Derby Hall of Famer of the Week served in Civil War, state legislature

Our Derby Hall of Famer of the Week David Torrance was born in Scotland, but made his mark in Derby. 

His connection to another Derby Hall of Famer, William Wooster, during his service in the Civil War eventually brought him to Derby where he embarked on a legal career that brought him great distinction.

 https://electronicvalley.org/.../Hall.../torrancce,David.htm

Cabrera votes to extend cost-savings measures, including heating assistance

HARTFORD - State Sen. Jorge Cabrera, D-Hamden, Monday joined the state Senate in special session as it extended important cost-saving measures first approved this spring that will provide more than $200 million in financial benefits and savings to state residents in coming months. 

Senators voted to keep the state's gas tax exemption, saving motorists $90 million through May 1; extend free bus fare through next spring, saving riders $10.8 million; allocate $75 million to a state program aiding essential workers who worked during the COVID-19 pandemic; and invest $30 million to programs aiding residents who need assistance with high energy costs. 

The bill passed 33-0 and now heads to Gov. Ned Lamont.

 

"Cutting the gas tax and making public bus rides free have been a success and it just makes sense to keep these going through spring of next year," said Cabrera. "The additional funding for energy assistance should also help during the winter. I know for many; costs are still too high, and bills are piling up. I've experienced the same in my life and I know these cost-saving measures will provide some relief, as will the bump in funding for hero pay. These frontline workers embody the spirit of Connecticut and community and I'm proud to vote yes on a funding increase to the essential worker fund."

 

Most prominently, the Senate voted to retain the state's holiday on the gas tax, which has saved residents 25 cents per gallon purchased since April 1 amid fluctuating fuel costs. 

That gas tax holiday will be phased out gradually, avoiding a financial cliff and allowing for residents to acclimate to shifts in price. Under the current proposal, the tax will see 5 cents removed from the exemption each month from Jan. 1 (25 cents per gallon to 20 cents per gallon) through May 1 (5 cents to 0 cents). Without action, the gas tax would have resumed in full on Thursday, Dec. 1.

 

Additionally, the Senate voted to keep free bus fare available to state residents through April 1. Free bus fare was initially introduced alongside the gas tax earlier this year to allow for residents without personal vehicles to enjoy financial savings on transportation as well. Since then, reports indicate bus ridership is at an all-time high. A resident traveling to work, or to purchase groceries, pick up a prescription, see a doctor or any number of other everyday tasks, currently saves up to $3 on each leg of their journey. The April 1 ending date is due to federal regulation; the extension will cost a total of $10.8 million for those four months.

 

Further measures passed today by the Senate included two allocations of funding to bolster programs aiding state residents. These include $75 million added to the pandemic worker bonus fund, which will pay out bonuses of up to $1,000 to more than 130,000 residents who worked in essential in-person roles during the pandemic. That fund, initially budgeted at $35 million, will see its allocation swell to $105 million to ensure workers receive bonuses they were promised. Funding will be sourced through unexpended funds from the CT Essential Worker Program and projected lapsing appropriations in the general fund. Payments will be reorganized by income brackets; workers earning under $50,000 will receive $1,000, with bonus amounts reduced gradually among increasing income brackets.

 

The Senate also acted to invest $30 million into the state's heating oil assistance programs, in particular the Low-Income Household Energy Assistance Program, as a contingency in the event federal funding cannot support program costs. 

This adds to $97 million in state and federal aid already dedicated to helping Connecticut residents struggling to pay for heating costs. On the heels of EverSource and United Illuminating filing rate increases increasing electricity bills by up to 40%, and with already-high numbers of individuals seeking aid continuing to increase amid financial challenges for many, this allocation is vital in helping countless Connecticut families stay warm without sacrificing other important needs.

 

Additional actions taken Monday include a requirement that 95% of proceeds from fines administered by PURA in fiscal years 2023 and 2024 will go toward Operation Fuel and a requirement that nonprofits submit annual reports to PURA regarding use of proceeds. This will ensure additional financial support in these programs. 

