May 2011

Capitol address
Legislative Office Building
Room 3602
Hartford, CT 06106-1591

E-mail me

On the Web
www.SenatorLeone.cga.ct.gov

Phone
Capitol: 860-240-0589
Toll-free: 1-800-842-1420

Standing Up for Our Veterans

As Senate Chair of the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, it has been my honor to lead passage of bills to benefit the men and women who fight in our national defense. In the Senate this year, we passed legislation to honor troops coming home to Connecticut with “Welcome Home” messages on electronic highway signs across the state.

We also took action to waive any interest owed on property taxes for members of the military serving in Afghanistan. Current law only waives such interest for soldiers serving in Iraq—a great oversight. No veteran should have to come home to a tax bill that accrued interest during their service half-way around the world.

A third bill will permit local school boards to award high school diplomas to Korean War veterans who left high school early for military service.

And finally, to ease the burden on veterans’ families during a time of grief, we voted to waive the $20 fee for one certified copy of a veteran’s death certificate, upon request of a deceased veteran’s spouse, child or parent.

Our soldiers make every sacrifice for their country, and these bills should provide them with a little more assistance from back here at home.

Keeping Seniors in their Homes

Seniors who can stay in their homes—as opposed to entering nursing facilities—live longer, better quality lives. Eighty percent of Connecticut residents would like to remain in their homes, according to the Connecticut Commission on Aging. In addition, the difference in cost is significant.

Long-term care costs the state $2.4 billion and represents 13 percent of the overall state budget, 49 percent of the Department of Social Services budget and 53 percent of our Medicaid budget. Those expenses are expected to more than double by 2015 if no action is taken. Only 35 percent of those long-term care dollars are spent on home and community-based services; the rest goes to institutional care.

This year, I am supporting legislation to expand Medicaid coverage in order to help keep those seniors who do not need intensive nursing care out of nursing facilities and in their homes. By rebalancing our long-term care system, we can realize significant budget savings while giving seniors the type of care that they truly want and deserve.

Spring Savings

Some Great Things to Do

• Visit www.buyctgrown.com to find farmers’ markets near your home, like the Stamford Farmers’ Market and the Darien Farmers’ Market. Fresh produce straight from the farm to your plate.
• Visit www.reserveamerica.com to reserve a campsite at a state park or forest campground. There are many great places to camp right here in Connecticut!
• Visit www.ct.wildlifelicense.com to purchase your CT fishing, hunting or trapping license.
• The Connecticut Wine Trail has many great wineries, including Jones Family Farms in Shelton. Visit www.ctwine.com to learn more about Connecticut vineyards.

Find Affordable Activities for Your Family
Summer vacations, camps and activities can get expensive. Here are some places to find affordable alternatives:

• Call 2-1-1 United Way for details on summer camps, child care and youth programs.
• Contact the Stamford YMCA at 203-357-7000 or www.stamfordymca.org. Find the Darien YMCA at 203-655-8228 or www.darien-ymca.org.
• Check out ctvisit.com or call 1-888-CTvisit to get ideas for family activities that are close to home.

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Copyright © 2011 Connecticut Senate Democrats. All rights reserved.