Connecticut Senate Bill SB00061

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/13/15
• Refer: 1/13/15

Caption

An Act Concerning Pay For Disabled Members Of The National Guard.

Impact

If passed, this legislation would have a significant impact on the pay structure for National Guard members who have been classified as partially disabled. By allowing these individuals to receive both types of compensation, the bill seeks to promote fairness and equity in military compensation practices. The bill will also necessitate changes to the existing payroll and benefits frameworks to accommodate the new rules, ensuring compliance with the amended statute for military personnel and state financial management departments.

Summary

Senate Bill 61, titled 'An Act Concerning Pay For Disabled Members Of The National Guard,' aims to amend state statutes affecting compensation for partially disabled National Guard members who are activated for duty. The bill specifies that these individuals will receive their regular service pay in addition to any disability payments they are entitled to, with a cap that prevents the combined amounts from exceeding the full amount of regular service pay. This provision is intended to ensure that disabled members are adequately compensated for their service while also recognizing their disabilities.

Contention

Potential points of contention regarding SB 61 may arise from discussions about the financial implications for state budgets, particularly regarding how the increased pay for disabled National Guard members would be funded. Critics may argue that the bill could pose a fiscal challenge, especially in times of budget constraints, while supporters emphasize the moral obligation to fairly compensate those who serve in the military and face disabilities as a result. Such debates could lead to discussions in legislative committees about the prioritization of funding for veteran-related expenditures versus other state budgetary needs.