The Senate also voted to ensure retailers' existing inventories of beverage containers not marked for recycling can continue to be sold after Jan. 1, when new bottle laws take effect in the state.

Cabrera represents the 17th District.

This is a press release from Cabrera's office.

 

Klarides-Ditria: Hearing to focus on act revising juvenile crime statutes

The notable rise in crime, especially juvenile crime, across Connecticut is a growing concern in all 169 cities and towns.  Locked cars are being ransacked and stolen from driveways and even from inside garages like one poor woman in Glastonbury who had her car stolen twice! Recently, some thieves have gotten so brazen that they’ve moved past property crimes and have begun carjacking innocent men and women at the gas pump. We know you’re fed up. We are too, and we hear you!  The House Republican Caucus understands your frustration with the failed policies that are putting criminals back on the streets within hours of an arrest. The cops say there’s nothing they can do until the laws are changed.  Here’s how we propose to do that. HB 5418- AN ACT REVISING JUVENILE AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE STATUTES AND INSURANCE STATUTES CONCERNING THEFT OF A MOTOR VEHICLE - will, among other things: Require a judge to order DCF to conduct a family investigation when a juvenile is charged with: a felony, a Class A Misdemeanor, a charge resulting from loss of life or serious physical injury, a sexual assault, a serious juvenile offense, or an offense involving use of a firearm Require an automatic transfer to adult court for juveniles 13 years or older charged with committing a class A felony a class B felony resulting in death, a violent sexual assault or a violent crime involving use of a firearm Require juvenile matters be adjudicated in the district where the crime is alleged to have been committed Require the state Judicial Department to report about its many juvenile diversionary programs, including an overview of each particular program, its costs, as well as its success in reducing recidivism Register to Testify Monday’s PUBLIC HEARING is your chance to tell the legislature your story and let them know what you want to see changed! Registration will close on Sunday, March 13, 2022 at 3 p.m.  JUDICIARY COMMITTEE MONDAY, MARCH 14, 2022 The Judiciary Committee will hold a public hearing on Monday, March 14, 2022 at 10 a.m. via Zoom. The public hearing can be viewed via YouTubeLive. In addition, the public hearing may be recorded and broadcast live on CT-N.com. Individuals who wish to testify via Zoom must register using the On-line Testimony Registration Form. Registration will close on Sunday, March 13, 2022 at 3 p.m. Speaker order of approved registrants will be posted on the Judiciary Committee website on Sunday, March 13, 2022 at 6 p.m. under Public Hearing Testimony. If you do not have internet access, you may provide testimony via telephone.  To register to testify by phone, call the Phone Registrant Line at (860) 240-5255 to leave your contact information. Please email written testimony in Word or PDF format to JUDtestimony@cga.ct.gov. Testimony should clearly state testifier name and related Bills.  The Committee requests that testimony be limited to matters related to the items on the Agenda. Speakers will be limited to three minutes of testimony.  The Committee encourages witnesses to submit a written statement and to condense oral testimony to a summary of that statement.  All public hearing testimony, written and spoken, is public information. As such, it may be made available on the Judiciary Committee's website and indexed by internet search engines. Sincerely,

Rochelle to hold virtual office hours Monday

Democrat State Rep. Kara Rochelle represents the 104th District.

Klarides not seeking re-election for a 12th term in state legislature

Shared from the Valley Independent Sentinel:

DERBY - The following press release was sent by Connecticut House Republicans:

State Rep. Themis Klarides

House Republican Leader Themis Klarides, the first woman to lead the Republican caucus in Connecticut, and who has served for 22 years in the state legislature, today [Tuesday] announced that she will not seek re-election for a 12th term in the General Assembly this November.

Klarides, elected in 1998, (R-114, Derby, Woodbridge and Orange) said it was a combination of personal and professional considerations that led to her decision, one that she has agonized over for months.

