Lamont: Support for Veterans on the Ballot this November

Press Release

Ned Lamont, Democratic nominee for governor, unveiled policy initiatives today that will further support Connecticut's veterans, including protecting property tax relief for veterans, supporting veteran-owned businesses and fulfilling the promise of no-cost, public higher education for veterans.

Lamont, joined by former state Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Sean Connolly, highlighted what is at stake under Republican opponent Bob Stefanowski's income tax scheme, which could cut $18 million from the state Department of Veterans Affairs, eliminate Connecticut's veterans tuition-waiver program and raise veterans' property taxes across the state.

While Lamont has a forward-looking vision, Stefanowski's income tax scheme will:

Decimate state support for veterans.

Slash property tax relief for 19,669 veterans or eliminate property tax relief entirely for 9,835 veterans.

End Military Honor Guards for veterans' funerals.

Cut state support for funerals for indigent veterans.
"Connecticut is home to more than 200,000 veterans and 30,000 veteran-owned businesses. Our veterans have served our country with courage, dignity and respect and have dedicated themselves to their community through public service. It's critical that we have the resources in place to ensure our veterans don't encounter any barriers when it comes to housing, employment or tax relief. While we have taken great strides in doing that, there is more work to do," Lamont said.

"Bob Stefanowski will raise taxes on veterans, end military honor guards and eliminate state support for funeral costs for indigent veterans. That's the reality of what his scheme does, and veterans deserve better than that," Lamont said. "The choice this November has never been clearer."

If elected, Lamont would:

Fulfill the promise of no-cost higher education for veterans, by covering fees and not just tuition for veterans going to a Connecticut community college or university.

Cut veterans' property taxes: preserving property tax relief for veterans and providing a meaningful property tax cut for everyone in Connecticut. The average beneficiary would see a $700 property tax break.

Make sure veterans and their spouses' professional licenses can cross state lines by streamlining the military spousal licensing process.

Reinvigorate programs that help returning veterans integrate into their communities and into our economy with good-paying jobs.

Support Connecticut's 30,000 veteran-owned businesses and make Connecticut a welcoming state for veterans and their families returning from service or moving here to serve.

Help veterans start more business and create jobs. Build partnerships between the state, our universities and community colleges, and veteran entrepreneurs.

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