Sen. Honig Leads Veterans’ Committee in Advancing Troops-to-Trades Initiative, Tax Relief for Veterans’ Organizations

Senator Paul Honig, D-Harwinton, Senate Chair of the Veterans’ and Military Affairs Committee, today led the committee in advancing two bills to support Connecticut’s veterans and military community: one to strengthen pathways from military service into the trades and skilled workforce, and one to extend sales tax exemptions to veterans’ organizations.

H.B. 5409 — Troops-to-Trades

The bill directs the Labor Department to consolidate and expand a central online resource connecting veterans and transitioning servicemembers with job training, career information, and veteran-friendly employers. It includes a new $2,500 tax credit, administered by the Department of Economic and Community Development, for businesses that hire veterans into new full-time positions.

“Free college tuition is one of the National Guard’s most important recruitment tools, but many servicemembers leave the military with valuable trade skills they’re ready to build on,” Senator Honig said. “The opportunities are there, and they lead to real, high-paying careers, but the pathways aren’t always visible or easy to navigate. This bill makes sure veterans can find the resources they need, and gives employers even more incentive to hire them.”

The bill drew broad support at public hearing from Connecticut’s building trades unions and manufacturers, who noted strong demand for veteran hires across the state’s skilled industries.

H.B. 5292 — Sales Tax Exemption for Veterans’ Organizations

The bill extends Connecticut’s existing sales and use tax exemption to military and veterans-related organizations recognized under Section 501(c)(19) of the Internal Revenue Code.

“Veterans’ organizations do essential work in every community across our state. Every dollar they spend on sales taxes is a dollar that could go toward supporting the servicemembers and families they serve,” Senator Honig said. “This bill makes sure those resources go where they’re needed most, and I’m grateful the committee was able to advance it to the full legislature.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Hugh McQuaid | hugh.mcquaid@cga.ct.gov |