Connecticut Senate Bill SB00188

Connecticut 2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/20/20
• Refer: 2/20/20
• Report Pass: 3/10/20

Caption

An Act Establishing The Healthy Housing Assistance Pilot Program.

Impact

The bill signifies a proactive approach in addressing the intersection of housing and public health in the state. By enabling income-eligible families to access healthier habitation options, it targets the systemic issues tied to poor living conditions that exacerbate health problems such as asthma in children. Furthermore, this program is expected to enhance the mobility of families within the state's housing landscape, potentially reducing disparities in health outcomes that arise from environmental factors associated with housing.

Summary

SB00188, titled 'An Act Establishing The Healthy Housing Assistance Pilot Program', aims to create a pilot program that provides rental assistance to families with children suffering from persistent asthma. The program will offer an additional 50 rental assistance certificates, distributed over two years, to eligible families in high and very high opportunity areas as defined by state statutes. This initiative is intended to facilitate these families' relocation to healthier living environments, addressing both housing insecurity and health concerns related to asthma.

Contention

While SB00188 has garnered support for its objective of alleviating housing burdens on vulnerable families, some critics may raise concerns regarding the efficacy and administrative execution of the pilot program. Questions may arise about the adequacy of the funding allocated to the program, the methods employed for family recruitment, and how well the program can actually improve living conditions versus just providing temporary financial aid. Additionally, the need for comprehensive reports on program implementation and utilization will be pivotal in assessing its true impact and potential for future expansion.