The old phrase, "Don`t forget, hire the vet" may come back into use. State lawmakers are looking at a bill that`s designed to give back to North Dakota veterans. The Department of Veterans Affairs says questions are being raised about current state law that says only people who served during World War Two can receive preferential treatment in being hired for a job. That`s because it was the only time Congress formally declared war.
If the new bill passes, veterans of the Korean, Vietnam, and Gulf wars, along with the war on terror, would be eligible for the benefit as well. The Department says state agencies have opted to give some veterans hiring preference at their own discretion, but the goal of this bill is to make it mandatory. World War Two veteran Buckshot Hoffner says it`s essential all qualified veterans receive their veterans preference benefit.
"When people go off to war, their life is disrupted," says Hoffner. "And so when they come back to find a job, then I think it`s important to make it possible to favor the veteran so he doesn`t have to go through a struggle because of age or education."
The idea of the proposed bill is to give veterans who gave up so much something back.
"It`s an additional pat on the back," says Hoffner.
If the legislation passes, veterans can get 5 or 10 extra points on their application, depending on if they`re disabled.
"It just is to show that these people have given a part of their life to protect our country," says Bob Hanson of the North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs. "And this is a way of showing that yes, when they come back, they will be able to help in getting their position."
The Department says by passing this legislation, lawmakers would be sending a message that they care about North Dakota veterans. The Department of Veterans Affairs says the proposed benefit would amount to five points for any veteran and ten points for disabled veterans. Most applicants for state and government jobs are judged on a 100 point scale.
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