FOR RELEASE:  October 17, 2002

EVANS’ HAILS PASSAGE OF SWEEPING NEW VETERANS EMPLOYMENT LEGISLATION; BILL IMPROVES, UPDATES, AND EXPANDS VETERANS’ EMPLOYMENT SERVICES 

Washington, DC – Congressman Lane Evans (D-IL), Ranking Democratic Member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, expressed strong approval of final House passage of H.R. 4015; the Jobs for Veterans Act.  This legislation, passed as a compromise agreement by the Senate and House, will improve and modernize veterans’ employment and training services, currently administered by the Department of Labor (DOL) and delivered through various State employment agencies.  

This legislation would introduce many new features into the veterans’ employment services system, including, greater flexibility, creativity, incentives and increased accountability.  Evans, a strong supporter of H.R. 4015 when originally passed by the House of Representatives in May of 2002 was pleased the Senate passed the bill with relatively few changes.  “This legislation is timely and very needed, especially given the slowing economy and traditionally difficult time many of our nations disabled veterans have in obtaining quality employment” Evans said.  “The men and women who have worn a uniform in defense of this country deserve first rate employment and training services.” 

H.R. 4015, as amended, encourages the Federal, State and local governments to work together in providing high level, focused, employment and training services to veterans and certain spouses of veterans.  The legislation requires a State to submit a “plan” describing the manner in which it will furnish outreach and employment services, as

well as, sets forth conditions for receipt of DOL funds.  In addition, the legislation encourages improved employment services through a program of employee incentive awards for excellent or substantially improved performance.  “I look forward to monitoring the implementation and effectiveness of the bill’s new incentive and accountability provisions, they are important components of the overall delivery scheme,” said Evans. 

The Act also provides for “priority of service” to veterans wishing to participate in other DOL job training programs, and removes many outdated and rigid hiring constraints on the States and local governments.  Evans, a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, is especially pleased that the legislation broadens eligibility for non-competitive appointments of certain veterans within the Federal civil service.  “This provision will allow some veterans who have lost their jobs due to the poor economy, or their companies moving overseas for cheaper labor costs, to explore alternative career options with the Federal government” Evans observed.   

The Jobs for Veterans Act also includes many other important provisions that will affect many veterans and their families as they seek quality employment services: 

·        Federal contractors and subcontractors engaged in operations of $100,000 or more must take affirmative action to employ and advance qualified veterans; 

·        Revises the funding formula, which DOL provides to States to better reflect the proportion of veterans seeking employment in that State; 

·        Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to engage in on-going technical assistance, including corrective action plans, with respect to State and local governments receiving veterans’ employment funds; 

·        Emphasizes that certain disabled veterans may need intensive employment services in order obtain quality employment; 

·        Mandates that DOL develop and enhance the delivery of employment services by providing such services via the Internet and other electronic means; 

·        Requires a GAO study and report on the implementation and effectiveness of the legislation to be delivered after the first two program years. 

After passage of this legislation last night, H.R. 4015 now moves to the White House for the President’s signature.  

-30-

Back to Press Releases