Public Hearing Testimony of Commissioner Danté Bartolomeo
Department of Labor
Education Committee
March 4, 2026
Good afternoon, Senator McCrory, Representative Leeper, Senator Berthel, Representative Zupkus, and members of the Education Committee. Thank you for the opportunity to provide you with written testimony regarding SB 311: AN ACT CONCERNING DISCONNECTED YOUTH. My name is Danté Bartolomeo, and I am the Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Labor (CTDOL).
CTDOL is pleased to be both a participating agency and the data integration hub for DataLinkCT (formerly known as P20 WIN). In these capacities, we have both shared CTDOL data and facilitated the sharing of data between other participating agencies. Through its carefully crafted governance structure and policies, DataLinkCT ensures that all data sharing occurs following safe and secure procedures consistent with all federal and state laws governing data privacy, confidentiality, and security, while facilitating appropriate and ethical data sharing.
Following established process, DataLinkCT does work with nonprofits on reports related to youth outcomes and currently has a data sharing agreement with a Hartford nonprofit for such a report. CTDOL is a party to that agreement both as a data provider and as the data integration hub. DataLinkCT provided technical assistance with the development of that data request, provided access to technical resources to ensure that all data is kept secure, and guidance with the development of legal agreements.
CTDOL appreciates the benefits of data sharing but requests the elimination of Section 1 of SB 311. This legislative directive is not necessary and may lead to an unintended consequence. DataLinkCT has already begun efforts to expand data sharing capabilities in a safe, legal, and ethical manner. As drafted, this legislation may lead to a violation of state and federal laws that protect the confidentiality of individual residents’ data.
Importantly, we would note that there is no dedicated state appropriation for DataLinkCT. DataLinkCT is currently funded by federal grants that were awarded as a result of the efforts of DataLinkCT staff, including those at CTDOL. Section 1of SB 311 requires an annual sharing of data, and since these grants will be expiring soon, the annual requirement is not sustainable.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide the Committee with this written testimony. My staff and I are reachable to further discuss SB 311 by directing any questions you may have to Billy Taylor, Legislative and Administrative Advisor at william.b.taylor@ct.gov or 203-947-4136.
