In Review: 2023 Veterans’ and Military Affairs Committee

HARTFORD – State Rep. Kurt Vail continued his service on the Veterans’ and Military Affairs Committee this session as Ranking Member. The Ranking Member is the highest-serving member to the committee of the legislature’s minority party. The committee worked tirelessly over the course of the last six months to deliver better services for Connecticut’s veteran population.

Veteran Service Officers

Vail has been in constant contact with those who have served our country but are frustrated from obstacles preventing them from enrolling in, or accessing, the benefits they earned while enlisted. Often these barriers are created because veterans aren’t being notified about sign-up opportunities or program details. At the end of May, Vail participated in a news briefing about potential legislation that would help bridge the gap – making services readily accessible to veterans at the municipal level.

The governor has recently signed Public Act 23-34 into law. This new law adds more Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) to help coordinate with towns by establishing veteran advisory committees, increasing communications with various veteran service organizations, and allowing towns to fund these coordination operations.

Advocacy Efforts

In addition to legislation, the committee took an advocacy role this session. Vail helped promote and participate in the “Save-A-Suit” program, designed to collect business clothing for veterans seeking employment opportunities. Vail participated in the clothing drive, donating clothes and meeting with event organizers. It has become an annual tradition for members of the legislature to take part in this program.

Looking Forward

With the conclusion of the 2023 session, there is still much to be done for Connecticut’s retired service members. According to Vail, the committee will continually look at ways it can improve the quality of life for veterans while protecting them from unnecessary financial burdens.

The 2024 session will convene in February, marking the beginning of a four-month law-making period. The committee will revisit many of the concepts it sought to address this year, to improve existing public policy.

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