The legislature's Children's Committee, co-chaired, by State Representative Diana Urban (D-North Stonington/Stonington), has been elevated by legislative leaders to a full standing committee in the General Assembly.
The adoption of the new rule affecting the Children's Committee gives the panel full legislative cognizance of all matters relating to children.
"Connecticut's children need and deserve the priority of lawmakers, and a full standing committee focusing on children will do just that," Speaker of the House Brendan Sharkey (D-Hamden) said. "Thanks to the hard work of our House Chair Diana Urban and the members of the elevated committee, the needs of our children and their families can be addressed in a more timely and comprehensive manner."
"I am so gratified that Children's has become a full standing committee," Rep. Urban said. "Too often we say how important kids are to the future and then we don't follow through with a strong commitment to their well-being. Connecticut has now made it policy that kids are a priority and that we are truly committed to seeing that they grow up safe, healthy and ready to succeed."
"With the Children's Committee being elevated to a full standing committee, children will be part of the immediate narrative and policy response," Commission on Children's Executive Director, Elaine Zimmerman said. "In the past, items would be heard then needed to go to another committee. This took time and thinned impact and credibility. While children have lost the economic gains of the last three decades and the Newtown tragedy demands an honorable and bold response, children are appropriately front and center."
