Lamont Requests National Guard Extension

CONNECTICUT — Gov. Ned Lamont is requesting an extension to federal authorization for the Connecticut National Guard to assist with pandemic-related operations through June 31, 2021. He is also asking for 100 percent federal reimbursement.

“Between constructing mobile field hospitals, delivering [personal protective equipment], supporting the needs of nursing homes, and assisting the operations of testing sites, the Connecticut National Guard has been a critical component of our state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Lamont said in a statement. “And it must also be noted that the Guard’s support goes beyond assistance to state government – this authorization means it can provide assistance to our towns, cities, and health care providers to help protect our communities."

More than 1,000 Connecticut National Guardsmen and state militia members have helped build mobile field hospitals and delivered millions of pieces of PPE. They also helped inspect nursing homes across the state and collect testing kits.

President Donald Trump previously authorized the Connecticut National Guard from April 2 to Sept. 30 with a 100 percent federal reimbursement. The latest authorization goes until Dec. 31 and provides for 75 percent of costs through the federal government. Connecticut's 25 percent share is about $2.5 million to date, Lamont said in a letter to Trump.