“This is truly a citizen legislature and we are blessed to serve those that bestow their trust in us. I have tried to live up to those expectations every day for the last 22 years.

“Times change and we have to move on and make decisions about balancing life and how we can best serve those that rely on us,’’ Klarides said. “This is the end of an extremely fulfilling and challenging chapter in my life. But anyone who knows me understands that my commitment to public service is ongoing.

Klarides thanked all the current and former colleagues that she has served with, Republicans and Democrats. She is most proud on a statewide level of her support for taxpayer issues and opposition, most recently, to the implementation of tolls. Locally, her commitment to charities and non-profit organizations has been a priority.

Klarides said she will continue to work with her colleagues for the rest of the term in office to get the state back up and running.

“Government must respond to those who need it most in this time of crisis: the workers who find themselves unemployed, our seniors and first responders who sacrifice daily. We must help them so that they, in turn, can care for their loved ones. I commit to continuing to work to find solutions and common ground that make sense for the taxpayers who ultimately will have to foot the bill,’’ Klarides said.

She also cited some other accomplishments during her tenure in office:

• Passage in 2017 of the bipartisan budget after a 10-month impasse that did not raise taxes and put in place significant spending and borrowing caps that stabilized the state budget;

• Her longstanding commitment to women’s health issues and healthcare, including expanded insurance coverage of breast care treatment and awareness.

• Support for victims’ rights, including domestic violence, drunk driving and anti-voyeurism laws.
• 
  

Newsletter features disability advocates seeking restoration of state funds

Dear readers,

Today's Valley Voice newsletter features Ralph's story about disability advocates who attended a hearing Wednesday at the Legislative Office Building, and more.

Thanks for reading,

Patti

Klarides-Ditria of Seymour offers legislative session update

Dear Neighbors,

We officially started the 2018 legislative session last week. 

Please watch this brief update from my office in Hartford:

https://www.facebook.com/REPNKD/videos/1609454832441826/

As always, please feel free to contact me at 860-240-8700 or by email at Nicole.Klarides-Ditria@housegop.ct.gov.

Sincerely,

State Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria

Gentile to step down from post as state representative in 104th District

State Rep. Linda M. Gentile, D-Ansonia, today announced retirement from her position as state representative for the 104th District.  

Elected for the first time in 2004, Gentile will be serving her seventh and final term. She was re-elected in 2016.

State Rep. Linda M. Gentile

Gentile issued the following statement:

“After much thought, careful consideration and discussion with family, it is with mixed emotions that I am announcing my retirement from the position that I have held for the past 14 years, State Representative for the 104^th District.  

"I have decided that it is time for me to move on to the next chapter of my life. Although I will not be seeking re-election for a job that I have loved, working for the communities and people that I love even more, it does not necessarily mean that I will be fading away forever. My intention is to remain active, albeit on a much smaller scale. I would like the opportunity to spend more time traveling and making memories with my family and friends, and do all of the things that I have not been able to do as much as I would like to because of my public service responsibilities.

"I have worked hard to make a positive difference for all of the people who live in the wonderful small cities of Ansonia and Derby. I am hopeful that as I leave, I have accomplished my goal and I am leaving a legacy that will make my family proud. Those that know me best know that I have a top five list of reasons for doing this job and leading by example. That top five list, is of course, my grandchildren.

"Just recently, I was looking at family pictures and campaign memorabilia. When I first ran for this position, I was much younger, much thinner, and had no grandchildren. I look at my life now and I realize that it is time. It is time to step back and enjoy the extra time that I will have with John, who has been by my side every step of the way, Jonathan and Sarah and Sarah and Chris, who have lovingly supported me from the beginning, and my grandkids.  I hope that I have inspired them to be independent and strong, treat all people with dignity and respect, and to work hard for what they believe is right and just.

