News From Gov. Rell week of 10/06/2008

Gov. Rell: Feds to Mail CT Vets Letters Required for Property Tax Relief

Governor M. Jodi Rell announced today that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (USVA) will soon be mailing disability verification letters required for local property tax relief to Connecticut’s 22,000 veterans.

“This is great news for Connecticut’s veterans who have been counting on this relief,” Governor Rell said.“Just a few days ago, thousands of disabled state veterans stood to lose a tax break if they did not contact the federal Department of Veterans Affairs requesting proof of their disability.In these tough economic times it is imperative that these men and women receive all the financial benefits and assistance that they have so courageously earned.”

On September 29, Governor Rell was informed by the USVA that because of a computer system change in July, the agency would not mail forms to veterans that verify their disability ratings for local tax purposes.Governor Rell immediately wrote to USVA Secretary James Peake expressing concern and asking him to correct the issue in the near future.

For more information, please visit http://www.ct.gov/governorrell/cwp/view.asp?A=3293&Q=424542 .

Gov. Rell Announces More Cost Cutting Initiatives

Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced she has directed state commissioners and agency heads to help reduce expenses and conserve energy by closing all state office buildings at night and during weekends and ensuring that lights are turned off and thermostats are turned down at night.

The state of Connecticut owns or leases hundreds of buildings throughout the state, from regional park offices to campus settings and agency headquarters. Under Governor Rell’s directive, beginning October 15 and continuing until further notice, all state offices – whether owned by the state or located in leased space – are to be closed on the weekends except for essential functions.

For more information, please visit http://www.ct.gov/governorrell/cwp/view.asp?A=3293&Q=424454 .

Gov. Rell: Staycation

Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced she is extending her successful “Staycation” tourism program through November, which offers discounts and special deals to Connecticut residents at hundreds of attractions around the state through November.A complete list of participating attractions can be found on www.ctvisit.com .

For more information, please visit http://www.ct.gov/governorrell/cwp/view.asp?A=3293&Q=424372 .

Gov. Rell Announces Hotlines to Report Investment, Insurance Fraud

Governor M. Jodi Rell today is warning residents of investment deals promising low risk and high rate of return and urges them to call state regulators to verify the validity of the offers.The Governor says the state Banking and Insurance departments have the following toll-free hotlines available to answer questions and field complaints:

• Banking Department: 800-831-7225;
• Insurance Department: 800-203-3447.

For more information, please visit http://www.ct.gov/governorrell/cwp/view.asp?A=3293&Q=424368 .