New Commission Begins Operation

On July 1, 2016, the newly formed Commission on Women, Children and Seniors officially began operation. The CWCS was formed under P.A. 16-3, which last legislative session consolidated six legislative commissions into two. The CWCS will operate with an expanded mandate that includes key elements of those of the former Permanent Commission on the Status of Women (PCSW), the Commission on Children (COC) and the Commission on Aging (COA). 

Mission Statement and Priorities

The Commission on Women, Children and Seniors (CWCS) is a non-partisan arm of the Connecticut General Assembly. As staff to the legislature, the CWCS researches best practices, coordinates stakeholders, and promotes public policies that are in the best interest of Connecticut's underserved and underrepresented women, children and older adults.

The agency recognizes that the experiences and needs of each population, while inter-connected, are unique and may require individual public policy action. The individual legislative focus areas are listed below.

Legislative priorities concerning Seniors

• Promote economic security, choice and independence for older adults in both work and retirement;
• Support livable and accessible communities where older adults can retain their dignity and age in place; and
• Enhance the safety and wellbeing of seniors by preventing physical abuse and financial exploitation.