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CT Paid Leave Authority highlights outreach gains, expands CEC contracts and schedules Family Fun Expo
Summary
Staff described outreach strategies—negotiated media buys, podcasts, repurposed videos—and CEC outcomes: 130 direct application assists in Q2 (178 total), nearly 5,000 impressions and almost 10,000 materials distributed. RFP for additional CECs is underway with contracts targeted to start Jan. 1, 2026.
The CT Paid Leave Authority described how it stretches outreach dollars and expands community partnerships as it seeks to increase program use.
Jessica (Outreach) told the board the outreach team negotiates media buys directly, secures bonus placements, repurposes creative assets (video/audio) and produces a low‑cost podcast to amplify reach. She said radio and TV buys have included bonus spots and negotiated rates held steady since 2021, and digital/outdoor buys are structured to maximize impressions at lower cost.
Jessica gave metrics for the Community Education Coordinator (CEC) program in Q2: 130 people received direct application assistance in Q2, bringing the total assisted since the program began to 178; the seven CEC organizations and their staff documented 189 events, nearly 5,000 impressions and distribution of almost 10,000 outreach materials in the quarter. She said there are about 20 individuals actively delivering CEC services across those seven organizations.
Staff clarified that CECs are engaged by contract with organizations (not as 1099 independent contractors or state employees), selected through a competitive RFP. The second RFP round was posted and proposals were due Oct. 16, with proposal review through November, selection aimed for Nov. 14 and contracts to align with a Jan. 1, 2026 start date. Jessica said staff will seek to close geographic and language gaps identified in the first round.
Jessica previewed a Family Fun Expo and Resource Fair planned for the coming week, with 16 exhibitor organizations including state agencies (Treasurer, Office of Early Childhood, Department of Social Services, Department of Public Health and others) and community partners. The event is free and used repurposed creative and negotiated media placements to keep costs low.
Board members asked about how CECs provide application assistance; staff said models vary by organization (office hours, phone help, appointments) and CECs help users navigate the digital application but do not input data for applicants. Board members also asked about immigration status and program eligibility; staff said the statute does not address immigration status and eligibility hinges on work and earnings in Connecticut, validated primarily using Department of Labor data.
Staff committed to posting the RFP results and to providing the list of contracted CEC organizations on the authority website.
