GOV. MALLOY, LT. GOV. WYMAN LAUNCH VETERANS.CT.GOV TO BETTER DIRECT MILITARY VETERANS TO STATE SERVICES and BENEFITS

Administration Also Creates State's First Veterans Cabinet to Coordinate Services

(HARTFORD, CT) - Governor Dannel P. Malloy and Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman today unveiled a new state website created to give military veterans one-stop access to the wide range of veterans' services and benefits offered by the state and federal government agencies.

The website - www.veterans.ct.gov - will link veterans and their families to other state and federal agencies offering services in areas such as employment and job training, health care and education.

The announcement was made at Tunxis Community College's Veterans Oasis Center, a dedicated space on campus for veterans and active military service men and women to study, network and socialize as they integrate into the college experience.

"Since becoming Governor, one of my greatest honors has been to interact with service men and women both when they leave for active duty and when they return," Governor Malloy said. "With two wars winding down, we have a responsibility to make sure that state government is in a position to honor their service. Creating a one-stop resource for veterans to access benefits and services is a small but important step in that effort."

For example, the website will contain information about the Governor's directive to agency heads to make every effort to interview qualified veterans for approved positions where appropriate.

"We expect about 7,000 veterans to return to Connecticut over the next two years and I strongly believe the state must do everything in its power to help them transition back to civilian life," Lieutenant Governor Wyman said. "Deployment for these brave men and women means many months away from their homes, their families and their jobs. It is our obligation to honor that sacrifice by supporting them and their families - and this website and the Cabinet will help do just that."

Governor Malloy and Lt. Governor Wyman today also announced the creation of the 14-member Governor's Veterans Cabinet, which they will co-chair. Composed of relevant agency commissioners and other executive branch representatives, the cabinet will meet periodically to report progress and create strategies to improve delivery of services to veterans and their families. The cabinet also will seek input from veterans and private military-support organizations.

The members of the Governor's Veterans Cabinet are:

• Governor Dannel P. Malloy - Co-Chair
• Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman - Co-Chair
• Adjutant General, Connecticut National Guard
• Commissioner, Department of Veterans Affairs
• Commissioner, Department of Labor
• Commissioner, Department Mental Health & Addiction Services
• Commissioner, Department Revenue Services
• Commissioner, Department of Motor Vehicles
• Commissioner, Department of Administrative Services
• Commissioner, Department of Public Health
• Commissioner, Department of Social Services
• Commissioner, Department of Banking
• President, Board of Regents
• Executive Director, Office of Military Affairs

In April, Governor Malloy issued a directive to the heads of each state agency instructing them to consider hiring and recruiting veterans who have recently returned from military service or will be returning in the near future and are looking for employment. In addition, the bipartisan Jobs Bill approved by the state legislature and signed into law by Governor Malloy in October 2011 includes a $900 incentive to employers for each veteran they hire.

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