Rochelle lauds passage of bills to support veterans

State Rep. Kara Rochelle

HARTFORD - State Rep. Kara Rochelle (D-Ansonia, Derby) co-sponsored two pieces of legislation passed this session aimed at assisting veterans’ re-entry into the workforce through access to workforce training and job placement programs. Additionally, Rochelle also co-sponsored a bill to help families of certain members of the Armed Forces obtain in-state student status for the purpose of tuition charges.

“Our veterans and their families deserve our utmost respect and support,” Rochelle said. “We owe them a debt of gratitude and more than just words, we owe them real, tangible support. These pieces of legislation do just that. It is a privilege to serve those who have served our country. I am proud to have co-sponsored all of these bills this session.”

A closer look at the bills:

· SB 968, An Act Establishing A Military To Machinists Program For Veterans - This bill provides a jobs pipeline for our veterans to re-enter the civilian workforce while strengthening Connecticut's manufacturing industry. Veterans have transferable skills that would be a fit in the field of manufacturing and this program bridges gaps in training and provides access to good paying jobs in manufacturing.


· SB 951, An Act Concerning Veteran Enrollment In Certain Alternative Route To Certification Programs - This bill reserves 15 percent of available seats for veterans in certain alternate route to certification programs to help veterans become certified teachers. Our veterans' leadership skills and core values would certainly be beneficial in the classroom.

· HB 7248, An Act Concerning In-State Student Status For Spouses And Children Of Certain Members of The Armed Forces - This bill allows spouses and children of certain members of the armed forces to be considered in-state students for the purpose of tuition charges.

This is a press release from Rochelle's office.