January 16, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HARTFORD—State Sen. John A. Kissel, (R-Enfield), deputy minority leader of the state senate, has earned the Connecticut Commission on Aging’s first annual “Agewise Advocate Award” for his ongoing exemplary support of the state’s present and future generations of older residents.

Kissel is the senate’s ranking member on the Human Services Committee, Select Committee on Aging and Judiciary Committee. Currently serving his seventh term, he represents Connecticut’s 7th Senatorial District which includes East Granby, Enfield, Somers, Suffield, Windsor Locks and portions of Granby and Windsor.

The Commission on Aging, established by the General Assembly in 1993, is an independent state agency that serves as an advocate for Connecticut’s growing population of older residents on issues that affect their quality of life.

“Sen. Kissel has served with distinction on the Select Committee on Aging since it was formed in 1997,” said Commission on Aging Executive Director Julia Evans Starr.  “He is one of the General Assembly’s strongest and most effective advocates in supporting legislation and programs that help improve the quality of life for the ever-growing population of our state’s older adults,” she said.

Evans Starr said that among his most notable 2005 accomplishments in support of older adults, Kissel introduced legislation to move the Commission on Aging from the executive branch to the legislative branch of government.  She said the legislation, which received strong bipartisan support, further strengthened the commission’s role as an independent advocate for older residents.    

In addition to bringing oversight of the commission to the legislative branch, the legislation expanded its membership from 11 to 17 citizen voting members from throughout the state.

The commission was established by the legislature to give older citizens a stronger voice within state government on issues including health care, nutrition, housing, employment, transportation, legal assistance and economic security.  In addition to its 17 citizen voting members, the commission’s 16 ex officio members include Sen. Kissel, seven other state legislators and commissioners from several state departments.

“Over the next several decades the unprecedented growth, longevity and diversity of the older population will have a profound impact in Connecticut,” said Evans Starr.  “We’re indeed fortunate that strong leaders like Sen. Kissel recognize the complex needs of our older residents and take decisive action to help make it possible for them to enjoy healthy, safe and rewarding lives now and in the future.”
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