CAFCA Board Meeting Minutes February 19, :30 a.m. Human Resources Agency of New Britain

Transcription

1 CAFCA Board Meeting Minutes February 19, :30 a.m. Human Resources Agency of New Britain Present: Guests: Dr. James Gatling (Chair); Deborah Monahan (1 st Vice Chair) (TVCCA); Amos Smith (2 nd Vice Chair) (CAANH); Rocco Tricarico (Treasurer) (HRA); Tom Morrow (Secretary) (BCO); David Morgan (TEAM); Peter DeBiasi (Access); Michelle James (CAAWC); Charles Tisdale (ABCD); Edith Karsky, Rhonda Evans, Kelley Hall (CAFCA) Bill Bevacqua (ABCD), Jean Cronin via conference call Agenda Item Convene Consent Agenda Legislative Update Discussion A quorum being present, Dr. Gatling convened the CAFCA board meeting at 9:32 a.m. Dr. Gatling asked for any proposed changes to the board minutes taken at the 1/15/15 meeting, the Executive Director s Report and the Finance Report. No changes were indicated, and a motion was made to accept the consent agenda as presented. Ms. Cronin gave the legislative update. Governor Malloy s FY budget includes the elimination of the HSI $3.4M line item. It also: eliminates the HRD-Hispanic line item and Fatherhood Initiatives; closes the DSS Torrington office; eliminates legal aid services under SSBG; transfers funding of domestic violence shelters and nutrition assistance from DSS to SSBG/TANF; eliminates COLA increases for TFA and SAGA recipients; and, freezes intake for the CT Home Care Program. Office of Early Childhood reductions/eliminations include: school age funding in child care service programs; funding for ABCD Head Start- Early Childhood link; Early Childhood Advisory Cabinet. DOL reductions/eliminations include: eliminates funding for STRIVE, Spanish American Merchants Association; reduces funding for youth employment; funds I-Best Program as part of Second Chance Society Initiative. EITC stays frozen at 27.5% for the next two years. HUSKY A parents will be shifted to the CT Health Exchange. The Governor did not cut municipal aid or education funding and did not raise taxes; the biggest cuts were to social service programs. There is still a deficit for FY 2015 (HSI was rescinded at $172,766; DSS has indicated that they will absorb this cost internally) and the state is relying on high income tax returns in April to address it. Ms. Cronin is trying to schedule a meeting with the two chairs of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Bye and Representative Walker, as well as with the co-chairs of the Appropriations Human Services Subcommittee, Representative Abercrombie and Senator Flexer (on the Access Agency Board). She will try to get a meeting with all the leaders as well. Ms. Cronin does not think there will be a party line vote for the budget. Many legislators on both sides are upset with the budget and are worried about re-election. The Governor said he will veto any budget with cuts to education or municipalities; so, the legislature will have to do its best to find the funds to restore programs and services they care about. Members discussed the importance of using common language around HSI to use with legislators, and shared ideas on possible language. Ms. Karsky referenced the draft HSI handout asked members to provide feedback. CAFCA will finalize and distribute. Ms. Cronin urged members to contact their legislators now and often about this issue, and to keep the pressure on during March and April by Action Taken/Needed Ms. Monahan, Mr. Tisdale; Mr. Smith abstained 1

2 Strategic Commitment Discussion- Commitment 1 Sustainability Work Group CAA Operating Guidelines and Code of Ethics CAA Community Action Day- March 4 th Agency/ Program Updates Other business scheduling meetings and writing Op-Eds and Letters to the Editor in local newspapers. The Appropriations Joint Favorable (JF) deadline was extended; the committee must put together a budget and vote on it by Thursday, April 30 th. Members also agreed to begin contacting the federal delegation for support, and those attending the NCAF conference in late March will discuss this issue during legislator meetings. David Bradley would like Senator Murphy to be very involved in the reauthorization of CSBG, and possibly be a co-sponsor. Mr. Tisdale has an upcoming meeting with Senator Murphy as well, and will discuss these issues with him. The DSS Appropriations public hearing will be Friday, February 27 th. Dr. Gatling and Mr. Smith will testify; all members were encouraged to submit written testimony. Mr. DeBiasi spoke with Senator Bye, who stated that testimony is most effective when supporters stand behind the person who is testifying. Community Action Day will be Wednesday, March 4 th. The event will begin with a coffee/pastry reception, a press event in Room 1B with speakers (legislators and agency client stories), and then each CAA will meet with their legislators. Members agreed to bring staff and clients to both events, and CAFCA will provide stickers that say, 2015 Community Action Day: Save HSI! Ms. Karsky discussed Strategic Commitment 1 on the Board Operating Work Plan. Mr. DeBiasi encouraged CAFCA staff and members to look at each strategic commitment periodically to stay on top of what CAFCA and members are supposed to accomplish in the next year. Ms. Karsky s evaluation will be complete before the next board meeting. Ms. Monahan gave an update on the sustainability work group. Ms. Monahan, Ms. Karsky, Mr. Mike Burns, Ms. Evans, and Ms. Hall met via conference call; members received a handout summarizing the meeting. The group discussed different foundations and avenues as potential funding avenues. Because our network is unique each member is its own 501(c)(3) agency the landscape is challenging. The Melville