CVLC News
Advocacy Testimony: Veterans’ and Military Affairs Committee
We stand alongside our friends and colleagues in support of several bills currently for review before the Veterans’ and Military Affairs Committee. If passed, these bill will dramatically effect the lives and wellbeing. Read the full bills here: – SB 344, text – SB 348, text – HB 5402, text – HB 5403, text –…
Read MoreAdvocacy Testimony: SB 238
We stand alongside our friends and colleagues in support of S.B. 238: An Act Expanding Eligibility For Grants From The Military Relief Fund. If passed, this bill will expand the allowance of grants from the Military Relief Fund for essential household goods or services. Read the full bill here. You can read our full testimony, submitted…
Read MoreAdvocacy Testimony: SB 143
UPDATE 3/1/2024: SB 143 has officially passed committee and is headed to the Senate Floor. Read more from CT Mirror here: After day-long debate, Housing Committee OKs tenant protections —- We stand alongside our friends and colleagues in support of S.B. 143: An Act Concerning Evictions for Cause. If passed, this bill will expand protection…
Read MoreSample Right to Counsel Testimony Language
Right to Counsel Testimony before the Appropriations Committee February 13, 2024 Senator Osten, Representative Walker, Senator Berthel and Representative Nuccio, and members of the Appropriations Committee, my name is [add your name], and I live in [add your town]. I write to urge you to provide $2 million in funding for the Right to Counsel…
Read MoreAdvocacy Alert: Help Us Secure the Future of Right to Counsel Funding
Since the launch of Right to Counsel–which provides guaranteed legal aid for low-income renters facing eviction–more than 3,800 Connecticut renter households have been served including hundreds of Veterans. This innovative program has gained national recognition, leveling the playing field and making Connecticut a leader in the fight for equal access to justice. Learn more information…
Read MoreOpening the Captain Matthew E. Auger USNR Office
Bree Dolce (right), daughter of Capt. Matthew E. Auger, speaks Friday, Feb. 2, 2024, during the grand opening of the Connecticut Veterans Legal Center new Captain Matthew E. Auger USNR Office with Alison Weir, Executive Director, and Kevin Lenehan, Board Chair. Photo by Dana Jensen/The Day. On February 2, we welcomed an incredible group of…
Read MoreEmpowering Veterans: Our Renewed Mission & Vision
From the Desk of Alison Weir, Executive Director Dear CVLC Supporter, Connecticut Veterans Legal Center has come a long way over the years. Fifteen years ago, a volunteer–Howard Udell–was helping out at the then-fledgling Errera Center at the West Haven VA. When Veterans found out this nice older man was a lawyer, he became inundated…
Read MoreMeet WWII Veteran Stew Lahey
“First of all, I’m not a hero. The heroes are the ones who didn’t come back.” This is how Stew Lahey introduces himself. But as an enlisted Marine in World War II, he saw and experienced the many effects of war. After serving our country honorably, he now lives in Bridgeport, CT as a loving…
Read MoreNews: VSOs File Lawsuit to Compel VA to Amend Character of Discharge Regulations
Connecticut Veterans Legal Center applauds National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP) and Swords to Plowshares for suing VA to correct its antiquated and harmful rules that bar veterans with mental illness and who face discrimination from service from VA benefits. As an organization, and alongside our partners the National Veterans Council for Legal Redress, we…
Read MoreThe 12th anniversary of the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”
Earlier this week the Department of Defense marked the 12th anniversary of the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) with a promising announcement: acknowledging the on-going harms of this policy, the Department of Defense will begin to proactively review the discharge status of the 2,000+ veterans impacted and launch an outreach campaign for self-help.…
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