05/30/2025
State Treasurers from Across the U.S. Join Connecticut Treasurer Erick Russell in Urging Passage of Safe Harbor Initiative in Connecticut
State Treasurers from Across the U.S. Join Connecticut Treasurer Erick Russell in Urging Passage of Safe Harbor Initiative in Connecticut
Privately funded, state-led initiative aims to help individuals being denied access to healthcare reach a ‘safe harbor’ for the legal and compassionate care they seek
Hartford, CT — A coalition of State Treasurers and Comptrollers from across the U.S. today joined Connecticut State Treasurer Erick Russell in urging the Connecticut General Assembly to pass legislation establishing a Safe Harbor Fund in Connecticut.
The Safe Harbor Fund, fully funded by private donations, helps individuals in financial need travel from states that deny reproductive or gender-affirming care to states like Connecticut to access the safe, legal, and compassionate care they need. The fund would assist patients with expenses like travel, lodging, or childcare. This applies not only to residents of other states, but also to Connecticut residents who may be temporarily in another state, for example, to attend college or complete an internship.
Legislation to create the fund is included in Senate Bill 7 An Act Concerning Protections for Access to Health Care and the Equitable Delivery of Health Care Services in the State, which passed the Senate 25-10 with bipartisan support last week and is on the House Calendar ready for action.
“The ability to make and access personal healthcare choices should never depend on where you live or how much money you have,” said Treasurer Russell. “Safe Harbor Funds can serve as a vital lifeline for people in need of care that is legal and available in our state but prohibited in theirs. History has shown that when access to essential care is restricted, our most vulnerable suffer. Those with financial resources will always have the means to access the care and treatment they need, but these restrictions disproportionately impact low-income individuals – often communities of color, youth, members of the LGBTQ+ community and others facing systemic barriers to healthcare.
“I applaud the Connecticut Senate for supporting the Safe Harbor legislation with bipartisan support and urge a similar result in the House.”
Safe Harbor Funds are designed to be administered by the Office of the Treasurer and funded with private donations – not taxpayer dollars – to provide resources to local providers and community organizations already engaged in the work of connecting people in need with the healthcare they seek. Following the passage of the CT Safe Harbor Fund, State Treasurers and Financial Officers will work with For the Long Term to create a network of Safe Harbor states. For the Long Term supports state and municipal finance leaders to promote economic opportunity and responsible fiscal stewardship.
“The long-term vision of the Safe Harbor Initiative reflects a commitment to dismantling the financial barriers between people of lesser means and the healthcare they need and deserve,” said Dave Wallack, Executive Director of For the Long Term. “By establishing and joining Safe Harbor Funds, states are creating a flexible, coordinated, and compassionate network that ensures individual autonomy for healthcare decisions.”
On Thursday, State Treasurers and Financial Officers from California, Colorado, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Vermont joined Treasurer Russell in expressing their support for the Safe Harbor initiative.
“I was proud to join Treasurer Russell in introducing Safe Harbor Fund legislation here in Vermont. By working together, we can ensure that our states’ shared value that no one should be denied access to the care they need is realized,” said Vermont State Treasurer Mike Pieciak.
“Safe Harbor Funds represent a smart, humane way to make sure no one misses out on critical care just because of where they live or what they can afford,” said Massachusetts State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg. “I support Connecticut’s efforts and plan to introduce similar legislation in Massachusetts later this year. Working together, we can help people get through these difficult challenges.”
“In a time where so many people in our country feel uncertain and afraid, it is critically important that our states step up. The Connecticut Safe Harbor Fund is a reminder that we’re strongest when we work together and that each of our states can take action to protect the most vulnerable in our country,” California State Treasurer Fiona Ma.
“Connecticut’s Safe Harbor Fund allows for private dollars to be raised for a public good: ensuring everyone has the ability to access the care and safety they deserve. This is an important effort that I enthusiastically support; I appreciate Connecticut taking the lead on this, and I look forward to its passage,” said Maryland State Comptroller Brooke Lierman. “Maryland passed legislation this year to provide operating grants for abortion care, funded through unused premium funds collected by insurers. Legislation to support abortion care providers and women in need of services is essential to provide care that women need.”
“Learning from and working with my fellow state treasurers has been one of the most rewarding experiences during my tenure. I am excited about the potential of The Safe Harbor Fund and look forward to advancing innovative solutions to support constituents, especially those who are historically underserved," said Colorado State Treasurer Dave Young.
“Here in New England, we strive to be a welcoming place where all Americans can feel secure that their rights, and their access to the services they need, will not be in jeopardy. We’re proud to continue working together with our neighboring states to ensure that promise of freedom is protected,” said Rhode Island General Treasurer James Diossa.
“Here in Illinois, we are proud to have non-profits that are engaged in the work of making sure that our fellow Americans have a place where they can seek the care they need and afford the travel costs associated with it,” said Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs. “By working as part of a coalition, we can create more opportunities for families and support each other in this work, while reducing travel costs by creating more options closer to home.”
One of the key strengths of this initiative is its flexibility and capacity for coordination. By working as a coalition, states can ensure that individuals who believe in reproductive and gender-affirming rights can directly support the cause, while directing resources to where they are most needed. For example, a person from Texas may find it easier to travel to Colorado, while someone from Tennessee may find it easier to go to Illinois. A coordinated network of Safe Harbor Funds ensures that anyone seeking care will have a place to turn for assistance, no matter where they live.
“I’m grateful for the support of my fellow state treasurers and financial officers and look forward to working with them to build out a nationwide network of Safe Harbor Funds,” said Treasurer Russell.
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About the Office of the Treasurer
The Office of the Treasurer is charged with safeguarding Connecticut’s financial resources through prudent cash management and debt management, with the State Treasurer serving as principal fiduciary for six state pension and twelve state trust funds. Additionally, the Office enhances the state’s fiscal stability through programs promoting financial literacy and college savings, and it leverages business partnerships to support the advancement of Connecticut’s social and policy priorities, including combating gun violence and protecting our environment. The Office of the Treasurer is led by State Treasurer Erick Russell, the first Black out LGBTQ person to win an election for statewide office in American history. To learn more, visit: Connecticut Office of the Treasurer Erick Russell.
Contact: Brett Cody
brett.cody@ct.gov | (959) 529-2468