"I may, at some point, look for a new opportunity but as I said previously, it is time.  It is time to move on and give someone else a chance. It is my belief that it must be someone with a great deal of energy, passion, and understanding. It takes much energy to do the job effectively on a daily basis and great passion for, and understanding of the issues facing the communities. It requires someone who will embrace and fight for all of the democratic principles that we hold so dear. 

"It has been an honor and privilege to serve all of the good people of the district. It is something that I will always hold dear to my heart. I will always be grateful for the support and friendship that so many have given me over the years. 

"May God bless you all and may 2018 bring all of us good health, much happiness, and new hope for a decisive democratic victory!”

This is a press release from Gentile's office.

  

Gentile named to state legislator committees

State Rep. Linda M. Gentile

HARTFORD - State Rep. Linda M. Gentile, D-Ansonia, Derby, has been appointed to the newly formed State Coordinators Committee of National Conference of State Legislators by Speaker of the House Joe Aresimowicz, D-Berlin/Southington. Aresimowicz also appointed Gentile to the Labor & Economic Development Committee of NCSL.

"I am grateful for Speaker Aresimowicz's confidence in my leadership and organizational skills and I am honored to be his appointment on these important and busy committees,” Gentile said. “I look forward to this new challenge. NCSL is a premier organization that provides valuable research and legislative information to legislators from all major parties all over the country."

“I’m so glad Representative Gentile has accepted this appointment,” said Aresimowicz. “Linda is extremely hardworking and well respected by her peers. With her many years of experience as a legislator she has a wide array of knowledge about the legislative process and is a strong leader. I know she will be an asset to this committee.”

In her role as a State Coordinator, Gentile will work closely with the administration and staff of NCSL to promote the committee’s mission to fellow legislators in Connecticut as well as legislators in other states in the Northeast.  

The NCSL’s mission is to improve the quality and effectiveness of state legislatures, to promote policy innovation and communication among state legislatures, and to ensure the state legislature remains a strong, cohesive voice in the federal system.

This newly created leadership role is essential in strengthening NCSL’s work in states across the country.

As part of her new role, Gentile will be developing legislative leaders from both parties, providing them with knowledge on how to access NCSL’s research, training services, and website. 

She will additionally be giving legislators in and out of state a better understanding of all the standing committees, including the Labor and Economic Development Committee, as well as policy process.  

Gentile will be attending the NCSL Capitol Forum in San Diego, California from Dec. 10-13 with travel and conference attendance being paid for by scholarship and personal funds. The Capitol Forum is where legislators and staff together to tackle critical state-federal issues, gain insight from national experts, and work with committees to craft the States’ Agenda.

This is a press release from Gentile's office.

Klarides-Ditria lauds passage of state budget

Dear Neighbors,

After 117 days, the Connecticut General Assembly has passed another bipartisan budget, this time by a wide 126-23 margin in the House of Representatives and a 33-3 margin in the state Senate. 

I supported this broad, bipartisan agreement, and the large majority of votes from both parties indicates the likelihood of a veto override if the Governor once again vetoes the budget.

We were able to close a massive $3.5 billion deficit with only about 1 percemt of total revenue resulting from tax and fee policy changes. 

Although the SEBAC union agreement approved by the majority party in July deeply constrained our abilities to reduce spending, we were able to reduce non-contractual spending in many areas of the budget while protecting services for those most vulnerable in our community, including individuals with intellectual disabilities, working families, and seniors. 

The budget also reduces overall bond authorizations, helping to control debt service spending for years to come.

Importantly, the budget features a variety of long-lasting spending constraints:

• Finally after 25+ years, it implements an effective constitutional cap on state spending;
• An annual bonding cap of $1.9 billion in borrowing, a half billion less than what Governor Malloy approved to put on the state's credit card last year;
• A revenue cap that prevents the state from spending all the money it expects to take in annually;
• A volatility cap that will automatically send any excess revenue to the Budget Reserve Fund and help fund pension and debt service liabilities.

The budget also provides for tax relief by phasing in tax reductions for Social Security income, pension, and annuity income, and gift and estate taxes for many residents across our state.

