Press Releases
August 25, 2014
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GOVERNOR MALLOY CREATES NEW WORKING GROUP TO REIMAGINE ROCKY HILL VETERAN FACILITY
Group will Help Achieve Governor's Goal of Ending Veteran Homelessness by 2015
(HARTFORD, CT) - Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that he has asked Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman to head up an advisory group to plan and determine the best state programs and the most effective use of the Department of Veterans Affairs Rocky Hill Campus in order to support Connecticut's at-risk veterans' population. The group is expected to hold its first meeting in September.
"For decades, Nancy Wyman has been committed to ensuring that our veterans are treated with the utmost respect and dignity, expand affordable housing options and improve access to the support services and employment opportunities they deserve," said Governor Malloy. "Nancy has played an integral role in some of the most important endeavors this administration has pursued in regard to our veterans, and I know that the Lieutenant Governor will bring her usual dedication and tenacity to our review of the use of the grounds at Rocky Hill."
In connection with the Governor's commitment to eliminate chronic homelessness among veterans, the state budget provides $500,000 in funding to perform a capital needs assessment of the Rocky Hill campus, including a feasibility study for additional veterans housing at the Rocky Hill Campus such as the demolition of vacant buildings or those that are appropriate for adaptive re-use.
"This Administration has demonstrated its' strong commitment to improving the education, health, housing, and employment opportunities for our veterans," said Lt. Governor Wyman. "The Department of Veterans Affairs Rocky Hill Campus is a critical component in this effort. I am honored that Governor Malloy has asked me to lead this review and look forward to working with Commissioner Schwartz and the team we've assembled. Working together, we can not only eliminate homelessness among veterans, but make sure that we're giving all of our veterans the tools and the support they need to be successful here in Connecticut."
Commissioner Linda Schwartz welcomed the news of the Lt. Governor's appointment. "Nancy Wyman will bring focus, compassion and a deep understanding of the issues that veterans and their families face. I look forward to working with her on this important initiative," said Commissioner Schwartz.
In addition to Lieutenant Governor Wyman, the Governor's planning group for the Department of Veterans Affairs Rocky Hill Campus will include:
· Commissioner Linda Schwartz
· Betsy Crum, CT Housing Coalition
· Daniel McHale, US Army
· Commissioner Evonne Klein, Department of Housing
· Greg Behrman, CT Heroes Project
· Frank Alvarado, Veterans Affairs Officer Small Business Administration
· Dr. David Rosenthal , Federal VA
· Margaret Middleton, Executive Director of the CT Veterans Legal Center
· Michael Thomas, Veteran and Small Business Owner
· Terry Brennan, Director Veterans Workforce Development, State Department of Labor
· Luke Bronin, General Counsel to Governor Malloy and a veteran
· Lisa Tepper Bates, Executive Director of the CT Coalition to End Homelessness
All of the current members of the Department of Veterans Affairs' Board of Trustees will also be invited to participate. Current board members include:
· John G. Chiarella Sr., Waterbury
· Hasty Foreman, West Haven
· Anthony J. Gaunichaux Sr., Middletown
· Paul Tarbox, Orange
· Judith A. Torpey, Wethersfield
· Richard Twilley, Esq., Hartford
· Robert A. Wamester, Middletown
· Lenell Kittlitz, Rocky Hill
· Steven M. Harris, Hartford
· Rebecca Wareing, Hartford
· Richard Benson, Berlin
· John G. Casey Jr., Groton
· Frederick Leaf, Esq., North Haven
· William Rodgers, Newtown
· Harvey Gemme, Enfield
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For Immediate Release: August 25, 2014
CONTACT
Peter Yazbak
860-524-7362 (office)
860-985-5528 (cell)
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