Four bill concepts have been submitted to the Aging Committee by State Senator Tony Hwang, whose district includes Newtown.  One includes increased funding for aging-in-place initiatives, another expands eligibility for Alzheimer’s respite care, and one creates an income tax deduction for long-term care insurance premiums.  The fourth bill would increase financial assistance for grandparents and non-parent relatives raising children. 

Hwang says Connecticut’s seniors need to have all the resources and support to live their life with the dignity and respect they deserve. 

He added that caring for loved ones can be incredibly difficult, and the state should incentivize and reward those caregivers, reducing the financial burden many of them face.  Hwang says many caregivers are not professionals, and are not being paid for the thousands of hours of personal care they provide every year.

The bills are scheduled for a public hearing on the 14th.