SACRAMENTO – Assemblywoman Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) introduced Assembly Bill 930 and Assembly Bill 931, two bills which aim to improve employment opportunities for California’s veteran population. AB 930, a bill joint-authored by Speaker Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego), will codify and expand the successful Work for Warriors program currently operated by the California Military Department. AB 931 will broaden the group of veterans eligible for the new hiring tax credit created in 2013.
“As Chair of the Assembly Veterans Affairs Committee, I am mindful of the challenges faced by Veterans in securing gainful employment once their service has concluded,” said Assemblywoman Irwin. “AB 930 will expand Work for Warriors to all current and former members of the Armed Services, as well as their spouses and dependents. This bill will also facilitate a partnership with the Employment Development Department to provide continued efficiency in helping connect unemployed veterans with jobs.” Work for Warriors is the most efficient Veteran job placement program in the country with a per placement cost of less than $650 and has placed nearly 4000 veterans to in less than three years.
“Reducing the number of unemployed California National Guard members is critically important to maintaining the Guard’s state of readiness,” said Speaker Atkins. “I am honored to joint-author AB 930 with Assemblymember Irwin and excited about the potential of permanently establishing a program that has proven to be so successful in assisting California National Guard members find employment.”
AB 931 will expand the timeframe for Veterans who have separated from active duty to be eligible for a hiring tax credit, making them a more attractive hire for potential employers. This bill will also increase the amount of veterans in California who are included in this group. “We should be doing everything we can to encourage job growth in our state, especially for those who have served our country,” said Assemblywoman Irwin.
California is home to a growing population of over 1.8 million veterans. As two overseas operations are concluding, the employment needs for veterans in California will continue to increase. According to a Congressional Joint Economic Committee report, the unemployment rate for California’s veterans continues to be substantially larger than the national average. The state’s unemployment rate is also higher for post-9/11 veterans.
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Assemblywoman Irwin says veterans have sacrificed for our country and we need to support them when they return to civilian life. (:12)
Assemblywoman Irwin says veterans need – and deserve – employment assistance. (:13)
CONTACT: Susanna Schlendorf, 916-319-2044