Jacksonville’s two congressmen--Republican U.S. Rep. John Rutherford and Democrat U.S. Rep. Al Lawson--teamed up this month on a bill creating a grant matching program for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) help organizations that help veterans enter the private sector through job training programs and other training to help them enter the civilian workforce.
Rutherford and Lawson brought out the “Veterans Armed for Success Act” which has been sent to the U.S. House Veterans Committee and they both showcased the legislation on Wednesday.
Pointing to Jacksonville‘s large veterans community, Rutherford said his bill would help the First Coast.
“Throughout Northeast Florida, I have heard from business owners and hiring managers who want to hire veterans,” Rutherford said. “Our military veterans have a proven record of being reliable, dedicated and hard-working, and their varied experience translates well into many careers. Yet, many veterans have been frustrated with their post-service opportunities. We need to do more to help these veterans succeed when they transition into civilian life.”
Rutherford noted Jacksonville based Operation New Uniform (ONU) had a proven record of training veterans as they readied to enter the civilian workforce with 97 percent job placement in the first four months. However, Rutherford, who like Lawson is a freshman in Congress, said there were no federal programs to help ONU and similar groups.
“Operation New Uniform in Jacksonville and similar programs throughout the country give veterans greater opportunities to transition into stable, long-term employment,” Rutherford said on Wednesday. “Doing so strengthens families, builds a strong local workforce, and improves the mental health of our veterans. I thank Congressman Lawson for his commitment to our veterans by introducing this bill with me, and we look forward to seeing many more veterans find fulfilling careers in Northeast Florida.”
“Too often, American veterans who have selflessly served our country, return home to little or no job prospects,” Lawson said. “The Veterans Armed for Success Act equips local organizations with the support they need to train our veterans, and their loved ones, as they transition from serving their country to pursing a professional career. I am proud to work beside my friend and colleague Rep. Rutherford on an issue that extends beyond partisan politics and works to create a better quality of life for all American veterans.”
Earlier this month, the bill was sent to the U.S. House Veterans’ Affairs Committee which sent it to the U.S. House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity. That subcommittee held a hearing on the bill last week. So far, there is no similar bill in the U.S. Senate.
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