Press Releases
September 11, 2007
Conrad Goes to Bat for Young Veterans
Senator Backs Bill Helping Former Service Members Find Job Opportunities
Washington - Senator Kent Conrad today signed on to support the “Hire a Hero Act,” national legislation to help military personnel find jobs as they transition into civilian life.
“These servicemen and women are among our nation’s best. The skills, values and training of these young men and women are unmatched. They should not be going from the frontline to the unemployment line,” Senator Conrad said. “Our economy is in need of this type of quality work force. We just need to help connect the dots.”
The national unemployment rate for young veterans, many of whom have served in Iraq and Afghanistan is three times the national average. This unemployment has placed a financial and emotional strain on young veterans and their families. At the same time, many industries are facing skilled labor shortages that could be offset by the influx of military personnel transitioning back to the workforce.
The “Hire a Hero Act” would create a grant program to assist members of the National Guard and Reserve as well as former and current members of the Armed Forces in securing employment in the private sector. The bi-partisan legislation authorizes $25 million annually to the National Guard Bureau which will, in turn, award funding on a competitive basis to nonprofit organizations that assist former members of the Armed Forces in finding quality jobs.
“The men and women of our Armed Forces have fought to ensure our freedom and the future of our nation. We have a responsibility to help them pursue their dreams for a bright future. For many, that future starts with finding meaningful employment,” Senator Conrad said.
