Connecticut Senate Bill SB01130

Connecticut 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/23/23
• Refer: 2/23/23

Caption

An Act Concerning A Military Occupational Specialty Working Group And A Grant Program For The Reimbursement Of Certain Licensing, Certification, Registration Or Tuition Fees.

Impact

The bill also introduces a grant program that provides reimbursement for specific expenses related to licensure, certification, registration, and tuition fees for veterans and those sponsoring their apprenticeship programs. This financial support is intended to alleviate the financial burdens veterans face when navigating certification processes in their respective fields, ultimately supporting their transitions into the civilian workforce. The funding allocated for this grant program is set at $100,000 for the 2024 fiscal year, highlighting a tangible commitment to assist veterans.

Summary

SB01130 establishes a working group aimed at revisiting the findings of the military occupational specialty task force and evaluating past legislative actions that were designed to enhance employment opportunities for veterans. This initiative comes in response to the need for continuous support and improvement of programs that assist veterans in securing gainful employment in various vocational fields. The bill mandates that the working group convene and report its findings by January 1, 2024, thereby ensuring timely assessments and recommendations are made.

Contention

While there is broad support for the measures aimed at improving veteran employment and educational access, some stakeholders may express concern regarding the adequacy of the funding and the potential bureaucratic hurdles in accessing the grant. The effectiveness of the working group in addressing the concerns of veterans in a timely manner may also be scrutinized, particularly if the previous measures from the military occupational specialty task force are perceived as insufficiently impactful. Thus, ongoing dialogue among lawmakers, veterans' advocates, and stakeholders will be crucial as these initiatives unfold.