Buck-Taylor Critical of Leadership on Honor Guard Cuts

"Members of a key legislative committee should have done more Wednesday to block a controversial proposal to cut funding for the state Military Department’s honor guard, which provides funeral honors for veterans of the armed forces," state Rep. Cecilia Buck-Taylor said today.

Gov. Malloy in his two-year budget proposal included more than $469,000 in cuts to the state Military Department’s honor guard. Majority party Democrats who control the General Administration and Elections Committee on Wednesday had the proposal in front of them, and despite expressing their distaste for the plan voted to pass the bill on to another committee instead of squashing it.

“Are we facing tough budgetary choices? Of course. But we’re talking about honoring men and women who sacrificed so much for our country,” Buck-Taylor said. “Their families deserve better, and this hallowed service should be more than a pawn in a game that’s seen the governor and his legislative supporters wring their hands over shocking cuts to build their case for more tax increases.”

Veterans of any branch of the armed forces are entitled under federal law to the rendering of military funeral honors including two representatives of the armed forces with at least one being from the veteran’s parent branch for graveside services. This includes the playing of Taps and the folding of the American flag with presentation to the veteran’s next of kin. 

The service is free of charge, and available to those military members who are on active duty, selected reserve, former members with discharges other than dishonorable, and former military members discharged selected reserve due to disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty. 

The State of Connecticut’s Military Department augments these minimum mandatory requirements many times with rifle teams that fire a salute volley.

Republican lawmakers on the committee voted against the budget implementer bill, contending that committee members had it within their power to stop this plan opposed by state veterans’ groups.

“I won’t support a budget cut such as this, not when veterans and their families read about the governor handing out big raises to members of his administration,” said Buck-Taylor, who represents New Milford's 67th House District.

N
Submitted by New Milford, CT

Become a Local Voice in Your Community!

HamletHub invites you to contribute stories, events, and more to keep your neighbors informed and connected.

Read Next