Rep. Jenkins Helps Pass Bill to Encourage Hiring More Veterans

Press Release

U.S. Representative Evan Jenkins (R-W.Va.) has helped pass bipartisan legislation to encourage businesses to hire more veterans and reduce veteran unemployment rates.

Veterans who have served after Sept. 11, 2001, have significantly higher unemployment rates than non-veterans. The Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans (HIRE Vets) Act is a crucial tool to reducing this disparity in employment rates. The House voted Monday night to pass this bill 409-1.

"Too many veterans have given their all for our country but are unable to find work after leaving the military. I am proud to support legislation like the HIRE Vets Act to promote hiring veterans, who have a proven track record of loyal and dedicated service. I hope West Virginia's businesses will consider hiring more veterans and give them a chance to succeed," Rep. Jenkins said.

The HIRE Vets Act would create the HIRE Vets Medallion Program at the U.S. Department of Labor to annually recognize public and private-sector businesses for employing veterans. Employers would earn either platinum or gold status based on requirements, such as the number of veterans hired each year, if they provide pay equity for Guard members and Reserve employees who are called up to active military service, and charitable and community services to support veterans.

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