David Rutigliano

HARTFORD- Last week to honor the 50^th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, State Representative David Rutigliano (R-123) voted for a the “HERO Act.”

The HERO Act (HB 6442) a bipartisan product which passed the Connecticut House of Representatives unanimously passed (146-0) including several pieces of legislation.

Among the bill’s components:

• Designate November as Veterans’ Month to reflect on and celebrate their military service.
• Waive fees for the Purple Heart license plate, ensuring accessibility for those who have earned one of our nation’s highest military honors.
• Create two new commemorative plates – one honoring women veterans and another recognizing the Borinqueneers – providing long-lasting public recognition of their historic contributions.
• Free license renewals for veterans.
• The Department of Veterans Affairs will evaluate how to improve and address shortcomings in available dental services for veterans.
• Accelerate nursing home placement for service-connected veterans.
• Improve school transitions for military families with children requiring special education services.

Rep. Rutigliano said, “The HERO Act is our promise kept to those who’ve served. It delivers concrete benefits to ease the burdens on our veterans, showing them that their sacrifices are never forgotten.”

The bill now heads to the State Senate for further debate and a vote.