Connecticut Builds on Benefits for Military Veterans

By Hugh McQuaid

November 11 @ 5:00 am

Seeking to give back to those who served in the United States military, Connecticut policymakers enacted several new laws this year aimed at improving the lives of veterans, including bills to streamline licensing processes and expand access to veteran plates.

One bill, which passed unanimously through the Senate and House this year, will waive state requirements for obtaining a “Q” driver’s license endorsement necessary to operate fire apparatus so long as the veteran received applicable training in the military.

This policy is designed to help veterans and servicemembers find work or service opportunities at local fire departments, while aiding those agencies in filling critical staffing shortages.

Meanwhile, another new law will help military families by entering Connecticut into the Social Work Licensure Compact, which creates an avenue for social workers to practice in participating states. This change will help members or their spouses, who often face licensure obstacles as they move from state-to-state.

Department of Defense New England Region Liaison Melissa Willette testified in support of the law when it was raised for a public hearing earlier this year. Willette said the sacrifices of military spouses often go unnoticed.

“Most of our military families rely on two incomes to meet their financial needs, and many military spouses hold professional licenses,” she said. “These professionals are disproportionately affected by state-specific licensure requirements that can cause delays and gaps in employment, especially when they are forced to relocate every few years as part of their family’s service obligation.”

Another new law will expand access to veterans’ specialty license plates and licenses to veterans of the National Guard who do not qualify for federal benefits.

These new policies and others like them complement existing Connecticut veteran benefits like a tuition waiver at public colleges and universities and a basic $1,000 property tax exemption for certain honorably discharged veterans.