Sen. Guglielmo Proposes Benefit for Families of Soldiers Killed in Iraq/Afghanistan

In a letter to the chairmen of the General Assembly’s Public Safety Committee, State Senator Tony Guglielmo, R-Stafford, is calling for the committee to raise a bill that would waive all tuition fees at state universities for families of service men and women killed in Iraq or Afghanistan. According to Sen. Guglielmo this gesture would allow a sibling or spouse of a soldier killed in action to attend one of the state’s universities free of charge.

“I am so very proud of the men and women serving our country and state in the war against terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan,” said Sen. Guglielmo. “The sacrifice these soldiers are making to defend our freedom is truly honorable. Not to be lost in their sacrifice is the effect this has upon family members.”

Sen. Guglielmo’s request comes just a week after the death of Private First Class Jeffrey F. Braun, 19, of Stafford, who died in Iraq while serving with the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division.

“I think it is a great way to honor the families of our soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice. This would be a thoughtful gesture on the part of the State of Connecticut,” said Sen. Guglielmo in his letter to Public Safety Committee Chairmen Sen. Earnest Newton, D-Bridgeport, and Rep. Steve Dargen, D-West Haven.

Being an even numbered year, the upcoming legislative session prohibits individual legislators from submitting legislation unless the item is directly related to the state budget. All other legislation must be raised through committee.