Foundation stood out as a possible option if the network puts together a strategy or pilot that the foundation will support. CAFCA has a relationship with the CT Health Foundation and has submitted several proposals, but without success. Mr. Tisdale suggested looking into organizations that support veterans, a population the entire network serves. Ms. Monahan stated that the group will meet again in the future. Dr. Gatling made a motion to accept the Sustainability Work Group report. Dr. Gatling stated that the operating guidelines and code of ethics need to be renewed, signed and discussed; members agreed to move this agenda item to the March meeting. CAFCA staff discussed Community Action Day, which will be March 4 th at the LOB. Ms. Karsky asked each agency to bring around 20 staff and customers. Members asked for a schedule of upcoming policy-related events. Members provided individual agency highlights and updates. Kathleen Brennan (DSS) will attend the March meeting. CAFCA sent out an RFP for its audit and has received four proposals; a report will be given at the March meeting. CAFCA will send the final HSI handout and Dr. Gatling and Mr. Smith s testimony Mr. Smith, Ms. James CAFCA will send state/federal policy schedule; CAA day agenda Adjourn With no further business, Dr. Gatling asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting at 11:53 a.m. Ms. James, Mr. DeBiasi 2

3 CAFCA Board Meeting Minutes March 19, :30 a.m. Human Resources Agency of New Britain Present: Guests: Deborah Monahan (1 st Vice Chair) (TVCCA); Amos Smith (2 nd Vice Chair) (CAANH); Rocco Tricarico (Treasurer) (HRA); Tom Morrow (Secretary) (BCO); David Morgan (TEAM); Peter DeBiasi (Access); Michelle James (CAAWC); Charles Tisdale (ABCD); Edith Karsky, Rhonda Evans, Kelley Hall (CAFCA) Kathleen Brennan, Carlene Taylor, Cassandra Norfleet-Johnson (DSS), Bill Bevacqua (ABCD), Jean Cronin via conference call Agenda Item Convene Consent Agenda Legislative Update Discussion A quorum being present, Ms. Monahan convened the CAFCA board meeting at 9:36 a.m. Ms. Monahan asked for any proposed changes to the board minutes taken at the 2/19/15 meeting, the Executive Director s Report and the Finance Report. No changes were indicated, and a motion was made to accept the consent agenda as presented. Ms. Cronin gave the legislative update. Dr. Gatling and Mr. Smith s testimony at the February 27 th DSS budget hearing was well received by legislators, especially with CAA staff and clients standing behind them. The chairs of the Appropriations committee, Senator Bye and Representative Walker, and the chairs of the Appropriations Human Services subcommittee, Senator Flexer and Representative Abercrombie, are not taking meetings with any group. In the first meeting of the Human Services Subcommittee, Commissioner Bremby was questioned for three hours about proposed cuts. There was a good discussion about HSI and CAAs. DSS put together a handout that explained and showed what the cut to HSI will mean for the people we serve. Representative Case discussed his opposition with the proposed cuts to NOI and HSI, and stated funding should be restored. Senator Flexer (Access board member) echoed Representative Cases s statements, adding that HSI is the core funding that makes CAAs run efficiently and effectively. Commissioner Bremby discussed the state s historic partnership with CAAs and stated that in a better budget year, this cut would not be on the table. Senator Kane asked that DSS work with them to find other areas within the agency to cut in order to restore some of these funds, including HSI. The Commissioner responded by saying that he is supporting the Governor s budget. Ms. Cronin explained that Ben Barnes sent a letter to every commissioner telling them that they are to support the Governor s budget. Usually, subcommittees work with departments to modify the budget; however, due to this letter, the committees will have to do it themselves/work with OFA. Additionally, subcommittees are staying within their own areas, meaning funds from other parts of the budget cannot be shifted over to help compensate for some of the cuts to social services. Legislators on both sides are frustrated. They want funding for their programs restored, there isn t any money, and there is a spending cap. They must decide to either move things out from under the spending cap or vote with a 3/5 majority to exceed the spending cap. But, democrats do not have the majority vote to exceed the spending cap unless the republicans go along with them. Ms. Cronin added that it takes 12 democrats in the house to band with republicans to defeat anything. Ms. Monahan asked if state employees will be put back into the budget process. Ms. Cronin thinks they will be at some point. Ms. Cronin is trying to set up a meeting with Senator Kane and Representative Ziobron, the ranking Action Taken/Needed Mr. DeBiasi, Mr. Morrow; Mr. Smith abstained 1

