McGorty & Perillo Support Veterans’ Education Bill in House

In an effort to improve Connecticut veterans’ college education experience, the state House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a bill aimed at streamlining the Operation Academic Support for Incoming Service Members (OASIS) and veteran-students’ transition into civilian life.

Representatives Jason Perillo (R-113) and Ben McGorty (R-122) voted in favor of the measure and praised its passage.  The bill, S.B. 694, An Act Concerning Services Available to Veterans on State College and University Campuses, creates a statewide study to evaluate and assess OASIS programming. The study would identify successful programs and units of expertise, and apply them throughout Connecticut’s public colleges.

“For us to have an effective strategy to lend the best assistance possible to our state’s veterans, this study should provide meaningful data to achieve better service to those who served us,” said Rep. McGorty.  “I look forward to seeing the results.”

“It is critical for us to provide every measure of support possible for our state’s veterans and active military personnel who are looking to higher education as they transition back to civilian life,” said Rep. Perillo.  “This should give us a better understanding of the needs of our state’s veterans, enabling us to serve them better.”

Created in 2012, the Veterans Oasis in the UCONN Student Union serves as the primary social lounge for the University’s veteran population looking for a space on campus to relax in-between classes.  Featuring cable TV, public access computers, a Keurig, and ample seating the Oasis will remain the prime gathering place of student veterans at UConn.  It was originally conceived by a group of women’s clubs that have funded and created these spaces at colleges across the state.

The state senate passed the bill unanimously in April.  It now heads to the desk of Governor Dannel P. Malloy for his signature.