House Passes Bills Supporting Disabled Veterans & Seniors

April 30, 2024

The House is proud to pass a bill supporting our veterans who put their lives on the line for our freedom. I'll break down how new legislation would bring aid to our disabled heroes.

We also approved a proposal that would protect and prioritize our elderly population. Keep scrolling to find out how this measure gives seniors the attention and resources they deserve.

Armenians came to the Capitol last weekend to remember the victims of the genocide that took place there more than 100 years ago. Please read below to see pictures of the gathering.

These are the sections in today's email:

  • Supporting Our Disabled Veterans
  • Help For Our Seniors
  • Armenian Genocide Commemoration
 
Supporting Our Disabled Veterans

The House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill that I co-sponsored that would support veterans who have been disabled during service. This is a small way to say, “thank you" to our heroes.

House Bill 5491 establishes a property tax exemption for veterans who have a service-connected permanent and total disability rating as determined by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. The exemption will be used for a home that is a primary residence, but if a qualified veteran does not own a home, the exemption will apply to a single motor vehicle they own.

More than 1,200 veterans in Connecticut are totally and permanently disabled as a result of their service.

These brave men and women have spent their lives fighting to protect our freedoms. It is our turn to support them when they come home with disabilities to ensure they live with dignity and without fear of losing their home.

The bill will now go to the Senate for consideration. This year’s session ends on May 8.
 
Help For Our Seniors
As the elderly population steadily grows, there is urgency to provide resources and assistance to this community. During Monday's legislative session, we took a significant step to achieving that goal by passing House Bill 5001, a top priority for House Democrats this session.

HB 5001, which passed with bipartisan support, protects and prioritizes elderly residents in our state. This bill:

  • Makes it easier for seniors to age in place
  • Creates a nursing home database, providing consumers with an easy and reliable way to compare locations around the state
  • Establishes incentives to encourage nursing homes to improve care

I am glad to co-sponsor a bill that gives seniors the attention and resources that they deserve. The bill now moves to the Senate.
 
Armenian Genocide Commemoration
I was honored to host a moving ceremony in the House Chamber to remember the victims and honor the survivors of the Armenian genocide. From 1915 to 1923, more than 1.5 million Armenians were killed. A throng of survivors fled Europe and thousands set sail for Connecticut to be free of persecution and pursue a life of opportunity and happiness. Connecticut has and will always remain a welcoming place to the Armenian community.