(Washington,
D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), released the following
statement after the Department of Labor reported that the unemployment rate for
veterans rose to 9.9% overall, and 15.2% for veterans of the wars in Iraq and
Afghanistan.
“This
is a very disappointing report that demonstrates clearly the need for us to
move quickly to help our nation’s veterans find jobs.
“We
all know that veterans going from the battlefield to the working world face a
unique set of challenges. And as we see with today’s numbers, far too many of
our veterans coming home from overseas are having trouble finding work in this
tough economic climate.
“Our
veterans have the skills, determination, discipline and talent to succeed in
the workplace, but despite learning a wide range of technical and leadership
skills through their service, they often find it difficult to transfer these
skills to civilian professions. And all too often, they fall through the cracks
of existing employment assistance programs or do not qualify for their
services.
“So
I am going to keep working to pass legislation to help our veterans find
jobs. Because no veteran should come home from serving their country and
not be able find work that would allow them to support themselves and their
families.”
Last
Congress, Senator Murray introduced the Veterans’
Employment Act of 2010, which was the first comprehensive approach to
address skyrocketing unemployment rates among veterans, especially those
returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan. The bill included a number of
proposals that improve training, skills translation, education, and small
business assistance. Murray plans to introduce similar legislation in the near
future.
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