Matt Lesser

Senator Lesser to Chair the Human Services Cmte. and Vice Chair of Housing Committee Cmte.

State Senator Matt Lesser (D-Middletown), was named as Senate Chair of the Human Services Committee and Vice Chair of the Housing Committee for the 2023-24 legislative sessions as announced by Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven). In addition to chairing the Human Services Committee, Sen. Lesser is expected to take up leadership of MAPOC, the Medical Assistance Program Oversight Committee, and the Human Services subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee.

“The last couple years have exposed massive gaps in health care and support services available to Connecticut residents. In my new role, I’ll have a powerful platform to rebuild from the pandemic, expanding coverage, lowering costs and advancing critical goals of health care reform,” said Sen. Lesser. “We will leave no stone unturned in fighting for patients and providing critical oversight over billions of state tax dollars while strengthening our social safety net. Our job is staggering – from the cost of prescription drugs, to safety-net hospitals, to our nursing homes, community health centers and our vast non-profit provider community. I appreciate Sen. Looney’s trust in appointing me to serve as co-chair on the Human Services Committee and to take a leading role on the Housing Committee. I also congratulate newly appointed House co-chair, Rep. Gilchrest on her appointment and look forward to working closely with her.”

“Senator Lesser has been an unwavering advocate for his constituents and helping them achieve a better quality-of-life. He’s the right person at this moment in the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic to lead the Human Services Committee, which is vital to ensuring that families have access to the resources and services that they rely upon,” said Sen. Looney.

A cancer survivor and father of a young child, Sen. Lesser has been at the forefront of fighting for access to high-quality, affordable health care. He led Senate passage of legislation supporting mental health and expanding health insurance coverage of newborns. Also, the senator passed legislation to support greater health insurance coverage for screenings and treatment of breast cancer and ovarian cancer.

The Human Services Committee has cognizance of issues regarding to the Connecticut Department of Social Services, along with institutions under its jurisdiction, and the Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services. Furthermore, the Housing Committee oversees matters related to housing programs in Connecticut, housing affordability and homeownership.