Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee

February 26, 2025

Submitted by: William M. Knoegel, MSW, LCSW NASW-CT ELAN Co-Chair

Dear Co-Chair Senator Fonfara, Co-Chair Representative Horn, Ranking Member Senator Fazio, Ranking Member Representative Polletta, Vice Chair Senator Cabrera, Vice Chair Senator Miller, Vice Chair Representative Constantine, Vice Chair Representative Rader and members of the Finance, Revenue, and Bonding Committee:

On behalf of the National Association of Social Workers - Connecticut Chapter (NASW-CT) representing 2200 members, we strongly support S.B. 740 and H.B. 5986.  Part of the mission of NASW-CT is to promote and advance sound public policies and programs aimed at human need and improved quality of life.  Members of NASW-CT work with individuals, couples and families in a variety of settings. Financial pressures can be detrimental to the physical, mental, emotional and social well-being of people. The strain of inflation and rising costs can lead to greater physical, psychological and familial problems.

This act would go a long way to alleviating these stressors. We know that the two-year period that the Federal Child Tax Credit was in place led to the reduction of the family poverty rate by 40 percent. The act of having families rise out of poverty reduces the need for safety net resources. Improvement in family finances can lead to less psychiatric and substance abuse care. It will help the overall community as well as local and regional business.

By supporting S.B. 740 and H.B. 5986, we invest in a future that honors the dignity and worth of all of our CT families.  This legislation can help contribute to the ability for not only current, but future generations of children to thrive.