October 9, 2013

Government Shutdown Hurts Veterans

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North Haven- State Representative Dave Yaccarino (R-87), Ranking Member of the Connecticut Legislature’s Veterans’ Affairs Committee, today expressed frustration with the closure of Veteran’s Administration regional offices due to the federal government’s partial shutdown.

“The partial shutdown of the federal government is an injustice to the American people who elected our Representatives and Senators to lead through difficult times,” Rep. Yaccarino said. “The fact these elected officials cannot find common ground and this shutdown is now affecting the brave men and women who defend our country is unconscionable. Veterans and all Americans deserve to be able to access the benefits they earned through their service.”

According to an announcement from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), more than 7,000 employees are to be placed on furlough on October 8, “in a move that will eliminate public access to all 56 of its Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) regional offices.”

The release continued, “As a result of the furloughs, VBA can no longer conduct personal interviews and hearings, process GI Bill benefits, offer educational or vocational counseling, or provide outreach activities and programs — including VetSuccess on Campus. The reduced work force also means that American Legion service officers are unable to use office space allocated to them at the regional offices.”

“Besides the 7,000 VBA workers furloughed, VA has also placed more than 2,700 OIT workers on furlough. This means that all development of VA software has ceased, including work on the Veterans Benefits Management System, which VA Secretary Eric Shinseki has repeatedly identified as a key component to eliminating the claims backlog.”

“VA employees who staff the department’s compensation and pension call centers are still on the job. Veterans who want to file benefits claims or check on a claim’s status can still do so by calling (800) 827-1000.”

Statement from State Rep. Dave Yaccarino on PURA Chair Reappointment

“Governor Lamont’s reappointment of Marissa Gillett as PURA Chair is a mistake. Connecticut families are struggling with high electric costs, and they deserve leadership that delivers results and tells the truth. During her reconfirmation hearing, I asked Chair Gillett directly about the deleted text messages tied to an ongoing legal matter. I didn’t get a […]

July 1, 2025

Representative Dave Yaccarino Helps Pass New Law to Support Families of Fallen First Responders

HARTFORD – State Representative Dave Yaccarino (R-87) is proud to announce the passage of a new bipartisan law that provides critical support to the families of Connecticut’s first responders who lose their lives in the line of duty. Representative Yaccarino co-sponsored Senate Bill 1239, which renames the Fallen Officer Fund to the Fallen Officer and […]

June 27, 2025