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THERE ARE AN ALARMING number of unemployed veterans in the United States – over 1 million today. As Iraq and Afghanistan veterans come home, and as Vietnam, Cold War, and Persian Gulf War veterans can’t find or lose their jobs, the economy is losing some of its best and brightest leaders and workers.
The House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs is committed to helping the men and women who have served our nation and protected our Liberty compete in today’s austere economic climate through comprehensive legislation that provides a 360 solution to veteran unemployment.
Introducing the Veteran Opportunity to Work Act of 2011 (H.R. 2433). VOW to act today!
The Veteran Opportunity to Work Act of 2011
- Read the bill (H.R. 2433)
- Miller Introduces Milestone Veteran Employment Legislation
- Miller Introduces Tax Incentive to Hire Veterans
- Getting Veterans Back to Work -- Op-Ed by Chairman Jeff Miller, National Review
Online.- Send us your comments and thoughts on #HVAC #VOWact at
Twitter @HouseVetAffairs.- What others are saying about the VOW Act.
- VOW Act Media
VOW to Act
Veterans Out of Work
- Vietnam Era Veterans: 236,000
- Cold War Era Veterans: 258,000
- Persian Gulf War Era Veterans: 182,000
- Iraq and Afghanistan Era Veterans: 192,000
A Preview of the VOW Act
What is the VOW Act?
The Transition Assistance Program (TAP)
TAP provides servicemembers who are about to be discharged with job seeking skills such as resume writing to help their transition to the civilian world. But are these programs working? The VOW Act enhances TAP to ensure it is effective, measures success, and requires an ongoing review of the program to strengthen it for the 21st century. In addition, the VOW Act will make attendance at TAP classes mandatory for all servicemembers.
Education & Training
Through the Post-9/11 GI Bill more veterans are getting a secondary education than ever before. Forty-eight percent of veterans using education benefits are enrolled in 4-year colleges and universities, 33 percent are enrolled in two-year colleges, 8 percent are enrolled in graduate school, and 11 percent are enrolled in an on-the-job training program or apprenticeship. We have laid the foundation to have the most robust, qualified veteran workforce since World War II.
The VOW Act will also enable 100,000 unemployed veterans of past eras to receive up to 1-year of Montgomery GI Bill benefits. This opportunity will allow veterans to acquire the skills to find employment in today’s jobmarket.
In addition, to give state governors maximum flexibility in the funds they receive to help veterans find jobs, the VOW Act will give governors the option of using up to 25% of the funding for direct training services for veterans.
National Guard & Reserve
The VOW Act honors the service of our National Guard and Reserve – 14% of whom are currently unemployed. When they left their job to serve their nation, their employer, by law, must reemploy them upon return. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. The VOW Act strengthens the protections provided by the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA).
Licensing & Certification
Despite America’s military having some of the best-trained professionals, the inability to be credentialed or licensed in their field prevents these men and women from obtaining meaningful and gainful employment that makes use of their military training. These professions include, but are not limited to, combat medics, truck drivers, and aircraft technicians.
The VOW Act will work with the Department of Labor and the states to identify roadblocks to obtaining employment.
Members of Congress are encouraged co-sponsor the VOW Act. Please contact Jon Clark at (202) 225-3527 for more information.
What Others are Saying About the Vow Act
http://veterans.house.gov/jobs
1 comment:
Has the The Veteran Opportunity to Work Act of 2011 become law yet. I really think a tax credit for hiring me, an unempoyed veteran, would make a huge difference. I can't even get an interview for a job sacking groceries part time at minimum wage.
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