State Senator Bob Duff
May 20, 2008
Duff: New Laws Will Provide Greater Benefits For Military Personnel, Families
Legislation passed unanimously in both the state Senate and House of Representatives last month will provide new benefits to military personnel and their families. Today, state Senator Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) urged Governor M. Jodi Rell to sign the measures when they reach her desk in the coming week and give back to the men, women and families who dedicate their lives to serving our country.
"Three years ago, we extended tuition benefits and passed a sweeping package of new benefits for military personnel and their families," said Senator Duff. "Since then, we've worked to enhance quality of life and increase opportunities for families and individuals. This year, we took steps to expand upon these initiatives and provide even greater benefits for our veterans. The federal government has fallen down on the job in terms of care for our military personnel. While we have a very long way to go, these measures keep us moving in the right direction."
Legislation passed this year will offer tuition waivers to any state resident who is a dependent child or surviving spouse of a state resident killed in action while performing active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces on or after September 11, 2001. Waivers will be available to the University of Connecticut, any of the four Connecticut State Universities and any regional-technical college in the state beginning on July 1, 2008.
Legislation also passed this year that allows the Connecticut Wartime Service Medal to be awarded posthumously to veterans, allows frontline members of the National Guard called to active duty in Iraq to be buried in the state veterans' cemeteries and creates a state "Support Our Troops" license plate, partial proceeds from which will be used to assist servicemen and women, their families and veterans.
In 2005, the General Assembly passed its most comprehensive veterans package since World War Two. The package created a Military Relief Fund, which provides financial assistance in times of hardship to immediate family members of those serving in both the U.S. Armed Forces and the Connecticut National Guard. It also included reservists in the state definition of "veteran" so that they could receive benefits including college tuition waivers, local property tax exemptions, burial in the state veteran's cemetery and admission to the state Veterans' Home.
|
Senator Duff’s |
Listing of Senator Duff’s recent press releases and a Press Kit with official head shots and bio. |
Press Aide Jaclyn Falkowski |
