| State Senator John A. Kissel (R-Enfield)
today is praising the Independent Transportation Network
(ITN) of North Central Connecticut for their work in bringing
to his attention legislative matters that were delaying
the launch of the transportation service. Sen. Kissel,
along with Sen. Donald J. DeFronzo (D-New Britain) and
Sen. Jonathan Harris (D-West Hartford) were commended
by the group for their efforts to clear up some critical
legal issues concerning volunteer drivers.
According to Sen. Kissel, the ITN was having difficulty
finding volunteer drivers because of a law requiring
the volunteers to have livery licenses. With the help
of the Senators, this requirement has been lifted as
well as obstacles regarding insurance coverage for each
volunteer driver.
“I’d like to commend Margaret Hale Smith
(Executive Director of the ITN of North Central Connecticut)
for raising these critical issues. I also want to thank
my senate colleagues for assisting in these efforts
to rectify these matters,” said Sen. Kissel. “I
am so pleased that we were able to work together to
help ITN get everything in order so that they can continue
with their estimated launch in early October. The service
they will provide is invaluable to our community and
I’m just happy to be a part of it.”
Sen. Kissel is the former ranking member of the legislature’s
Select Committee on Aging as well as current ranking
Senator of the Human Services Committee. During his
tenure on both these committees, he worked closely with
Sen. Harris to develop the ITN. Through their efforts
the town of Enfield and surrounding communities along
with the town of West Hartford were among the first
to receive planning grants. The program will consist
of volunteer drivers who will offer their services to
the regions elderly population.
The Independent Transportation Network of North Central
Connecticut consists of the towns of Enfield, Bloomfield,
East Granby, East Windsor, Granby, Somers, Suffield,
South Windsor, Windsor and Windsor Locks. Their mission
is to provide a comprehensive alternative means of transportation
for seniors 60 and older and people with visual impairments.
“We need to give our growing senior population
more access to transportation. The ITN does this without
creating a large financial burden,” said Sen.
Kissel. “This program allows people to volunteer
their time to help our elderly go to the grocery store
or a medical appointment. It’s a great program,
with great leadership and volunteers, and I am glad
that we were able to help.”
Applications for Volunteer Drivers and Members can
be downloaded at the ITN website www.itnnorthcentralct.org.
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