Blumenthal Urges Senate Colleagues To Vote For Veterans Jobs Corps Act Of 2012

(WASHINGTON, DC) – Today, Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) urged his Senate colleagues to pass the Veterans Jobs Corps Act of 2012 (S.3457), legislation that would increase professional training and job opportunities for veterans.

Blumenthal will co-sponsor this measure and advocate for it this week when Senate debate and votes are expected.

Under the Veterans Jobs Corps Act of 2012, states would be directed to expedite the credentialing of veterans seeking state licenses, and veterans would be given the opportunity to serve and protect America by gaining prioritized placement in first responder positions like police, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians.

"We should fight as hard for veterans as they've fought for us – and keep faith with them in providing good jobs and skill training," Blumenthal said. "Creating jobs for veterans is the right thing to do for them and for America. I urge my Senate colleagues to leave no veteran behind – and make this measure truly bipartisan with overwhelming support."

The Veterans Jobs Corps Act of 2012 would also do the following:

• Create conservation and resource management jobs for veterans, enlisting them in efforts to rebuild America through the restoration of our forests, parks, coasts, and public lands.
• Establish a pilot program to provide veterans with access to the Internet and computers to assist in job searches, and offer the military’s Transition Assistance Program to eligible veterans and their spouses at sites outside military installations in order to make it easier to relocate in pursuit of job opportunities.
• Provide veterans in rural areas with greater access to career specialists to help them write resumes, prepare for interviews, and find jobs.

As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Blumenthal has been a strong advocate of policy measures that help veterans. He is currently the sponsor of the Honoring All Veterans Act of 2011 (S.1060), legislation that improves education, employment, independent living, housing assistance, and health care services for veterans. He is also the sponsor of the Chiropractic Care Available to All Veterans Act of 2011 (S.1147), legislation that would require the provision of chiropractic care and service to veterans at all Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers and expand access to such care and services.

For more information on the Veterans Job Corps Act of 2012, go to the following link: http://blumenthal.senate.gov/download/?id=5a3d35dc-b570-4bc8-82e9-6a7bcf90c4b9 .