State Senator Michael McLachlan Testifies in Support of Housing Assistance for Veterans

Hartford, CT – State Senator Michael McLachlan (R-Danbury) testified today before the General Assembly’s Housing Committee in support of SB 240: An Act Concerning Housing Assistance for Veterans. Senator McLachlan proposed the bill at the beginning of this year’s legislative session. The bill would provide a preference for veterans in any state program providing affordable or subsidized housing.

In his testimony today, Senator McLachlan pointed to the many changes in the treatment of veterans since World War II. “Veterans returning home from WWII faced many challenges finding affordable housing,” said Senator McLachlan. “But a responsive government stepped in and helped them get back on their feet after serving their country. Over 60 years later, many of the assistance programs for veterans have fallen by the wayside. This bill will address that injustice by allowing us to provide a preference to the men and women who have so bravely and selflessly answered the call to serve.”

Senator McLachlan has a strong record of support for Connecticut’s veterans. He has spent the past several years as a member of the Danbury Housing Partnership working on a new initiative called “Housing for Heroes.” The program is a partnership between the Veterans Administration, the Welfare Department, the Danbury Housing Authority and Catholic Charities. The program provides transitional, and ultimately permanent, housing opportunities for veterans in Connecticut.

“Our veterans are a national treasure and a tribute to the very best of the American spirit,” said Senator McLachlan. “Providing care for those who have given so much for this country should be a priority for government and I hope the Housing Committee moves this bill forward and gives the General Assembly a chance to make it law.”