Additionally, this budget does not include the large tax increases that were previously proposed by Gov. Malloy and the majority party, including proposed hikes to the income tax, sales tax, and hotel tax or new taxes on cell phone bills, homeowners insurance polices, restaurants, or investment properties. 
It also does not eliminate the car tax as once proposed.

As with any budget, however, it is not perfect. There are minimal revenue increases, reductions to energy efficiency programs, and greater contributions by teachers towards their pensions, which will go to their pensions - Not the General Fund. I do, however, feel that the good achieved by this budget far outweighs the tough decisions made to help balance it.

For more information on the bipartisan budget, visit cthousegop.com/budget.

As always, if you have questions or concerns, feel free to reach me at 860-240-8700 or Nicole-Klarides-Ditria@housegop.ct.gov.

Sincerely,

State Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditria 

Ansonia legislator retains leadership post in state House

Linda M. Gentile

HARTFORD - State Rep. Linda M. Gentile, D-Derby/Ansonia, has her 2017 legislative committee assignments.  

The committees are: Commerce, Higher Education & Employment Advancement, and Planning & Development.

“I am looking forward to continuing my work in the area of Brownfields and economic development on Commerce,” Gentile said.  

She added, “I’m excited to be back with P&D where I will seek sensible regional efficiencies that reduce costs for local cities and towns.  

"And my reappointment to Higher Education gives me the chance to guide the realignment of our community college system, ensuring that our young people are better prepared for the workplace upon graduation.”

In addition to Commerce, Higher Education, and P&D, Gentile’s duties include work on the Joint Legislative Management Committee.  

And, Gentile retains the title and responsibilities of Deputy House Speaker.

House Speaker Joe Aresimowicz and House Majority Leader Matt Ritter announced the committee assignments Friday.


This is a press release from Gentile's office.

Crisco pens farewell column, thanks constituents

By Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. 

I would like to thank my constituents for the privilege of serving as your state Senator for the past 24 years.

As I write this, the start of the 2017 legislative session is just one week away. But for the first time, I will not be there.

I was first elected to the state Senate in 1992, a Wilbur Cross High School and UConn grad who spent most of my life commuting back and forth from the Valley to my day job as director of government affairs for the United Technologies Corp.

Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. 

There are all kinds of ways to serve your fellow man: for a long time I took a lot of pride in my athletic accomplishments on the football field at Wilbur Cross and UConn. 
Teamwork and dedication, win or lose, were the hallmarks of my youth, and they instilled in me a spirit of effort and compromise, of commitment and acceptance.

There really is no better place to spend your time than in the General Assembly. I really consider it my second home. 
The staff and the other legislators become your second family; you rely on them for advice, and for comfort, for support, and you come to trust their judgment. You have to, because there are so many important issues that we deal with.

I had been in the legislature just six years when I struck on the idea of creating a ‘Family Day’ in Connecticut to celebrate what I think is the most important teacher of individual responsibility and morality. As the father of six and the grandfather of 18, I honestly believe that.

I was happy to launch the Connecticut Hall of Fame in 2006 to recognize all the famous and productive people who have called Connecticut their home. Katherine Hepburn, Mark Twain, and Igor Sikorsky were the first three inductees.

Along the way I kept the annual 17^th District Senior fair going on at Warsaw Park in Ansonia. I was happy to sponsor the annual Young Women in Technology Expo to help introduce 7^th-grade girls to the types of careers you might find at UTC or any of the other high-tech companies now located throughout Connecticut. 

There were state grants, too, for the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center and the Sterling Opera House in Derby, for athletic fields and libraries, animal shelters and affordable housing and recreational trails. I worked with area legislators to help keep the Troop I Barracks in Bethany.