4 Discussion with DSS Deputy Commissioner Kathleen Brennan republican members on the Appropriations Committee, to get bipartisan support. She stated that we do have a lot bipartisan support for our programs, including Representatives McCarty (TVCCA board) and Case and Senator Kane. But, she stressed that we need to continue to focus on members from both sides of the aisle and that in the coming weeks, the network s focus needs to be on the Human Services Subcommittee. She added that although the subcommittee understands HSI and we have strong advocates on both sides, the network has to keep our message strong and keep the pressure on subcommittee members. CAFCA sent out contact information for the Appropriations Committee and the Appropriations Human Services Subcommittee and urged members, their staff, and their clients to reach out and advocate that HSI be restored. Ms. Cronin also suggested that CAFCA send a draft for members to send to the Human Services Subcommittee and Appropriations Committee chairs, which discusses the importance of HSI and the impact it will have if it is eliminated. Ms. Karsky added that legislators at NOI s legislative breakfast found the client stories very powerful, and suggested that agencies send in videos of client testimony and stories about the services they receive. The subcommittee has to report back with their recommendations in the first week of April. Members suggested scheduling meetings with Senators Gerratana and Coleman as well as the Governor and Ben Barnes. Ms. Cronin agreed that scheduling these meetings will be beneficial in the future; however, the focus should remain on the subcommittee for right now. Several members, their staff, board members, and CAFCA staff will be in DC for the NCAF conference. Members agreed that asking CT s federal delegation for support on this issue is important. Members welcomed Ms. Kathleen Brennan, who gave a synopsis of her role as Deputy Commissioner at DSS. Discussion centered on the Governor s proposed DSS budget and the elimination of HSI. DSS must send out letters by the end of March that describe what the Governor s cuts will mean for organizations across the state, should they pass. Ms. Karsky asked if DSS could revisit how SSBG funds are allocated and if these funds can be used to help offset any potential cuts to HSI. Ms. Brennan indicated that SSBG funds must go out for procurement this fiscal year. DSS cannot make any changes at this time due to the pending procurement. Mr. DeBiasi asked about DSS s procurement process in relation to the proposed budget, and Ms. Brennan and Ms. Norfleet-Johnson explained that all procurements must happen this fiscal year because contracts begin on October 1 st. Members discussed concerns around the elimination of HSI. Ms. Monahan stated that member agencies have spent the last years putting the HSI system into place, and does not know how it will get put back together if it is decimated. Ms. Brennan stressed that during this time in the session, CAAs need to look at the story they tell around HSI in terms of its impact on clients and the amount of money it saves the state. With so many cuts on the table, it is critical that the network put effort into connecting the importance of HSI to issues legislators care about. Ms. Karsky added that our network is the only one in Connecticut that has a state and federal designation as antipoverty agencies. She talked about how some states CAAs are considered quasi-public agencies (with state employee benefits), and suggested DSS look at us more like partners in procuring services rather than as another potential bidder. Members also talked about how CAAs are the place people go when they do not know where to turn, or when 211 does not know where to send them. They added that this network is the only network that conducts a general interview for services for the entire population rather than a targeted population such as veterans, mental illness, disability, etc. Mr. Tricarico asked when should agencies draw up contingency plans in case HSI disappears. There is concern that agency operating budgets and demand for services will increase, and that the CAAs will not have the capacity to handle it. Ms. Brennan said CAFCA will resend the Appropriations and Human Services subcommittee contact lists and a draft HSI for members to use 2

5 Strategic Commitment Discussion- Commitment 1 Agency/ Program Updates Other business although it is too early to tell what will happen, agencies should start thinking about those plans now. Other topics of conversation included a discussion around a potential joint grant opportunity with DSS and a philanthropic and/or private foundation such as the Pew or McCarthy Foundation. DSS staff agreed that such an initiative would be beneficial, and suggested using the two-generational/multi-generational model. The sustainability work group will be involved in this effort, and it was suggested that someone from DSS join the group. Mr. Tricarico then asked if DSS is still supporting agency mergers. HRA and BCO are looking to merge, and need DSS support. He cited the Stamford/Norwalk merger, and talked about how that area is now being split back into two separate agencies. Ms. Brennan stated that DSS is supportive of agency mergers. Around monitoring, Ms. Karsky asked that DSS provide each agency with a specific list of what DSS is going to look for during their visits. Ms. Norfleet-Johnson stated that this is already taking place, and DSS is tying in the organizational standards and ROMA into the monitoring process as well. Ms. Karsky discussed and explained Strategic Commitment 2 on the Board Operating Work Plan. Mr. DeBiasi stated that the network has not done any best practice and program model updates/presentations. CAFCA will reach out to agencies to schedule these. Mr. DeBiasi also pointed out that the monthly DSS meeting is not included on the operating plan, and that it should be added and updated monthly. Ms. Karsky s evaluation has not been completed yet, and will be complete before the next board meeting. Members provided individual agency highlights and updates. BCO and HRA are moving forward with discussions and planning for a merger at some point in the future. CAAWC has not heard a response from DSS yet regarding the Stamford catchment area. Members discussed the meetings with DSS. Going forward it was requested that the Executive Committee be included in these meetings. Ms. Karsky stated that