Guardsmen urge clearer state active-duty pay treatment; advocates seek relief for low daily pay
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Summary
National Guard and veterans testified in support of HB 5296, urging clarification that the exemption applies to state active duty and highlighting that a private (E‑2) on state active duty currently earns about $80 per day, often without federal benefits, causing financial strain.
Representatives of the National Guard Association of Connecticut, current and former guardsmen, and other witnesses urged the committee to clarify HB 5296 and provide relief for service members called to state active duty.
Katie Zarczyska, president of the National Guard Association of Connecticut, explained state active duty typically pays substantially less than federal active duty; she said a private at pay grade E‑2 receives about $80 per day on state active duty and that such service does not automatically qualify guardsmen for VA health care or other federal benefits. The association asked the committee to specify "state active duty" in the bill’s language to ensure the intended tax/treatment applies.
Bill Polifka, a former Connecticut National Guard member, described personal economic disruption from activations and urged support for HB 5296 so guardsmen are not financially penalized for responding to state needs. Committee members sought clarifying language to ensure the bill covers the intended categories of service (state active duty versus federal active duty or training). The witnesses said they supported clarifying the wording and indicated they would work with bill drafters.
No formal vote occurred; committee members signaled they would consider adjustments to language for accuracy and fiscal effect.