House Republican Press Release

February 22, 2006

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Rep. Floren Honored with ‘Agewise Advocate Award’

State Representative Livvy R. Floren, R-149^th District, the House Ranking Member on the State Legislature’s Government Administration and Elections Committee, has earned the Connecticut Commission on Aging’s first annual “Agewise Advocate Award” for her support of the state’s present and future generations of older residents.

Representative Floren, who also serves on the Select Committee on Aging, has represented the 149^th Assembly District, which includes sections of Greenwich and Stamford, since 2001.

The Commission on Aging, established by the General Assembly in 1993, is an independent state agency that serves as an advocate for Connecticut’s growing population of older residents on issues that affect their quality of life.

“Representative Floren has served for five years with distinction on the Select Committee on Aging and is a strong advocate for programs and services that help improve the quality of life for our state’s older adults,” said Commission on Aging Executive Director Julia Evans Starr.

“Greenwich and Stamford seniors serve on town boards and commissions and are active with many local civic, social and cultural organizations,” said Representative Floren. “They constantly give back to the communities where they live. As a state legislator, I have always supported efforts to ensure that seniors throughout our state who raised families and worked hard all their lives continue to enjoy their retirement years in good health, safety and security. I’d like to thank the commission for honoring me with this award and I congratulate them for their efforts in behalf of Connecticut’s elders.”

Evans Starr said that among her most notable 2005 accomplishments, Representative Floren strongly supported legislation to move the Commission on Aging from the executive branch to the legislative branch of government.  She said the legislation, which received strong bipartisan support, further strengthened the commission’s role as an independent advocate for older residents.   

In addition to bringing oversight of the commission to the legislative branch, the legislation expanded its membership from 11 to 17 citizen voting members from throughout the state.

The commission was established by the legislature to give older citizens a stronger voice within state government on issues including health care, nutrition, housing, employment, transportation, legal assistance and economic security.  In addition to its 17 citizen voting members, the commission’s 16 ex officio members include state legislators and commissioners from several state departments.

“Over the next several decades the unprecedented growth, longevity and diversity of the older population will have a profound impact in Connecticut,” said Evans Starr. “We’re indeed fortunate that leaders like Representative Floren recognize the complex needs of our older residents and take decisive action to make it possible for them to enjoy healthy, safe and rewarding lives.”