Senator Boxer: Hire a Hero

September 26, 2007

I’m pleased to let you know that I am an original cosponsor of Senator John Kerry’s Hire a Hero Act, S.1971.  This legislation would create a grant program to assist former and current members of the Armed Forces and members of the National Guard and Reserve in securing employment in the private sector.

The Hire a Hero Act is intended to help veterans find good jobs after their military service.  It authorizes $25 million annually to be awarded on a competitive basis to nonprofit organizations that assist veterans in finding jobs.

The need for this legislation is clear.  Today, the unemployment rate for young veterans, many of whom have returned from service in Iraq and Afghanistan, is three times the national average. Many of these same young people are struggling with both financial and emotional problems.  The added strain of unemployment should and can be eased with good counseling and employment services. 

The House version of this legislation is sponsored by Iraq war veteran Congressman Patrick Murphy.  I am pleased to be working with Congressman Murphy and Senator Kerry in what should be a national effort to “Hire a Hero.”  You can count on me to continue working for its passage.

Sincerely,

Barbara Boxer
United States Senator

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