Rep. Boyd Named House Chair of Veterans Affairs Committee
Speaker of the House-designate Matt Ritter (D – Hartford) and House Majority Leader Jason Rojas (D – East Hartford, Manchester) have appointed me House Chair of the legislature's Committee on Veterans' Affairs for the 2021 legislative session which convenes January 6, 2021.
"Pat continues to be a strong voice for military members and veterans across the state. I am confident his experience and focus will drive legislation that enhances their quality of life. I look forward to working with him during the upcoming legislative session," said Speaker-designate Ritter.
“Rep. Boyd is a dedicated public servant and remains deeply committed to our state’s military and veterans. Rep. Boyd has cultivated meaningful relationships with veterans and service members across the state and has developed a keen understanding of the issues this community faces,” said Majority Leader Rojas. “As Vice-Chair of the Committee, Rep. Boyd has been a thoughtful and diligent advocate for veterans and our active duty military. I am pleased that he will serve as House Chair of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee.”
I am honored and grateful to have the opportunity to serve our state's veterans and service members in this new role. Our state's military personnel have dedicated and sacrificed so much in the line of duty. I am eager to get to work on legislation that improves their lives here in Connecticut.
As current Vice-Chair of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I have championed legislation benefiting the state’s service members, veterans and their families.
During the 2019 session, the committee worked to pass legislation that granted better college access for military families stationed in Connecticut and increased the property tax exemption for certain disabled veterans and service members by $500.
In past sessions, the committee supported legislation concerning the organization of Department of Veterans’ Affairs, exempting military retirement pay from the state income tax, and prohibiting discrimination based upon an individual’s veteran status.
I am also a member of the Children’s Committee, and Public Safety and Security Committee.