Tax Relief, Tuition Waivers etc.

Governor Rowland signed into law programs that allow September 11 families tax relief, tuition waivers and an official "Remembrance Day." 

The highlights of the new legislation include: 

• State income tax relief for 2001 for terrorist victims or their estate. If a tax return has been filed it will be refunded to the representative of the victim's estate.
• Effective July 1, 2002 tuition waiver to the University of Connecticut, Connecticut State University system or to any regional community-technical college for any resident of the state who is a dependent child or surviving spouse of a terrorist victim who was a Connecticut resident. 
•  The Governor shall proclaim September 11th of each year as "Remembrance Day" in memory of those who lost their lives or suffered injuries in the terrorists' attacks, and in honor of the service, sacrifice and contributions of the firefighters, police officers and others who responded to the attacks. 

These benefits will be financed through the Department of Motor Vehicles issuance of "United We Stand" commemorative license plates. After January 2003 residents can purchase the light blue plates with an American flag in the center for $50.00 each. 

Fifteen dollars of this fee will be allocated for the cost of producing and issuing the plates. The balance of the fees will be divided equally between two accounts. Fifty percent of the money will be distributed to the U.S. Department of State Rewards for Justice Fund and used solely to apprehend terrorists. The remaining money will reimburse boards of trustees for the tuition waivers or to establish an account within the General Fund to provide money for civil preparedness activities.

You can view the entire Public Act 02-126 act by clicking on the address below- http://www.cga.state.ct.us/2002/act/Pa/2002PA-00126-R00SB-00102-PA.htm