Buckbee Supports Veterans Initiative Improving Dental Care
Key Takeaways
- Buckbee backs H.B. 5406 to establish a Veterans Dental Care Program.
- Bill waives DMV fees for DVA-verified veteran ID issuance.
- Legislation creates tax deductions for honor guard pay and activated National Guard pay.
- Bill forms task force to boost nursing home VA contracting and veteran care.
HARTFORD – State Rep. Billy Buckbee (R–New Milford) supported legislation aimed at expanding healthcare options for Connecticut veterans. The bill, H.B. 5406, An Act Concerning Various Measures Honoring the Heroism of Veterans and Members of the Armed Forces, establishes a Veterans Dental Care Program to help eligible veterans access critical dental services.
“We’re always striving to ensure those who sacrificed so much for our state and country receive the benefits they’ve earned,” said Buckbee, who serves on the legislature’s Veterans & Military Affairs Committee. “This comprehensive, multi-section bill delivers meaningful support to servicemembers.”
In addition to creating a dental care program, the bill:
- Requires the DMV to waive fees for the initial issuance of a DVA-verified veteran designation on a driver’s license or identity card;
- Establishes state income tax deductions for (1) compensation received for serving on an honor guard at a veteran’s funeral and (2) pay received by National Guard members called to active duty; and
- Creates a task force to study ways to encourage nursing homes to contract with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and provide care to eligible veterans.
“With these provisions, veterans will have greater financial flexibility and improved access to life-enhancing services,” Buckbee added.
The bill received broad bipartisan support, passing unanimously in the House, and now heads to the Senate for further consideration.
###