Sen. Kissel’s Vietnam Vets Diplomas Bill Makes Progress

Sen. John A. Kissel greets a Vietnam Vet during his “Senator on Your Sidewalk” event in Suffield last year. Sen. Kissel’s proposal to honor Vietnam-era veterans who left school early to join the armed forces continues to make progress in the state legislature.

Sen. John A. Kissel applauded the Connecticut State Senate’s May 8 bipartisan approval of his proposal to honor Vietnam-era veterans who left school early to join the armed forces.

Sen. Kissel’s proposal would allow the state’s Commissioner of Education to issue an honorary high school diploma to any veteran who did not complete high school due to service in the armed forces during the Vietnam era.

“This proposal is similar to a measure I co-sponsored in 2011, which allowed boards of education to award high school diplomas to veterans of the Korean War who left school early to enlist in the armed forces in service to their country,” Sen. Kissel said. “That bill is now law, and I am hopeful that my new bill can get to the governor’s desk for his signature.”

The bill now heads to the state House of Representatives for a vote.

Sen. Kissel represents 7th Senate District towns including East Granby, Enfield, Somers, Suffield, Windsor Locks and portions of Granby and Windsor.