originally the Commissioner had requested the meetings and indicated those who were invited. Ms. Karsky will ask the Commissioner to extend the invitation to the Executive Committee. Ms. Karsky also discussed the HPACT (Home Performance Alliance of Connecticut) dinner event on Wednesday, April 15 th. She encouraged agencies to invite weatherization vendors and nonvendors. Mr. Morgan asked about the cooperative operating guidelines discussion that was moved from the February meeting. That item will be moved to the April meeting. Members would also like updates on CAFCA s data warehouse enhancement project. Members also discussed the NCAF conference. CAFCA will draft a letter to the federal delegation from the board that talks about the elimination of HSI and asks them to contact the Governor, Martin Looney, Brendan Sharkey, and other state leaders to advocate that HSI be restored. Members discussed lobbying dues. CRT has not paid, but participated in Community Action Day. Ms. Monahan made a motion that Dr. Gatling write a letter to CRT thanking them for their participation in Community Action Day and asking them to pay their lobbying dues. Ms. Karsky explained the RFP process and results for CAFCA s audit, and would like to stay with Mahoney for another year. A motion was made to accept the CAFCA audit selection. CAFCA- CAA presentations Ms. Karsky- Evaluation Cooperative operating guidelines-april meeting CAFCA-HSI letter Mr. Tricarico, Mr. Smith Mr. Tricarico, Mr. DeBiasi Mr. DeBiasi, Ms. Monahan Members discussed the finance report. A motion was made to pull the finance repot off of the consent agenda on a quarterly basis for further discussion. Adjourn With no further business, Ms. Monahan asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting at 12:15 p.m. Mr. DeBiasi, Ms. James 3

6 CAFCA Board Meeting Minutes April 16, :30 a.m. Human Resources Agency of New Britain Present: Guests: Dr. James Gatling (Chair) (NOI); Deborah Monahan (1 st Vice Chair) (TVCCA); Amos Smith (2 nd Vice Chair) (CAANH); Tom Morrow (Secretary) (BCO); David Morgan (TEAM); Michelle James (CAAWC); Charles Tisdale (ABCD); Edith Karsky, Rhonda Evans, Kelley Hall (CAFCA) Bill Bevacqua (ABCD), Jean Cronin Agenda Item Convene Consent Agenda Legislative Update Discussion A quorum being present, Dr. Gatling convened the CAFCA board meeting at 9:35 a.m. Dr. Gatling asked for any proposed changes to the board minutes taken at the 3/19/15 meeting, the Executive Director s Report and the Finance Report. No changes were indicated, and a motion was made to accept the consent agenda as presented. Ms. Cronin gave the legislative update. Tensions are high between the Governor s office and the legislature, and between legislative leaders, which she discussed in more detail. Despite this, she announced that HSI has been restored at $3.28M (originally $3.4M) by the Appropriations Human Services Sub Committee. She added that in addition to the bipartisan support the network has garnered for HSI, the black and Hispanic caucus supports HSI and will operate as a block to oppose any budget proposal that does not include HSI and other items they care about. The two co-chairs of Appropriations, Senator Bye and Representative Walker, will sit with legislative leaders to come up with next steps in the budget process. Ms. Cronin spoke with Representative Walker and she supports restoring HSI. However, the committee faces two problems: a) finding the dollars to restore cuts; and, b) the spending cap. Various revenue options are being discussed, but the spending cap is an issue. Ms. Cronin stated things can be taken out from under the cap like unfunded liabilities (3/5 majority is not needed; just need a simple majority). Moving forward, Ms. Cronin will keep the board updated on how the budget unfolds. She also asked members to thank legislators for what they have done so far and to encourage them to continue supporting HSI. The Appropriations Committee deadline is April 30 th and the Finance Committee deadline is May 1 st. Ms. Cronin gave an update on bills of interest to the network. The energy audit bill (supported by Senator Looney) that consolidates energy assistance and weatherization programs is a concern. CAFCA testified against the bill. Ms. Cronin is trying to schedule a meeting around this with Senator Looney s energy staffer, Dave Stuber; the energy person from DEEP, Diane Duva; and, DSS. The bill has a large fiscal note, and anything with a fiscal note will most likely die on arrival. Ms. Karsky asked that our network be at the table for this meeting. Ms. Cronin will make sure we are. Mr. Smith suggested we meet with Commissioner Klee to discuss the issue further, and members also discussed LIHEAP in Connecticut and the implications the bill would have on the program. Early child care has also been an issue at the capitol; specifically, the requirements put into place several years ago regarding the educational credentials and degrees required for child care workers. The initial Action Taken/Needed Ms. Monahan, Mr. Morgan; Mr. Smith abstained 1

