Gentile co-sponsors bills on veterans, education, children

State Rep. Linda M. Gentile

HARTFORD - State Rep. Linda M. Gentile, D-Ansonia, recently co-sponsored legislation successfully passed through the House of Representatives.

Three bills focusing on veterans, education, and children all move onto the state Senate for consideration.

 

     “I can’t think of better issues to get our attention than veterans, the environment and education,” said Gentile, House Chair of the Environment Committee.  

  “Each of these groups represents a broad segment of our citizens.  It is my responsibility as an elected official to create good public policy that provides protection to these individuals and ensures a better quality of life.”

 

The three bills passed by the House are:

 

HB 5299   giving military members trained in certain jobs credit for their training when they apply for similar licenses and qualifications through state agencies.   The bill focuses on veterans trained as medics, military police, vehicle operators, as well as electricians, plumbers and other trade professions.

 

HB 5305  restricts the use of cadmium in children's jewelry. Cadmium is an extremely toxic metal element.

 

HB 5241  potentially helps Connecticut students cope with the ever-increasing costs of college by directs the Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority to assess whether a “pay it forward” college tuition plan could work where students do not pay tuition and fees while enrolled in college. Instead, they sign an agreement requiring them to pay a percentage of their annual incomes after they graduate.

 

     “The veteran’s bill will assist our men and women in transitioning into civilian life and afford them better opportunity to find employment to provide for their families,” Gentile said.

   “The children's bill will not only protect their health and preserve our environment, but it will also offer parents and grandparents peace of mind when purchasing these items. 

   "And finally, the higher education study bill could identify an affordable opportunity for more of our students to attend college to get a quality education to provide them with a successful and productive future and promote economic stability.”

This is a press release from Gentile's office.