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Middletown officials, state lawmakers support new veterans bill at Capitol

The Middletown Press - 3/12/2019

March 12-- Mar. 12--HARTFORD -- State Sens. Mary Abrams, D-Meriden, and Matt Lesser, D-Middletown, and state Rep. Quentin Phipps, D-Middletown, stood alongside Middletown military veterans as they testified in favor of a bill which would provide area veterans with new resources to benefit themselves and the local community.

Committee Bill No. 949, An Act Authorizing Bonds of the State for the Harry Ruffin, Jr. American Legion Post 206, introduced by Abrams, Lesser and Phipps, was discussed at public hearing Thursday in front of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, according to a press release.

If enacted, the bill would allow the State Bond Commission to issue bonds for the Department of Veterans Affairs, which would issue a grant to Middletown'sHarry Ruffin Jr. American Legion Post 206. Those funds would be used to create a veterans community center, a small business incubator space for veteran-owned businesses, and additional programming for veterans and their families in both Middletown and the surrounding area.

The Harry Ruffin Jr. American Legion Post 206 does not have a physical location, which would be rectified by this legislation, the release added.

Lesser and Phipps ceded their testimony time Thursday to David Roane, commander of Post 206, and Middletown Common Council Deputy Majority Leader Mary Bartolotta. Abrams, a member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, heard their testimony.

Roane said these investments in local veterans wouldn't just acknowledge the veterans' service to the country, but would provide additional support and resources for them, both with their businesses and with any challenges they may face. That would include treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder, transportation to and from medical appointments and counseling for various issues they experience in their lives, the release said.

"Military services foster a sense of common camaraderie and trust between members that usually continues after their service is completed. Veterans are also highly motivated to help a brother or sister in arms and to go above and beyond to assist because of this bond," Roane said in a prepared statement.

"The veterans who provide help gain a sense of satisfaction and knowledge that they have made a difference. The veteran who receives assistance also benefits."

"Our proposed veterans' facility and conference center will provide a one-stop resource for any needs a veteran might have. In addition, your investment today would allow us independence through the development of a conference center. Therefore, we would not need to come back yearly looking for additional funds. This is because all of the revenue generated will go back into programs and operations for veterans and their families," Roane said.

"Our goal is to generate success. Post 206 will be a welcome addition to the Westville section of Middletown, providing services for veterans in Middletown and the Greater Hartford region. Post 206 has long been without a home, and this funding for a physical location will enable greatly expanded services," Bartolotta said.

The site will be near an Army Reserve training base, which will provide a natural partnership between veterans and Post 206.

"This Legion has supported our community in numerous ways, in their volunteerism efforts, their support for their fellow veterans, their support for racial justice, social justice, economic justice has been unmistakable for years. It's long overdue to invest back into their community the way they have invested in ours," Phipps testified.

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