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Task force backs new Civic Health Index; members seek $30K–$50K and public funding
Summary
Members of the Civic Education, Civic Engagement, Media Literacy Task Force endorsed pursuing a new Civic Health Index to measure statewide civic engagement, discussed external funders and a possible state line item, and recommended funding two indexes (baseline and follow-up) to track impact.
The Civic Education, Civic Engagement, Media Literacy Task Force voted informally to pursue a new Civic Health Index and urged the state to identify funding to produce it.
Melvette Hill, a member of the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity, said the Secretary of State's office and the National Conference on Citizenship have partnered on previous state indexes and that Connecticut's last index was in 2016. "We're recommending that we do go forward with the Civic Health Index," Hill said, adding that the state will need outside funding and careful planning for language and disability accessibility.
Participants discussed cost and potential funders. Hill estimated the cost "around 30 to $50,000" depending on the number of survey questions, focus groups and accessibility work. Jason Mancini of Connecticut Humanities said the nonprofit has funded past indexes (2011 and 2016) and "plans to contribute, funding." Members discussed whether to seek a dedicated line item for the Secretary of State or to pursue philanthropic partnerships.
Andy Feinstein, an online participant, asked whether the task force should recommend legislation that would trigger a fiscal note. Hill said the group should "assign funding"—either through a line item or external grants—if the state wants to treat civic health as a priority.
Hill also proposed measuring the task force's recommendations by funding two indexes: one baseline survey before implementation and a second follow-up after changes are in place to detect movement in civic-health indicators.
Next steps in the report include specific funding recommendations and outreach to the Secretary of State's office and potential philanthropic partners. The task force plans to review a draft report in mid-January and submit a final version by the end of January.
