CT SB00251

Establishes the Unemployed Armed Forces Member Subsidized Training and Employment program within the Labor Department to provide grants to Connecticut-based businesses for hiring and training veterans who served in Operation Enduring Freedom or other authorized military operations in combat zones.

Eligible veterans must have been unemployed before hiring, served at least 90 days in a designated combat zone, and been honorably discharged or separated due to service-connected disability.

Grants subsidize six months of wages and on-the-job training costs on a declining scale: 100% of wages in month one (capped at $20/hour), 75% in months two-three, 50% in months four-five, and 25% in month six.

Authorizes the State Bond Commission to issue up to $10 million in bonds ($5 million effective July 1, 2013) to fund the program.

Requires the Labor Commissioner to report semi-annually on program participation, including number of participating businesses and hired veterans.