Veterans Employment Initiative Reaches the Senate

The Veterans Retraining Act of 2009, Bill #H.R. 1168, passed in the House of Representatives and was received by the Senate and referred to the Committee on Veteran’s Affairs on November 2.

The Veterans Retraining Act of 2009, sponsored by Congressman John Boozman (R-AR), is a landmark act that would improve the employability of certain groups of veterans through job training.

The act also requires that each covered veteran would be paid an assistance allowance for each month they are enrolled in an employment and training program that teaches an in-demand skill, as determined by the Secretary of Labor. It additional provides financial assistance to help newly trained veterans relocate to a high demand job market.

Covered veterans include those that are unemployed for at least four consecutive months before applying for such assistance; are able to successfully complete the program; and are ineligible for other veterans' education or training assistance.

The Act, which was introduced on February 25, 2009, and passed the house on November 2, is currently awaiting a Senate vote. If passed, the Veterans Retraining Act of 2009 could serve as yet another vehicle for veterans to hone their skills in their chosen field, making them more valuable employees.

This legislation is an important veteran-related measure aimed at the successful transition and employment of servicemen and women.

For more information on how this could influence the hiring of veterans at your company, please visit one of the websites below:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/executive-order-veterans-employment-initiative

http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h111-1168