Rep. Harding Endorses Bills that Create Opportunities for Veterans

HARTFORD — Veterans of Connecticut seeking entrepreneurial and educational opportunities will directly benefit from two bills passed by the House of Representatives this week. Rep. Stephen Harding of the 107th District, who co-sponsored both proposals, commends these bills for the support they will provide to the men and women who dedicated their time, effort, privilege and safety to their country.

“Veterans deserve to receive the same service which they have already provided to us so bravely,” said Rep. Harding. “That’s why I supported these initiatives so strongly on the House Floor.”

H.B. 6375, passed on May 6, establishes a veterans-to-agriculture program that accommodates military retirees at every experience level of agricultural production – including those who have never engaged in the field. Guidance, education and training for farming and agricultural operations would be provided by the state’s agriculture department in collaboration with the departments of Veterans’ Affairs and Labor.

The bill also provides tax incentives to former military personnel who launch a new agricultural production business, or who become involved in agribusiness.

“I hope this bill sees action in the state Senate, and that our colleagues will see the positive prospects that this legislation creates,” added Rep. Harding.

S.B. 694, in addition, was passed on May 13 and would create a statewide study to evaluate and assess the success of Operation Academic Support for Incoming Service Members (OASIS). The study would identify successful programs and units of expertise, and apply them to the curricula of Connecticut’s public colleges, further improving Connecticut veterans’ college education experiences.

The state Senate in mid-April passed the bill unanimously. It now heads to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.