7 Kenny Curran, Senator Murphy s Office Strategic Commitment Discussion- Commitment 3 requirements will become due during the summer of 2015 and it will not be met by all. Members discussed concerns with this initiative; mainly, once child care workers get advanced certifications and degrees, they leave CAAs for higher pay. Retention ability is challenging. Additionally, agencies were not given funds for training costs associated with this. Legislators and advocates are lobbying to extend the deadline through HB SB 956, the bill that deals with Care for Kids, passed the senate. The provision that increased the eligibility redeterminations from every eight months to every twelve months was removed. It will still include eligibility every eight months but also expands eligibility for Care for Kids subsidies for parents attending certain higher education schools. NOTE: the Governor s budget cuts this program by $5.8M, but that amount is the TANF/CCDBG money that will most likely not be spent by the end of the year. There are two low-wage worker bills of concern that came out of the Labor Committee, HB 6791 and SB Both push for a required minimum wage in Connecticut of $15 per hour (currently at $9.60 and up to $10 next year) for certain work categories including retail, restaurants (including franchises) and child care. Businesses in noncompliance would get assessed at $1 per hour, per employee, that will go into the general fund. HB 6791, pushed by Senator Gomes, applies to businesses with 250+ employees. SB 1044, pushed by Senator Moore, applies to businesses of 500+ employees; however, the amount charged for noncompliance would go into the general fund and be earmarked for the elderly, disabled and children. Both bills exempt private nonprofits, municipalities, and the state, and have large fiscal notes ($152M in revenue for the first year, $305M in revenue for the second). Representative Sharkey doesn t like either bill; Representative Aresimowicz supports both. Finally, a paid family medical leave bill is still around; however, the fiscal note is large and Ms. Cronin does not think it will pass. Other items to note: April 21 st is the deficiency hearing; April 23 rd is the black and Hispanic caucus legislative reception; and, April 28 th is a fundraiser for Chris Donavan to help retire his campaign debt. Members thanked Ms. Cronin for her time. Members welcomed Kenny Curran, State Director for Senator Chris Murphy. Ms. Karsky discussed the network s appreciation for Senator Murphy s support of our federal funding streams (CSBG, LIHEAP, WX, and Head Start). She then explained the challenges the network is facing on the state level around the Governor s proposed elimination of HSI, and asked if Senator Murphy would be willing to reach out to the Governor in support of restoring our funding. Mr. Curran stated that the senator typically does not get involved with issues on the state level, but has reached out to local legislators to discuss the issue. His office has heard that HSI will most likely be put back into the budget, and members confirmed that the network is hearing the same thing. Ms. Karsky stressed that although this is the case as of now, things can still change. Because it is the first time a Governor has proposed to completely eliminate HSI, she requested that Senator Murphy still contact the Governor to express his support for the network and our funding. Mr. Curran said he cannot commit to anything, but will pass along the message to the senator. Finally, Ms. Karsky briefly discussed the CSBG reauthorization bill, HR She stated that she hopes Senator Murphy will be the CAA network s champion on low-income issues in the senate moving forward. Ms. Evans discussed and explained Strategic Commitment 3 on the Board Operating Work Plan. Highlights include a synopsis of the NCAF conference. Ms. Karsky asked that CAFCA give quarterly updates on the Board Operating Work Plan rather than monthly updates. Members agreed that this is OK. 2

8 Data Warehouse Update Agency/ Program Updates Other business Ms. Evans gave an update on the OPM grant CAFCA is working on with SMC, Access, NOI, TVCCA, and CAAWC. The grant expands and enhances the data warehouse platform, extracts data from selected source systems, and updates and improves warehouse reporting. The four agencies collaborating with CAFCA on the grant represent four of the major case management systems used in our network across the state. Finally, she explained the handout included in the board packets that shows project progress. Updates will continue in future meetings. Members provided individual agency highlights and updates. This included a discussion and example from Dr. Gatling on how NOI is currently utilizing the data warehouse and its report capabilities. To further explain to legislators the impact losing HSI would have on their constituents, NOI was able to pull districtspecific information from the data warehouse that showed each legislator the number of people served, and customer characteristic data that included demographics. This document was used as a cover sheet along with letters from constituents explaining the importance of HSI, and was sent to each legislator in NOI s service area. This strategy had a huge impact and gave NOI a better way to effectively tell their story. Dr. Gatling explained that the data warehouse can pull data from each senate and house district (state and federal) and by zip code. Members then described their advocacy efforts to get HSI back into the budget, and Ms. James announced that CAAWC has been awarded the Stamford service area. CAAWC is also applying to be the CAA in Norwalk, and a decision is expected to be made in June. Ms. Karsky directed members to the Code of Ethics and Interagency Cooperation documents in their packets. Ms. James and Mr. Morgan were the only members in attendance at the meeting who have not signed. They agreed to look over these documents and discuss them in the May board meeting. Ms. Karsky then discussed this year s conference. CAFCA is thinking of doing a Connecticut conference rather than a tri-state conference, as was done in the past. Dr. Gatling asked that CAFCA arrange a call with Massachusetts and Rhode Island to discuss the issue before a decision is made. Ms. Karsky also discussed the monthly meetings with Commissioner