Rell signs two military bills

Hartford (WTNH) - Gov. Jodi Rell signed two bills today that will give assistance to service members and their families.

House Bill 6394, proposed by Rell, will expand eligibility for assistance from the state's Military Family Relief Fund. The bill will give service members who are struggling financially, money for medical services, transportation, clothing and school supplies. The bill was expanded to include military families not currently on active duty.

"All too often, the hardships that affect our veterans may appear - or continue - after they have left active duty," Governor Rell said in a written statement. "These can include post-traumatic stress disorder, recovery from wounds and other problems that create serious financial issues for military members and their families.

The second bill, Senate Bill 846, makes it easier for disabled veterans to apply for a property tax exemption. Rell proposed the bill after the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs last year changed its computer system and notified the state's 22,000 disabled veterans it would stop mailing out annual forms that verified their disability ratings. The change would have required veterans to request an annual copy from the VA.

"Veterans count on this tax break and - after all they have sacrificed for us - should not be burdened with undue red tape," Governor Rell said. "This new law will make the process easier and more efficient for our veterans and will help reduce the workload for local assessors."

State law provides a $1,000 municipal property tax credit for qualified veterans.

Both bills are effective immediately.