I used my position as chairman of the Insurance Committee to fight for better patient care, especially when it came to women’s breast cancer. 
I was so happy to be introduced to Dr. Nancy Cappello, because we had a years-long partnership working to improve health insurance coverage for women’s breast exams, which led to the legislature’s passage of the ‘dense breast tissue’ and breast MRI bills which have undoubtedly saved many lives here in Connecticut, throughout the nation and the world. 
This has become even more of a personal issue for me now that my wife is undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

My concern for the health and welfare of Connecticut’s residents is also reflected in my creation of the Biomedical Research Fund, which has awarded millions of dollars over the years to Connecticut-based researchers doing work in heart disease, cancer, smoking-related illnesses, Alzheimer’s, stroke, and diabetes. 
Just two months ago I was at Griffin Hospital in Derby to celebrate $1.3 million to be used for research at Griffin’s Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Center.

Everything I’ve done in my life has been in that spirit of teamwork and dedication, win or lose, showing effort and commitment whether it be in a practice or the big game. 
I’m so happy to have fought and won for you, and to have had your support and your trust for so many years. 

It is my sincerest hope that the work I have done will live on for years to come, doing good, and that you and your families have a wonderful New Year, this year and for our future to come.  


Crisco, a Democrat, is a Woodbridge resident.

Chamber of Commerce to host Economic Outlook 2016 breakfast in Shelton

Conroy: Dems restore state funding to Griffin Hospital in Derby

HARTFORD - State Rep. Theresa Conroy, D-Seymour, Beacon Falls, Derby today announced Democrats in the General Assembly have restored significant funding to the state’s hospitals, including $3.5 million in funding for Griffin Hospital in Derby. 

Theresa Conroy

The legislature met in special session Tuesday night to approve a package of spending cuts and reforms to close a deficit in the current year’s state budget. 
Included in the package is the restoration of approximately $50 million in hospital funds.

“On September 23, I pledged to fight Governor Malloy’s cuts to Griffin Hospital; in October we secured funding for small hospitals; and now the legislature approved a budget reform package that restores $3.5 million of the Governor’s cuts to Griffin,” Conroy said.

In June of this year, Legislative Democrats approved a state budget that included $4.8 million for Griffin Hospital. In September, Gov. Dannel Malloy unveiled a package of budget rescissions that included up to $84 million in cuts to hospitals and reduced Griffin’s state funding to $1.2 million. 

Conroy worked to ease the impact to Griffin Hospital and by early October, Malloy agreed to restore $14.1 million to the state’s small hospitals. 

Last night, the Legislative Democrats approved a bill that restored funding for Griffin to $4.72 million.

“We appreciate Rep. Conroy’s continued advocacy on behalf of Griffin Hospital,” said Patrick Charmel, Griffin Hospital President and CEO. 

“The reduction in the Governor’s rescission cuts contained in the legislation passed today will help to preserve Griffin’s ability to fulfill its care giving mission.”

“This week in 1909, Griffin Hospital opened a 24-bed hospital on Seymour Avenue in Derby,” Conroy said. 
“The first patient was admitted on Dec. 9 where the price was 31 cents a day. The Connecticut General Assembly has always had a part in the history of Griffin, from granting the charter in June 1901 to today – ensuring that we maintain funding to keep this great institution in the Valley to serve our residents.”

This is a press release from the office of Connecticut Democrats.

Seymour police sergeant wins recognition

Seymour Police Sgt. Stephen M. Prajer, center, received a citation Monday from the state legislature congratulating him on his accomplishments at a recent 10-week training program in Nashville, Tenn. Presenting the citation to him are state Sen. Kevin Kelly, R-Stratford, left, and state Sen. Rob Kane, R-Watertown. A ceremony was held at Seymour Police headquarters.

Stay tuned for a story in the Valley Independent Sentinel.

Conroy of Seymour appointed to Medicaid oversight council

HARTFORD - House Majority Leader Joe Aresimowicz, D-Berlin, has appointed state Rep. Theresa Conroy, D-Seymour, to the state Council on Medical Assistance Program Oversight as an advocate for persons with substance abuse disabilities.

