to reports on increasing the work skills of low-income workers in allied health, child care and nursing. These reports were vital to informing our testimony on these issues.

CWEALF also began leading a new coalition, Coalition for a Working CT, which consists of education and training providers and advocates. The goal of the coalition is to maximize resources and improve the level of services for all of our adult learners in Connecticut. Click here for a list of many of the Workforce and Education bills introduced in 2006.

2006 Legislative Priorities

During the 2006 Legislative Session, CWEALF will conduct research activities, participate in coalition efforts and provide public testimony on issues affecting women, girls and their families. While these are the current identified priorities, we will address any new issues or legislation as it occurs throughout the session.

1. Education and Training for Welfare Recipients & Low-Income Workers – We will support efforts to increase the availability of education and job training options for individuals receiving state assistance and other low-wage workers. Additionally, we will support funding and additional exploration for Career Ladders initiatives for certified nurses' aides and early child care workers and other fields where women are underpaid.

2. Family Law– We will oppose any legislation that would detrimentally effect women and their children as it relates to divorce, custody and child support.

3. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Civil Rights —We will support legislation that extends marriage to same sex couples and recognizes the legal relationships between couples from other states. We will oppose a Connecticut "Defense of Marriage Act" (DOMA) or any similar legislation prohibiting marriage between same sex couples. Additionally we will work to include gender variant individuals in Connecticut's anti-discrimination laws.

4. Title IX – We will support legislation that seeks to ensure Connecticut schools provide an equitable learning climate for all of our students. This legislation should address proactive measures to ensure equity as well as the lack of protections for LGBT youth and remedies for addressing issues of discrimination.

5. Family and Medical Leave – We will support efforts to provide paid family leave for individuals who must take leave for their own or a family member's serious illness, or for the birth or adoption of a child.

6. Reproductive Rights – We will oppose any efforts to restrict abortion, either in terms of restricting access or banning specific procedures.

7. Health Care – We will support legislation that addresses the lack of affordable health care coverage for Connecticut workers such as Fair Share legislation that encourages employers to provide adequate healthcare.

8. Criminal Justice/Corrections – We will support reforms in female juvenile justice programs which seek to prevent the incarceration of juvenile status offenders and delinquents and provide treatment for girls based on gender-specific best practices.

Legal Education
Info & Referral Service
Frequently Asked Questions
Community Education

Public Policy & Advocacy
Legislative Advocacy
Legal Advocacy
Research & Evaluation
CT Girls & Technology Network