The mission of the African-American Affairs Commission (AAAC) is to improve and promote the economic development, education, health

and political well-being of the African-American community in the State of Connecticut. The AAAC accomplishes these goals through information sharing, promoting cultural awareness, community networking, and legislation. The AAAC is a semi-autonomous agency of the State of Connecticut, established in 1997 by action of the Legislature and by approval of the Governor. The Commission derives its authority from Public Act No. 97-11, Section 24 and, for purpose of administration, the agency reports to the Legislative Management Committee of the General Assembly. 2013 Legislative Priorities Education The African-American Affairs Commission is firm in its belief that a quality education is a civil right for all children and is protected by the Constitution of the State of Connecticut and the Constitution of the United States. The fact that Connecticut has the largest academic achievement gap in the country between students of color and white students makes improvements in education a top priority. The AAAC supports legislative initiatives: That are comprehensive in scope beginning in pre-kindergarten to attaining a post-secondary degree from an accredited institution. The curriculum must meet national standards as outlined in the Common State Core and be rigorous so all students are competitive in the global market. That insure that teachers beginning in pre-kindergarten through secondary school receive regular professional development, that they receive training in cultural competence and that they are fairly and effectively evaluated. That strives to increase the percentage of adults with post-secondary degrees in Connecticut from 45.8% to 60% by the year 2025. This will require greater access and support to first generation and economically disadvantaged students to postsecondary. This includes assistance with financial aid and academic support services especially in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Health Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhumane. Martin Luther King, 1966 Page 1 of 3

The African-American Affairs Commission believes access to good physical and mental health is a right that all residents of Connecticut are entitled to have. The Commission supports legislative initiatives: That supports prenatal to age five, care and screening to identify and provide early prevention and/or treatment of diseases such as lead poisoning, asthma, obesity and other diseases common to early childhood. That raises awareness of the health disparities and actions that will adversely affect African-Americans. These includes diabetes, hypertension, obesity, asthma, cancer, mental health, sickle cell disease and lupus. That supports universal and affordable health care for all residents.

Civil and Judicial Rights The African-American Affairs Commission aggressively supports legislation that is aimed at greatly reducing the rate of incarceration of African-Americans especially males in the prison system. The Commission supports legislation: That provides alternative sentencing for non-violent crimes and for youthful offenders. That prohibits racial profiling in traffic stops by establishing a comprehensive program that trains law enforcement, obtains reliable data for analysis, that establishes a system and process for data analysis and that informs and encourage participation by the public.

Economic Development Several key determinates place African-Americans at the lower end of the economic ladder. High rates of unemployment, a growing disparity in economic wealth and the lack of business opportunities have adversely effected the African-American community in Connecticut. The Commission supports legislation: That provides job training and the skills required to obtain employment and careers that provide a living wage. That encourages and supports business opportunities in Africa and businesses in Connecticut. That narrows the economic wealth gap by eliminating unfair lending and home ownership practices. Page 2 of 3

That a comprehensive disparities study be conducted and results be reported on agency contracts for set aside programs.

Public Safety The African-American Affairs Commission believes it a right for all citizens to live in safe communities free of domestic and firearm violence. The Commission supports legislation: That makes illegal gun sales and trafficking of fire arms a federal crime. A ban on all assault and assault-style weapons and large-capacity ammunition magazines. That invests in the mental-health system to promote well-being among those at risk for committing acts of violence.

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