Boozman Works To Reduce Veteran Unemployment

Press Release

Boozman Works To Reduce Veteran Unemployment

U.S. Representative John Boozman (R-AR) today reaffirmed his commitment to creating jobs for hardworking Americans by supporting legislation providing better training incentives and opportunities for veterans to establish and grow small businesses.

H.R. 4220, Promoting Jobs for Veterans Act of 2009, addresses the needs our veterans are facing as the unemployment rate escalates. The latest report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that over one million veterans are now unemployed and the unemployment rate among veterans ages 18 to 24 is at the alarming rate of 20%.

"Job creation needs to be the number one priority of Congress and this legislation offers commonsense solutions to providing our veterans with the training and resources they need to find long-term employment. This legislation identifies ways that we can assist our veterans to better support their needs as well as the needs of the families, all while growing our economy," Boozman said.

Promoting Jobs for Veterans Act of 2009 creates jobs by offering resources needed to start businesses, promote rural development and education opportunities. This legislation reauthorizes the VA Veteran Owned Small Business Loan Guaranty Program which would guarantee loans up to $500,000, create a troops to teachers program to pay new teachers who are veterans and are teaching in a rural area $500 a month stipend and increase to the Veterans Workforce Reinvestment Program authorized level from $9 million to $20 million while addressing additional veterans job creation issues and opportunities.

The legislation was introduced by the House Veterans Affairs Ranking Member, Rep Steve Buyer (R-IN) today. Boozman is an original cosponsor.

Source