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Connecticut

ACA Advocacy Staff

Thursday, July 09, 2009

State Prosthetic Parity Campaign: Breaking News!  We are sad to say that Governor Rell recently vetoed HB 5021, which included coverage for prosthetic devices.  The governor vetoed several other bills including a bill related to health and nutritional information in restaurants and a green jobs bill.  We still have a chance.  If the governor vetoes a bill when the legislative session is over, the legislators come back for a three-day veto session about two weeks after the governor's last action.  That means we need to act fast.  Take action today!

Background:  The Connecticut legislature has passed HB 5021 and the bill is on the way to Governor Rell's desk!  HB 5021 was amended to include prosthetic parity.  A special thanks goes out to Dennis Huysman and Greg and Rachel Grusse and the many Connecticut activists who worked so hard to pass this important legislation!

Prior to the passage of HB 5021, HB 5093 was passed out of committee in the House and is on its way to the House floor for a vote!  Contact your local representative and encourage them to support this important legislation!  Click here to determine who your local representative is.  The bill was introduced by Representative Geragosian and is cosponsored by Representatives Fritz and Hennessy. 

History of the CT Campaign: The Connecticut General Assembly officially adjourned on May 7^th 2008.   Unfortunately, the final days of this session we were forced to pull the prosthetic parity bill from consideration due to amendments.  The final version of the bill that was being discussed as a compromise included financial caps and an exemption for microprocessor devices.

The ACA and local supporters have continued to communicate with Rep. John Geragosian. He has agreed to sponsor a prosthetic parity bill in the 2009 session.  ACA's national advocacy director and local committee leader, Dennis Huysman will be meeting with Geragosian in December to map out the strategy for the next legislative session.

For more information, contact us at 202/742-1885 or state@amputee-coalition.org.  You can also get involved by reaching out to our local contact, Dennis Huysman (dhuysman@hanger.com).  

Other Advocacy Issues:  While parity is a big priority for the ACA’s advocacy team, we have recently been involved in a number of issues advocating on behalf of people with limb loss and limb difference.  Is there a bill or issue in your state that we need to know about?  Contact us at state@amputee-coalition.org. 

*This page is funded by the ACA and not supported with CDC grant funding. Views expressed in the contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the ACA.