Benishek Supports Veterans' Jobs Bill

WASHINGTON, DC: Dr. Dan Benishek (MI-01) today endorsed the “Helping Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Return to Employment (HIRE) at Home Act (H.R. 4115),” a measure that will help military veterans find work when they return to civilian life.

“As a doctor who worked in a VA hospital for 25 years, I believe ensuring our veterans have employment opportunities when they return home should be of the utmost importance. In this tough economy, we need to make every effort to help Northern Michigan’s veterans find good paying jobs,” said Dr. Benishek, a VA doctor from Iron River and Michigan’s sole member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

The “HIRE at Home Act” would require states to recognize military training when granting certification for private-sector positions such as emergency medical technicians, state-tested nursing assistants, certified nursing assistants, registered nurses, and commercial truck drivers. The initiative would achieve this by requiring states to take past military training into account in order to continue receiving certain grants.

“Our veterans have done an amazing job while serving this nation overseas and I am completely confident they can perform just as well in the workplace. As a member of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I have had the extraordinary privilege to travel to Afghanistan and visit with our men and women in uniform. I know if given the proper training and opportunity, our nation’s veterans will excel in any job,” added Benishek, the father of an Afghan War veteran.

As of December 2011, the unemployment among military veterans aged 18-24 stood at 31 percent, almost eight times higher than the national average.[1]

The “Helping Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Return to Employment (HIRE) at Home Act (H.R. 4115),” was authored by Rep. Steve Stivers (OH-15) and currently has 17 cosponsors and is supported by the American Legion.