LETTER: David Alexander Supports Veterans

I write in support of David Alexander’s reelection as the State Representative for the 58th District. As a retired Army National Guard Sergeant First Class Combat Veteran, I believe strongly in supporting Connecticut’s veterans, and there is no better advocate for Veterans than David.

In 2014 David pushed for the passage of a Veterans Jobs Bill that became known as one of the most successful Veterans employment laws in the nation. This legislation allows returning Veterans to utilize licenses and credentials that they earned in the military when applying for licenses and credentials in the civilian sector. This law also requires Connecticut state universities to accept academic course credit that Veterans earned while on active duty. In 2015 David convinced the Co-Chairs of the Finance Committee to make military pensions exempt from state income taxation. David successfully argued to them that many Connecticut Veterans with military pensions were moving to Massachusetts and New York for their retirement due to the fact that those states did not tax military pensions. Finally, this past year David successfully fought Governor Malloy and legislative leaders in their attempt to eliminate funding for Connecticut’s Military Funeral Honors Program. Funding for this program allows for a small monetary stipend for members of a bona fide Veterans service organization to provide a rifle detail and the playing of “Taps” at the graveside during a Veteran’s burial. Connecticut should take pride in the fact that it is one of a few states that provides this progressively focused honor for our Veterans.

As a prior Marine Corps Officer, David understands why it is important for Connecticut to support our Veterans. Next year he intends to continue fighting for Connecticut Veterans as a member of the Veterans Affairs Committee. In particular, David intends to fight for the creation of a statewide Veterans Treatment Court to help Veterans with minor criminal issues. These types of courts have been very successful in states such as New York, Texas and California.

Please support my friend and fellow Veteran David Alexander for his reelection as the State Representative for the 58th District. David has a wonderful track record of standing up for Connecticut Veterans, and the 58th District should stand in support of his reelection.

Liz Davis
Chair, Enfield Democratic Town Committee

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