Senator Hwang Receives 2025 AARP Legislative Achievement Award

HARTFORD, CT—State Senator Tony Hwang (R—Fairfield) was selected by AARP for the Legislative Achievement Award for 2025 in recognition of his leadership in preventing discrimination in long-term care facilities.

“Living in a nursing home can offer many benefits and many challenges. Senator Hwang’s leadership on the Aging Committee has helped reduce one of the challenges faced by residents – discrimination. A nursing home is just that, a home. A home should be free from discrimination at all levels. AARP appreciates the work of Senator Hwang on this important 2025 legislation,” said AARP State Director Nora Duncan.

House Bill 6913, which passed the 2025 General Assembly and was signed into law, prohibits long-term care facilities and their staff from discriminating against residents on the basis of characteristics including sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and HIV status. The legislation helps ensure that all older adults including LGBTQ+ residents are treated fairly and respectfully in long-term care settings across Connecticut.

“As Ranking Member of the Aging Committee, I have long believed that every Connecticut resident, no matter their background or identity, deserves dignity, safety, and respect in their later years,” said Senator Hwang. “This award from AARP highlights an important step forward in protecting the rights of those who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. I am grateful for AARP’s partnership and advocacy, and I will continue working to support our aging population and their families.”

Senator Hwang is serving his sixth term in the Connecticut State Senate and has been a strong voice on aging policy, healthcare issues, and bipartisan solutions that support seniors and those who care for them. In his role on the Aging Committee, he has worked with advocates and legislators to address systemic challenges in long-term care and strengthen protections for vulnerable residents.

The AARP Legislative Achievement Award honors lawmakers whose work makes a meaningful impact on the lives of older adults and their families in Connecticut.