Bremby that she, Dr. Gatling, Ms. Monahan and Mr. Smith participate in. Commissioner Bremby originally invited the Chair and Vice Chairs of CAFCA to these meetings. Ms. Karsky has indicated to the Department that the Executive Committee would like to be represented at these meetings and this was met with approval by the Department. Executive Session Dr. Gatling discussed NOI s HPACT dinner that took place on April 15 th. At the last board meeting, members voted to remove CAFCA as a co-sponsor. He does not think CAFCA should have been removed just because not all agencies run WX programs, and suggested that the board should think beyond the scope of a specific event as it could lead to missed opportunities. Mr. Morrow asked if agencies should demonstrate how they plan to operate without HSI. Dr. Gatling said yes, agencies should put something together for DSS so they are prepared. DSS is looking at how to fund the network at $3.4M should the HSI cut go through; however, that is only for the next year. The board went into Executive Session to discuss a personnel matter. Adjourn With no further business, Ms. Monahan asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting at 11:58 p.m. Ms. Monahan, Ms. James 3

9 CAFCA Board Meeting Minutes May 21, :30 a.m. Human Resources Agency of New Britain Present: Guests: Dr. James Gatling (Chair) (NOI); Deborah Monahan (1 st Vice Chair) (TVCCA); Amos Smith (2 nd Vice Chair) (CAANH); Rocco Tricarico (Treasurer) (HRA); Tom Morrow (Secretary) (BCO); David Morgan (TEAM); Peter DeBiasi (Access); Michelle James (CAAWC); Charles Tisdale (ABCD); Edith Karsky, Rhonda Evans, Kelley Hall (CAFCA) Bill Bevacqua (ABCD); Jim Frohn (HRA); Jean Cronin (via conference call); Michael VanDeventer, Peter E. Bihuniak (MahoneySabol); Cassandra Norfleet-Johnson, Carlene Taylor (Department of Social Services) Agenda Item Convene Consent Agenda Legislative Update Discussion A quorum being present, Dr. Gatling convened the CAFCA board meeting at 9:33 a.m. Dr. Gatling asked for any proposed changes to the board minutes taken at the 4/16/15 meeting, the Executive Director s Report and the Finance Report. No changes were indicated, and a motion was made to accept the consent agenda as presented. Ms. Cronin gave the legislative update. The Governor and legislative leaders are meeting to try and agree on a budget by June 3 rd, the end of session. Legislators are facing a few issues during negotiations. The two chairs of Appropriations and the subcommittee chairs want to keep in all of the programs they restored funding for in their budget, including HSI. However, they need a corresponding revenue source to pay for then. They are trying to go around the spending cap issue by exempting out payments to both the state employees and state teachers retirement fund. This would pull $1.5B out from under the cap; but, even if this measure goes through, revenue is still a problem. There is much disagreement in the House about the tax package and votes for passage may be difficult. Ms. Cronin believes HSI will be included in the final budget. Republicans have HSI in for $3.2M; the Democrats have it in for $3.1M. However, she thinks this amount will decrease in the form of an across-theboard cut to all restored line items. Between now and June 3 rd, Ms. Cronin encouraged members to continue to reach out to their legislators to thank them for their support around HSI and ask that it be protected during the final budget deliberations process. She also encouraged agency heads to reach out to the Governor and stress the importance of HSI. Ms. Karsky discussed Community Action Day that will be held in the LOB Concourse on Wednesday, May 27 th. The Governor has proclaimed May 27, 2015, as Community Action Day and the month of May as Community Action Month in the State of Connecticut. Ms. Cronin updated members on bills of interest to the network. HB 7020, concerning the state statute that requires child care and Head Start teachers to get their bachelors degree by July 2015, changes the requirement to Representative Sanchez has been instrumental in this provision. Ms. Cronin, Ms. Evans, Mike Gurecka of NOI, DEEP, and DSS met with Dave Stuber of Senator Looney s office to discuss concerns around HB 565, the bill (supported by Senator Looney) that consolidates the energy assistance and weatherization programs. If this bill passes, it will most likely turn into a study Action Taken/Needed Ms. Monahan, Mr. Morgan; Mr. Smith abstained 1

10 Audit and 990 Report- MahoneySabol OCS CSBG Organizational Standards-DSS coordinated by DEEP, DSS and CAAs, and provides a good opportunity for the network to be at the table. Dr. Gatling stated that DEEP wants to take 10-15% of energy assistance funding and put it towards weatherization, which the network does not support. Ms. Cronin said this was discussed at the meeting, and both CAA staff and DSS voiced their concerns. She believes that Senator Looney and his staff now have a much better understanding of their concerns related to the bill. Additionally, this group is working with DEEP to find other sources of funding and help them better understand how the energy assistance program works. Ms. Karsky asked if Senator Duff, past chair of the Energy Committee, has been involved. Due to his busy schedule as majority leader, he has not. Ms. Cronin will make sure Senator Duff is aware of it. The Senate passed SB 573, which prevents 3 rd party electric suppliers from offering variable electric rates (applies to future contracts only). Ms. Cronin will send members the amendment. It has a good chance of passing in the House. SB 795, regarding two-generational school readiness, ties in the whole family unit