Statement on our 2025 Legislative Priorities

---

The members of the CT Collaborative to End Loneliness work with lawmakers to advocate for and support policy and regulations that foster social health and create community for Connecticut’s residents of all ages.

“Our legislative work focuses on policies and issues that impact the mental, physical, and social health of Connecticut residents,” shared Deb Bibbins, the CEO of The CT Collaborative to End Loneliness’ convening organization For All Ages. “Our Steering Committee, Advisory Council and other members are eager to collaborate with lawmakers and organizations on legislation to enhance social connection for Connecticut’s residents, tackle the loneliness epidemic, and improve community health.”

Last year, The CT Collaborative to End Loneliness set forth priorities for the 2024 and 2025 legislative sessions. This year, we continue to urge lawmakers to apply a social health lens when considering policies and to support measures that enable social connection, reduce loneliness and disconnectedness, foster community, and improve health for all residents. 

IMPROVING LONELINESS DATA IN CONNECTICUT

Currently, there is little data available on loneliness among Connecticut residents. We encourage lawmakers to prioritize the collection of social connectedness and loneliness data as part of broader public health strategies. This data will help identify vulnerable populations, track trends over time, and guide resource allocation. Addressing loneliness will prevent its negative impact on mental and physical health, improve residents' well-being, and strengthen our communities.

RECREATIONAL THERAPIST LICENSING

Nursing home and assisted living residents deserve the highest standard of care, including quality opportunities for recreation and social gathering by licensed recreational therapists. We urge legislators to prioritize the social needs of vulnerable residents by enacting licensing requirements for certified recreational therapists to ensure consistent standards of practice and educational requirements.

MAINTAINING COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

We encourage lawmakers to ensure older adults and individuals with disabilities can live independently within their communities. Aging in place is the preferred choice for most Connecticut residents, but rising property taxes are forcing vulnerable residents, particularly those on fixed incomes, out of their homes. This disrupts their social connections and increases loneliness. We support legislation that places reasonable limits on property tax increases for residents on fixed incomes, protecting both their homes and their vital community ties. 

TRANSPORTATION

Affordable, accessible transportation options are essential for fostering social connections across all ages. We encourage lawmakers to prioritize investments in transportation systems that strengthen communities, improve health, and reduce loneliness.

LEARN MORE

In addition to our advocacy work, we are committed to developing and providing valuable social health information and resources through educational programs. Visit www.endlonelinessCT.org to learn about our current initiatives and sign up for updates. Are you interested in bringing social health education to your community? Contact Deb Bibbins for more information at deb.bibbins@forallages.org.