“Theresa Conroy is a strong advocate for individuals and families that are struggling with the disease of addiction,” Aresimowicz said. 

“She is one of the first state policy-makers to face the state’s opioid epidemic head on and will be a great addition to the council.”

“I want to thank Majority Leader Aresimowicz for this new challenge,” Conroy said. “Making sure all Connecticut residents who are insured through Medicaid Managed Care have access to quality care is an important goal.”

The Council on Medical Assistance Program was established under Connecticut statute (CGS 17b-28) as a collaborative body consisting of legislators, Medicaid consumers, advocates, health care providers, insurers and state agencies to advise DSS on the development of Connecticut's Medicaid Managed Care program and for legislative and public input to monitor the implementation of the program.

Due to the large volume of work the Council addresses, committees have been established – Complex Care, Consumer Access, Quality Improvement, Women's Health, and Care Management. 

The full Council and each committee meet once a month. The Council holds public hearings, issues surveys and holds provider forums to assess the impact of Medicaid Managed Care.

The next meeting of the full Council on Medical Assistance Program is at 9:30 a.m. Sept. 18, in Room 1-E of the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.

This is a press release from Conroy's office. 

Crisco, state Dems go to bat for returning women vets

HARTFORD - State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr., D-Woodbridge, and Senate Democrats led passage this week of Senate Bill 904, An Act Establishing the Connecticut Women Veterans’ Program.  

Joseph J. Crisco

“The support system that currently exists for our returning military personnel is not adequately meeting the needs of our women veterans,” Crisco said. 
“This bill calls for a common sense review of the services we currently provide and will help us to identify those areas that need improvement. It’s time for us to take action.”

S.B. 904 requires the state Department of Veterans’ Affairs to establish, within available resources, a program that will reach out to women veterans to improve their awareness of federal and state veterans’ benefits and services eligibility. 

Additionally the bill calls for an assessment of women veterans’ needs for benefits and services and a review of programs, research projects and other initiatives designed to address or meet Connecticut women veterans’ needs.

The results of the assessments and reviews will be incorporated into the strategic planning for benefits and services offered to women veterans.

“As our military missions in Iraq and Afghanistan wind down and end, members of the armed forces are returning home and readjusting to civilian life,” said Senate President Martin M. Looney, D-New Haven. “More than in past military conflicts, many of these returning veterans are women, who will need support just like the men they served alongside. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 16,545 women veterans live in Connecticut. Female veterans struggle with issues ranging from unemployment, homelessness, mental health and other issues.

State Sen. Mae Flexer, D-Killingly, who is Senate Chair of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, said the number of women veterans in Connecticut and America is increasing and is now the fastest-growing segment of the veteran community.

“More and more women are veterans, and we have to ensure that the programs we have in place actually meet the needs of women veterans, understanding their needs are different from men,” Flexer said. “We cannot assume that a program that works for male veterans will work exactly the same for female veterans.”

“I was one of those veterans who didn’t realize that I was a veteran until 20 years after leaving the military when I needed services,” said Jackie Evonsion, Department Historian and Women Veterans’ Outreach Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of Connecticut. 
“Now, working with female veterans, I have realized that we really need to reach out to inform them of the benefits that they are eligible for and that the facilities that we do have are safe and female-friendly. I am happy that this legislation helps to create a dialogue about female veterans’ needs and shows that they are important to Connecticut policymakers.”

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs, the average age of a female veteran (in 2009) was 48 years old, compared to 63 years old for men. 
In 2010, PTSD, hypertension and depression were the top three diagnostic categories for women veterans, and about one in five women veterans seen by the Veterans Health Administration respond ‘yes’ when screened for military sexual trauma. 

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, women veterans are at least as likely as non-veteran women to have young children. 

Nearly 84 percent of female veterans are of working age (17-64 years old) compared to 55 percent of male veterans, and a greater share of women veterans work in management and professional occupations compared to male veterans or non-veterans of either gender.


This is a press release from Crisco's office.