House Republican Press Release

March 7, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Rep. Floren: Letter to the Editor Regarding Veterans` Affairs

Letter to the Editor:

Amid the shocking and awful allegations of malfeasance and neglect at the Walter Reed National Army Medical Center, it is rewarding to learn that Connecticut is doing things properly and with dignity.

Commissioner of Veterans’ Affairs Linda Schwartz recently reported the status of her agency to the Legislature’s Subcommittee on Bonding. Re-appointed by Governor M. Jodi Rell, the Commissioner is a nurse with combat experience. Her no nonsense, hands-on management style, along with her creative problem solving and her compassionate vision have been enhanced by the General Assembly’s enthusiastic cooperation and the state’s financial resources supplemented by federal funds.

Over the past three years, more than $40 million has been invested in new construction, infrastructure improvements and equipment at the Veterans’ Hospital Complex in Rocky Hill. The result will be a state-of-the-art healthcare facility to serve a patient population consisting predominantly of veterans from recent conflicts—Vietnam, Desert Storm, Afghanistan and Iraq.

In addition, Commissioner Schwartz proposes to redesign, renovate and convert the existing structures to assisted living facilities, especially suitable for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder whose unique needs can be well served within a semi-independent residential setting.

Leadership, accountability and additional resources are making markedly improved difference for Connecticut veterans.

Livvy Floren

State Representative 149^th District (Greenwich and Stamford)

Republican Leader on the Bonding Sub-committee