to things like school readiness services and workforce development services for parents. Ms. Cronin said this is what the network has been doing with Head Start and early care programs for years; but, legislators are giving this initiative a two-generational title and moving it forward. She will speak with Representative Walker to find out who will be the lead on this. If possible, Ms. Karsky would like the network to be involved. She thinks the bill is heading over to DOL. CAFCA is going to reach out to Lisa Arrends, who represents DOL at the Child Poverty and Prevention Council meetings, to make sure DOL is thinking about network as they go through this issue. Finally, Ms. Cronin stated that the current deficit is around $161M, and it needs to be rectified by June 30, The legislature may need to use the rainy day fund to close this hole. Members welcomed Mr. VanDeventer and Mr. Bihuniak, who discussed CAFCA s audit, 990 and financial statements. These documents were included in the board package and distributed electronically to members one week before the meeting. The audit had no findings or issues, and CAFCA will transition its accounting system to BlackBaud later this year. Members discussed questions and concerns on Note 4. Mr. DeBiasi made a motion to remove CAFCA staff for a closed board discussion of the audit. After re-convening, Mr. Morrow made a motion to accept the CAFCA audit and 990. However, after the discussion around note 4, this motion was amended to separate the CAFCA audit and 990 into two separate motions. Dr. Gatling asked for a motion to accept the CAFCA audit with additional information to be added to note 4, including dates. Dr. Gatling asked for a motion to accept the 990. Members welcomed Ms. Norfleet-Johnson and Ms. Taylor. Ms. Norfleet-Johnson discussed IM 138, the OCS-developed Organizational Standards. States must begin reporting on these standards in FY 2016, and they must be included in the state plan. Going forward, CAAs will be required to conduct an annual Mr. DeBiasi, Mr. Smith Mr. Morrow, Ms. Monahan Ms. James, Mr. Smith; passed unanimously Mr. DeBiasi, Mr. Morrow; Mr. Tricarico abstained 2

11 Executive Session assessment of their agency to determine whether or not they are meeting the standards. The Community Action Partnership developed a guidance tool to help agencies assess whether a standard has been met or not met. To assist CAAs throughout this process, DSS formed a workgroup consisting of DSS, CAFCA, and member agency staff. Using the guidance tool as a baseline, the workgroup will analyze and customize it to develop a final tool for the network. Ms. Norfleet-Johnson explained that workgroup will also determine the best agency assessment method, as agencies are already subject to a joint DSS-NIQCA review every three years. Given the implementation of the standards and the DSS monitoring process, members discussed the need for NIQCA. Many agreed that NIQCA serves as a good tool for best practices, and should not be discarded. Ms. Norfleet-Johnson added that a side-by-side comparison of NIQCA and the standards has been completed, and the requirements of the standards are much lower than NIQCA. This also puts the network in a good place to meet the standards moving forward. Finally, DSS is working with CAFCA to schedule organizational standards T/TA sessions. Dr. Gatling asked for a motion to move into Executive Session at 11:15 a.m. Mr. DeBiasi, Ms. Monahan Dr. Gatling asked for a motion to move out of Executive Session at 11:45 a.m. Ms. James, Mr. Tricarico Adjourn With no further business, Ms. Monahan asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting at 11:58 p.m. Ms. Monahan, Ms. James 3

12 CAFCA Board Meeting Minutes June 18, :30 a.m. Human Resources Agency of New Britain Present: Guests: Agenda Item Convene Consent Agenda Finance Report Operating Plan Legislative Update Deborah Monahan (1 st Vice Chair, via conference call) (TVCCA); Amos Smith (2 nd Vice Chair) (CAANH); Rocco Tricarico (Treasurer) (HRA); Tom Morrow (Secretary) (BCO); David Morgan (TEAM); Peter DeBiasi (Access); Michelle James (CAAWC); Charles Tisdale (ABCD); Edith Karsky, Rhonda Evans, Kelley Hall (CAFCA) Bill Bevacqua (ABCD); Jean Cronin (via conference call) Action Discussion Taken/Needed A quorum being present, Mr. Smith convened the CAFCA board meeting at 9:33 a.m. Mr. Smith asked for any proposed changes to the board minutes taken at the 5/21/15 meeting and the Executive Director s Report. No changes were indicated, and a motion was made to accept the consent agenda as presented. Mr. Tricarico gave the finance report. He summarized the statement of activities for all grants: CSBG, RPIC, DOL, and the Data Warehouse. A motion was made to accept the finance report. Ms. Evans discussed the 2 nd quarter Board Operating Plan. As decided in the May meeting, updates on the operating plan will be made quarterly going forward. Highlights included CAFCA s Executive Director evaluation in-process; pulling the finance report off of the consent agenda on a quarterly basis; CAFCA meeting with Senator Looney and federal legislators; CAA Day on May 27, 2015; and, changing the structure of the planners meeting to utilize time more efficiently. Mr. Tricarico and Mr. Smith requested that the board be made aware of any meetings made with CAFCA and state legislators. Mr. DeBiasi inquired about Executive Committee meeting with DSS Commissioner and members responded in the affirmative. Ms. Evans announced CAFCA s one-day training event on Friday, October 9, A save the date was included in the board packet. Members discussed moving the finance report from the consent agenda on a monthly (instead of quarterly) basis since