Public Hearing Testimony of Commissioner Danté Bartolomeo
Department of Labor
Veterans and Military Affairs Committee
March 3, 2026
Good afternoon Senator Honig, Representative Foster and members of the Veterans Committee. Thank you for the opportunity to provide you with written testimony HB 5409, AN ACT CONCERNING TROOPS-TO-TRADES INITIATIVES. My name is Danté Bartolomeo, and I am the Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Labor.
The Connecticut Department of Labor (CTDOL) shares a commitment to supporting veterans in their transition to civilian life by improving access to educational and employment opportunities. However, it is important for the committee to consider the following:
1. CTDOL provides most if not all the services outlined in the proposed language, including:
a. A webpage which details state, federal, and non-profit services and programs; crisis hotlines and career guidance; tools for employers seeking to hire veterans.
b. Transition Assistance through American Jobs Center (AJC) teams which includes federally funded experts who assist participants through individual counseling and career planning and skills development, access to supportive services, outreach to employers, career fairs and workshops, and federally supported online resources.
2. This proposal requires CTDOL to designate staff with experience in military transition assistance to work as career counselors. Agency employees who provide those services and have the required expertise are federally funded; they cannot be used to provide state-legislated programming as prohibited by federal supplantation rules. Positions described in this proposal would need to be fully state funded to comply, and funding is not provided in the Governor’s budget.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide the Committee with this written testimony. My staff and I welcome further discussion with the proponents of HB 5409 if the committee moves it forward, and you may direct questions to Jean Rienzo McGhan at jean.rienzo@ct.gov.
