The proposed legislation, General Assembly Raised Bill No. 5416, aims to enhance food assistance for veterans in Connecticut. It seeks to amend Section 17b-105a of the general statutes by allowing the Commissioner of Social Services to request a federal waiver to exempt individuals in high-unemployment areas from the three-month participation limit in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Additionally, the bill mandates the implementation of vehicle evaluation provisions and the use of a standard utility allowance for calculating shelter deductions for SNAP applicants. A significant insertion in the bill is the provision that ensures veterans receive the same level of SNAP benefits they would have received prior to the elimination of the work requirement exemption under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008.

Furthermore, the bill establishes the Connecticut Farmers' Market/Veteran Nutrition Program, which will provide vouchers for fresh produce to veterans aged sixty and older who are at nutritional risk. This program is designed to support veterans' dietary needs while promoting the consumption of Connecticut-grown produce. The Commissioner of Agriculture will oversee the program, which will be funded through available resources. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, and aims to address the nutritional needs of veterans while stimulating local agriculture.

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