Just two days after Election Day, Gov. Dannel Malloy said in a press release this afternoon that he plans to broaden state employment and social services to cover more Connecticut veterans.

The initiative will expand a pilot program initially proposed by Malloy in early February that allotted $600,000 in grants to Waterbury-area housing agencies and employment specialists with the goal of helping homeless veterans re-enter the workforce. This afternoon, Malloy announced plans to incorporate Bridgeport into the program in December.

“We need to do everything possible to increase [veterans’] opportunities in the job market and to make sure they are aware of all the services they are entitled to,” Malloy said. “It’s our job to step up for these men and women, as they have stepped up for us.”

Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch said he welcomed this help from Malloy to create a support system for veterans in his city.

The Waterbury-area program, after which the Bridgeport one will be modeled, is part of the national “Supporting Military Members/Veterans and Their Families in Accessing Community Services,” a joint initiative between the U.S. Department of Labor and Department of Social Services.