Rep. Takano Introduces Legislation to Create a Program Within DoD to Secure Job Opportunities for Veterans
Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) introduced the Work for Warriors Act of 2020 to create a pilot program within the Department of Defense (DoD) that ensures gainful employment for members of the National Guard, reservists, and their spouses. The bill is modeled after the California Work for Warriors program that connects with local businesses to identify job opportunities for veterans and their spouses and creates a pipeline of qualified candidates for willing employers.
“The Work for Warriors program has successfully placed thousands of veterans in good jobs, but we owe it to our veterans to do more,” said Chairman Mark Takano. “As Chairman of the House Committee of Veterans’ Affairs, I’m fighting to help ensure that they have access to the support they need for a successful transition back into civilian life. Too often, veterans and their spouses struggle to secure a job that pays them well. Expanding the Work for Warriors program enables us to directly place unemployed veterans and their spouses in jobs and expand resources for thousands across the country in a cost-effective way. Veteran unemployment upon completion of service has always been a critical issue, and the coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated the need for a permanent employment placement program. Even in the midst of this unprecedented pandemic, the Work for Warriors program in California is currently up and fully running, matching veterans with opportunities.”
Members of the National Guard, reservists and their spouses have consistently experienced high rates of underemployment and unemployment. Upon completing military service, many find themselves in precarious financial situations and require assistance, guidance and direction on how to navigate the civilian workforce.
The Work for Warriors Act would:
- Create a pilot program within DOD that directly places unemployed guardsmen, reservists and their spouses into local job opportunities;
- Mandate participating states provide matching dollars in order to qualify for federal funds; and
- Require the Secretary of Defense to submit a report to congressional defense committees on the outcomes of the pilot program.
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