Connecticut House Bill HB05348

Connecticut 2016 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/18/16
• Refer: 2/18/16

Caption

An Act Strengthening Collaboration And Coordination Among The Department Of Veterans' Affairs, Other State Agencies And Municipalities Based On A Program Review And Investigation Committee Study.

Impact

If enacted, HB 05348 would streamline communication between state agencies like the Department of Veterans' Affairs, the Labor Department, and Social Services. It mandates a review of services provided to veterans by these agencies and offers recommendations for improvements, including potential administrative consolidations. This is expected to create a more coherent framework for delivering necessary services to veterans, which could lead to improved outcomes for this group.

Summary

House Bill 05348 aims to enhance the collaboration and coordination among the Department of Veterans' Affairs, other state agencies, and municipalities. Introduced by the Program Review and Investigations Committee, this bill responds to a study that identified ways to improve how services are delivered to veterans. A key component of the bill is the establishment of local veterans' advisory committees, which can be formed by municipalities to better address the needs and concerns of veterans and their families within their jurisdictions.

Contention

While the intent of the bill is generally regarded as positive, there could be points of contention regarding the creation of local advisory committees. Critics may argue that local governments already face budget constraints, and additional layers of bureaucracy may be seen as inefficient. Moreover, the requirement for these committees to be established could lead to disparities in how veterans' services are delivered depending on the resources and commitment of local municipalities.