Piscopo Praises Veterans’ Programs Supporting Women, Education

HARTFORD – State Representative John Piscopo (R-Thomaston) joined his colleagues in the House of Representatives in unanimously passing bills aimed at improving the lives of veterans in Connecticut as they transition from service into civilian life.

Rep. Piscopo voted in favor of legislation establishing a Connecticut Women Veterans’ Program.  The bill, S.B. 904, requires the state Department of Veterans’ Affairs to establish a program that will reach out to women veterans in an effort to improve their awareness of federal and state veterans’ benefits and services eligibility. It also calls for an assessment of women veterans’ needs for benefits and services and a review of programs, research projects and other initiatives designed to address or meet Connecticut women veterans’ needs.

“I cannot think of a better way to honor the service of our military veterans than by providing them with support through various programs to help them make a successful transition back into civilian life.  For our women veterans in particular, there is a need for stronger programs specifically designed to provide support when returning home from service and combat missions,” said Rep. Piscopo. During the public hearing on the bill, Gregory Smith, the State Commander for the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) testified that passage of this bill is a critical step that Connecticut can take in providing needed outreach to women veterans.

In an effort to improve Connecticut veterans’ college education experience, Piscopo also joined his colleagues in the House of Representatives in passing a bill aimed at streamlining the Operation Academic Support for Incoming Service Members (OASIS) and veteran-students’ transition into civilian life.

Rep. Piscopo praised passage of S.B. 694, which would create 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.

“It is my hope that many men and women returning home from serving their country will have the opportunity to be connected to helpful resources that will assist them in accessing benefits and educational opportunities to help them gain new skills and establish themselves in civilian life.  I proudly voted in support of these measures,” said Rep. Piscopo.

The bills have both passed unanimously out of the state Senate.  S.B. 904 awaits signature by the Governor while S.B. 694 supporting OASIS programming is being prepared for signing.

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