HARTFORD, Conn. — A group of Connecticut lawmakers plan to introduce legislation that would create a state Office of Pandemic Preparedness.
The new office would be composed of staff from key state agencies and focus on testing, emergency stockpiles, and social services.
It would also encourage the manufacturing of masks, gowns, and other supplies within the state. The General Assembly is scheduled to convene on Jan. 6.
"Governor Lamont and various state departments have done a great job managing the coronavirus pandemic over the past ten months in Connecticut," Sen. Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) said. "Now we need to focus on preparing Connecticut to survive and thrive in any future pandemic, and that means being more self-sufficient when it comes to PPE while growing and protecting jobs."
According to the democrats proposing the bill, the legislation which does not have a bill number yet will propose:
- Creates a standing Office of Pandemic Preparedness to focus on testing, emergency stockpiles, and continuity of social services. Office staff would consist of executive branch employees from the Department of Public Health (medical professionals), Department of Administrative Services (purchasing and supply chain), and Department of Education (school plans), Department of Labor (unemployment and job training), Department of Economic Development (business supports), Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (logistics, training and drills) and the Department of Social Services (human services supports). The Office would establish a strategic reserve of all necessary equipment to combat any future health pandemic -- including hand sanitizer, gloves, masks, gowns, ventilators, hospital beds, transportation methods and storage space for vaccines – and would develop policies to secure its own medical supply chain.
- Creates a Medical Manufacturing Pipeline so Connecticut can create the necessary medical jobs, other related jobs, and medical supplies right here in-state and not have to rely on high prices, foreign countries or long and uncertain supply chains in order to secure masks, gloves, simple medicines and a host of other pandemic-related necessities.
- Guarantees support for essential workers through Paid Family and Medical Leave, rent and mortgage assistance, and emergency payments, and offers long-term benefits and job training to people who have lost their jobs due to any pandemic crisis.
- Provides small businesses with PPE, and -- in addition to any other federal or state aid available -- provides small businesses with direct access to in-state grant and loan specialists.
- Creates a Schools Plan to address staff shortages based on pandemic concerns, such as allowing districts to share teachers on a limited basis.
