Sen. Kissel Opposes Proposal To Cut Costs At Expense Of State’s Military Veterans

Senator John A. Kissel, R-Enfield, said he will oppose proposed legislation to cut state costs by abolishing the State Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

“I strongly oppose eliminating the Department of Veterans’ Affairs through consolidation. Connecticut is home to 305,000 military veterans and their families and the state Department of Veterans’ Affairs is responsible for helping them obtain the benefits and assistance to which they are entitled under state and federal law. I would be opposed to abolishing this state agency at any time, but it strikes me as especially disconcerting at a time when our country is sending military personnel into harm’s way in Afghanistan and considering launching a war against Iraq,” said Senator Kissel.

Senator Kissel was reacting to legislation introduced by Senate President Pro Tempore Kevin Sullivan, D-West Hartford, to cut costs by eliminating and merging certain state agencies. Among other things, the proposed legislation calls for eliminating the state Department of Veterans’ Affairs and assigning its functions to the Soldiers’, Sailors’ and Marines’ Fund, which is administered for the state by the American Legion.

“The Soldiers’, Sailors’ and Marines’ Fund does a tremendous amount of good for Connecticut’s veterans. But, most of the work done on behalf of the Fund is done by volunteers. Besides helping veterans and their families secure benefits, the state Department of Veterans’ Affairs operates a home and hospital and several related programs. While, volunteers are important to the state Department of Veterans’ Affairs as well, I do not think it is realistic to expect the Soldiers’ Sailors’ and Marines’ Fund to assume all the responsibilities of the state Department of Veterans’ Affairs,” said Senator Kissel.

Senator Kissel said that he is not necessarily opposed to considering all proposals to cut state costs by eliminating and consolidating certain state agencies.

“Consolidating Banking with Insurance or Agriculture with Consumer Protection seems to have a lot of merit, and notions like that can save millions. But I really believe we owe a special debt to our veterans and hopefully we will keep the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the Soldiers’, Sailors’ and Marines’ Fund separate, solid and secure,” Senator Kissel said.