In a significant move to support Connecticut’s military families and veterans, the state House of Representatives unanimously approved the Connecticut Hero Act on Wednesday, marking a pivotal step toward acknowledging the sacrifices made by those who have served in the military. This legislation is introduced fifty years after the iconic helicopter evacuation of American personnel in Saigon, which marked the end of the Vietnam War.
The Connecticut Hero Act encompasses a broad range of provisions designed to assist military families, including those who have been affected by frequent relocations and the combat-wounded. Among the key components of the bill:
Veteran Preference and Benefits
- Nursing Home Placement Preference: Veterans will now be given preference for placement in nursing homes, ensuring they receive the care and respect they deserve in their later years.
- High School Stability for Military Children: The act allows children of transient military families to stay in the same high school during their junior and senior years, providing a sense of stability and continuity in their education.
- License Renewals and Fees: Combat-wounded recipients of the Order of the Purple Heart would benefit from free license renewals, as well as waived license plate fees.
Veterans Month and Commemorative Plates
If the bill is ratified in the Senate and signed into law by Governor Lamont, November would officially become Veterans Month in Connecticut. The state would also introduce a variety of new commemorative license plates, including one to honor women veterans and another to recognize the Borinqueneers, a Puerto Rican unit that served in the Korean War.
Supporting Military Families
The bill also includes provisions for state educators to expedite the creation of personal education plans for children moving into Connecticut, including those with special needs and autism. This ensures that children of military families who frequently relocate are not left behind in their educational journey.
Property Tax Exemptions for Disabled Veterans
A more complex issue addressed in the legislation involves providing 100-percent disabled veterans with local property tax exemptions. The bill originally included a study at the University of Connecticut (UConn) to better understand the number of veterans who would benefit from this exemption. However, estimates of how many veterans would be affected have varied significantly, ranging from 1,206 to 4,560. This data has been difficult to pin down due to inconsistencies with the federal Veterans Administration’s figures.
“We really want to be sure that when we pass the bill, we know exactly what the municipal impact is,” said State Rep. Jaime Foster, D-Ellington, co-chair of the Veterans & Military Affairs Committee.
Bipartisan Support and Adjustments
While State Rep. Mark Anderson, a retired lieutenant colonel in the Army and the ranking Republican on the Veterans Committee, emphasized the bipartisan nature of the bill, some elements of the proposed legislation were adjusted. Specifically, after further review by both Democrats and Republicans, the provisions requiring additional studies were removed to streamline the legislative process.
Rep. Anderson also highlighted the importance of the bill for the children of military families, noting that it would make transitions smoother for students moving within Connecticut or from out of state. “It gives them continuity,” he said, explaining how the bill would allow military children to finish out their school year at the same institution, despite their family’s frequent relocations.
Raising Your VA Disability Rating and Unlocking Additional Benefits
As the Connecticut Hero Act progresses, veterans in the state stand to benefit from a range of new programs and initiatives. However, there is also an important step veterans can take right now to maximize their benefits: raising their VA disability rating. Achieving a higher disability rating—especially reaching 100%—can unlock crucial state-level benefits, such as the property tax exemptions outlined in the act.
At Veterans Guide, we specialize in helping veterans navigate the often-complex VA claims process to increase their disability ratings. Our team provides expert guidance through every step, from gathering medical evidence to preparing for appeals. Many veterans may be entitled to higher compensation or additional benefits based on their service-connected conditions, but they may not be aware of the full scope of their eligibility.
By working with our experienced team, veterans can increase their rating to 100%, which not only boosts their monthly compensation but also qualifies them for significant state-level benefits like the property tax exemptions that are being considered for 100% disabled veterans in the Connecticut Hero Act. This ensures that veterans receive the full support they deserve, both from the federal government and at the state level.
If you’re a veteran looking to increase your disability rating or learn more about how these new state-level benefits can impact you, Veterans Guide is here to help. Our team is dedicated to ensuring you get the compensation and benefits you’ve earned.
Looking Ahead
With the bill now passed by the House, the next step is for it to be considered by the Senate. Should it be signed into law, the Connecticut Hero Act would serve as a significant recognition of the sacrifices made by military families, offering them greater support and assistance, as well as commemorating their contributions to the nation.
This landmark piece of legislation demonstrates Connecticut’s continued commitment to providing essential resources and assistance to veterans and military families, ensuring that they are not left behind when they return home.