this is a best practice. Ms. Monahan made a motion to vote on this change. Ms. Cronin gave the legislative update. The budget passed on June 3 rd, the last day of session (70-73 in the house, in the senate). Due to extended budget debate in both chambers, many bills died. Legislators did not vote on the budget implementer bill, bond package, and the use of excessive force bill, and will have to come back for special session at the end of June to address these items. The budget funds HSI at $3.0M for FY 2016 and $3.1M for FY HHRD, CT Youth Employment, OICs, and IDAs are also funded. Ms. James, Mr. Morgan; passed unanimously Mr. Morrow, Ms. James; passed unanimously Ms. Monahan Mr. Morgan. Mr. DeBiasi abstained There has been great push back from the business community on businesses taxes which has convinced the Governor to change the tax package, and his proposed changes leave a $220M shortfall in the budget. He plans to make an across-the-board cut to fill the hole, but he cannot touch certain parts of the budget including state employee retirement and health care (at least 50% of the overall budget). Much legislative debate around just what will be impacted with our concern being HSI. Because of this, legislators are waiting until the end of June to get the votes they need to save the programs and services from additional cuts. Ms. Cronin encouraged members to continue thanking their legislators for supporting HSI, and to contact the Governor and ask him not to cut HSI. Ms. Cronin updated members on other bills of interest to the network. SB 565, Senator Looney s energy audit bill 1

13 NECAP and the Governor s Nonprofit Cabinet Even Here - Access film Other business to coordinate energy assistance and weatherization, died but will likely be in implementer. SB 573, which prevents 3 rd party electric suppliers from offering variable electric rates (applies to future contracts only), passed. HB 7020, concerning the state statute that requires child care and Head Start teachers to get their bachelors degree by July 2015, passed with the requirement changed to Ms. Cronin will keep members updated on the special session, and the network thanked her for all of her work during the session. Mr. Smith gave an update on the Governor s Nonprofit Cabinet. Mr. Smith was recently selected to serve on the cabinet and thanked Mr. DeBiasi (former member) for his prior leadership as Co-Chair on the Cabinet. Terry Edelstein and Luis Perez (Mental Health CT) are co-chairs. The first meeting was just held, and Mr. Smith volunteered to serve on the Business Practice work group. Mr. Smith also gave an update on the New England Community Action Partnership (NECAP). He discussed the NECAP meeting held on June 9, 2015 in Nashua, NH, and the NECAP Presidential Forum event that will be held on January 21-22, 2016 in Nashua, NH. He encouraged participation from each agency. Ms. Karsky stated that she will need an approximate number of attendees from CT in the next few months. CT s participation goal is people total, and NECAP is hoping to have attendees in all. The event is scheduled to occur around the NH primary, and will include talks from candidates and speakers around poverty and inequality. Finally, a slate of officers for NECAP will be proposed by the board at the October board meeting, with ratification by members at the association s annual meeting at the January event. Mr. DeBiasi showed his agency s short film Even Here, produced for Access s 50 th anniversary. Ms. Karsky talked about the statewide Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) RFP recently released by DSS and sent to the board in advance of the meeting. Available RFP funding is $1.9M annually from September 30, September 30, 2018 with a start-up period TBD. The proposal is due July 30, After some discussion about application requirements and possible competitors, Mr. DeBiasi made a motion for CAFCA to apply for the RFP. Members then discussed having CAFCA apply for the grant as the lead on behalf of the entire network as the fiduciary agent, with case management services provided through each subcontracting CAA with a commitment from each agency that they not participate in another application. Mr. DeBiasi asked for an amendment to the first motion to reflect this. Given the anticipated size and importance of the proposal and the amount of information asked from CAFCA and subcontractors, members decided to hire a consultant, Farnam Associates, to write the grant with support from CAFCA and the network. The estimated cost is around $30,000. Each agency, including CAFCA, will pay a base amount of $1,000 plus an amount to be determined by percentage of award/agency. Ms. Monahan, Dr. Gatling, Mr. Tricarico, and Mr. DeBiasi will be on a committee to determine the formula that will be used to calculate the RFP funding allocation breakdown for the network, as well as how the costs for Farnam Associates will be divided. Mr. DeBiasi, Mr. Morgan; passed unanimously Mr. DeBiasi, Mr. Smith; passed unanimously Members discussed the participation of CRT in the grant application. Ms. Monahan offered to reach out to Ms. Rodriguez to assess CRT s interest. Before the conversation on the SSBG RFP ended, Ms. Monahan called Ms. Rodriguez and reported that CRT would like to be part of the application. Members stressed that CRT s inclusion in the application will be dependent on the agency paying its share of the consultant s costs as well as current payment of their lobbying obligation. Ms. Monahan agreed to address these conditions with Ms. Rodriguez. Adjourn With no further business, Mr. Smith asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting at 11:44 a.m. Ms. Monahan, Mr. DeBiasi 2