Call to Action: HB 5046

HB 5046, proposed by the Governor, and taken up by the Public Safety and Security Committee has the following impacts on CT.

1. Adds Police and Fire to the existing CT National Guard Tuition waiver after 5 years of service.

2. Creates a mortgage assistance program for Police and Fire if their primary dwelling is within the municipality they serve.

What it does for the CT Guard: This bill is intended to also include mandatory fees in the existing tuition waiver, both for the recently added Police and Fire members, and for CT National Guard members.

Note: The bill language as written does not remove fees, but it is the stated intent of the Governor that it should be amended to do so. Adding fees to the tuition waiver will save CT Guardsmen approximately $1.5 Million a year.

The CT Military Department and NGACT have provided edits to the Committee which we believe will be accepted.

We need you, the members of NGACT, to provide written testimony to ensure the Public Safety and Security Committee understands the importance of the fee waiver. We have written standard testimony which you can edit and submit if you so choose. You can also simply submit testimony expressing support for the bill so long as the recommended changes are implemented.

This has been the highest NGACT legislative priority for at least a decade, and we have an excellent opportunity to accomplish that goal during this legislative session. This bill is currently supported by the leadership of the Public Safety and Security Committee, The Governor’s Office, The Office of the Comptroller, The CT Military Department, Police and Fire Departments throughout the state, and NGACT. Please do your part and submit testimony this weekend.