Veterans’ Deserve Support

This past week, Commissioner of Veterans’ Affairs Dr. Linda Schwartz came before the legislature’s Select Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, of which I am a member, and asked for support of S.B. 314- An Act Concerning Issues Affecting the Veterans’ Community. This bill would provide both support and state funding to establish and promote a statewide database of Connecticut veterans’ illnesses. The database would be available to doctors, scientists, hospitals and researchers for continued study.

As I listened to her proposal and explanation of the background legislation one thing struck me as poignant. Our country, and our state, send troops to defend our freedoms and protect others in their time of need but upon their return from difficult, dangerous and sometimes deadly assignments it seems as if we sometimes fall short of giving them the support the deserve once they return from duty.

Dr. Schwartz said the legislature authorized the Veterans Health Registry in 2007 (CGS 27-109a) to “survey and collect data on health status, illnesses and potential correlations to environmental hazards which include vaccinations, chemicals, pesticides and chemical biological warfare agents” of our veterans. This registry would include, but certainly not be limited to, the affects of Agent Orange on troops from the Vietnam Conflict, any past, current or future exposures that affect our veterans. However, Dr. Schwartz also pointed out that the state rescinded funding for the program before it was even established.

I agree with Commissioner Schwartz that the need for such a registry will only increase with our nations’ troops serving in the Middle East, Afghanistan, and across the globe in both a war capacity and on humanitarian missions. The potential for a program of this type to identify, document and lead to treatments and cures of known and future diseases and syndromes is incredible and we should give it serious consideration.

I believe we must do everything in our power to support the men and women who don a uniform for our country and I will look into this matter further in hopes of securing the funding to make such a registry possible.

As always, my door is open and I’m here for you. If you’re visiting the State Capitol or Legislative Office Building please stop in and say hello. If you have questions or concerns, need help testifying on a bill, tracking particular legislation or stating your opinion please do not hesitate to contact me at 1-800-842-1423 or dave.yaccarino@housegop.ct.gov