Rep. Raul Grijalva: Let's Protect Veterans and Their Families Instead of Just Voting for War
THU MAY 10, 2012 AT 11:19 AM PDT
Let's Protect Veterans and Their Families Instead of Just Voting for War
by
Raul Grijalva
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Here’s my modest proposal. Instead of spending scarce resources on bigger weapons, let’s arm our service members with the tools and skills they need to build a successful future. Let’s ensure access to the quality education, premier health care and reliable pension plan they’ve earned.
Employment statistics show that young veterans continue to have serious problems finding work in a tight job market. This has to change. Efforts like the Transition Assistance Program (TAP), which offers job-search assistance and related services, need to be replicated and expanded. They should offer assistance both on and off military bases for lengths of time that match the needs of returning veterans.
Helping our soldiers and veterans live successful lives after their terms of service takes more than a one-week crash course on resiliency. We should train our veterans to be leaders in growing fields like advanced manufacturing and clean technology. At the same time, we have to make sure they’re protected from the kinds of unforeseen setbacks – personal health, finances, finding a home – that make transitioning back to civilian life so difficult.
That means passing a few important bills. The Wounded Veterans Job Security Act will ensure medical leave doesn’t cost veterans their jobs. The Jobs for Veterans Act establishes Veterans Business Center programs to provide entrepreneurial training and counseling to veterans to get them into new careers. The Homes for Heroes Act guarantees veteran access to Department of Housing and Urban Development housing and homeless assistance programs. These are just a few simple examples of bills this Congress should take up now to improve the lives of our service members.
the rest:
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/05/10/1090493/-Let-s-Protect-Veterans-and-Their-Families-Instead-of-Just-Voting-for-War