Fairfield Rep. Devlin Votes Against Gov. Malloy Budget Recommendations

Trumbull State Rep. Laura Devlin voted against legislation that would cut more than $469,000 to the state Military Department’s honor guard that provides honor services at the funerals of veterans.

“There is no way I could support slashing this important honor for our veterans. I completely understand the difficult budget crisis we are facing, and that certain budget reductions are going to be necessary,” Devlin said. “But this attempt to diminish the honors earned by the men and women who risk their lives to protect our country cannot stand.”

The bill, An Act Implementing The Budget Recommendations of The Governor Concerning General Government passed the committee in a 9 to 6 vote and now moves onto the appropriations committee.

Under federal law any active duty or military veterans who have finished service with anything but dishonorable discharge are entitled to military funeral honors. Two armed forces personnel, at least one of which from the veteran’s parent military branch can be present at funerals. It includes the playing of Taps and the folding of the American flag which is presented to the veteran’s next of kin.

The cut proposed in Gov. Dannel Malloy’s budget would cut funds used to supplement military funeral honors with rifle teams.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Connecticut Commander Gregory Smith called the proposed cut a violation of state statute.

“The over 30,000 members of the Department of Connecticut Veterans of Foreign Wars and its Auxiliaries expect the governor and our representatives in the General Assembly to live up to the full letter and intent of State Statute 27-76,” he said in a statement.