VVA ETABO Committee

Resolutions for Employment, Training, and Business Opportunities

E-19-07
A MEANINGFUL JOB AT A LIVING WAGE

Issue: OEF and OIF Veterans are suffering physical and mental health illnesses that keep them from getting and keeping a meaningful job at a living wage. Veterans make up a larger percentage of agencies’ new hires than they did five years ago, but they are being placed disproportionately in entry-level clerical jobs. There are employment programs on the books, such as “Welcome Home to Work”, “Hire a Vet First:” and “Jobs for Veterans Act”, that are insufficient to meet Veterans’ needs because of a lack of funding, ignorance, and or purposeful intent.

Background: The national unemployment rate, according to the Department of Labor is about five (5) percent while the rate for 18 – 24 year old Veterans is about fifteen (15) percent. Our new veterans are being diagnosed with “Readjustment Problems”, “Personality Disorders” and other terms that keep them from receiving VA compensation or vocational training benefits.

Resolved, That: Vietnam Veterans of America takes the following positions:

VVA calls on all federal agencies to implement to the highest degree the “Welcome Home to Work”, “Hire a Vet First” and “Jobs for Veterans Act”. Agencies, and their individual responsible managers must be held accountable for the implementation by written policy and GAO oversight. The means of accountability and penalties must be published, widely distributed and implemented throughout all federal agencies.

Because returning Veterans have problems in finding work and getting necessary medical assistance for themselves and their family, VVA will make available the “VVA Guide to Veterans Employment”, “VVA Guide to Veterans Preference”, “VVA Guide to Vocational Rehabilitation”, “VVA Guide to Veterans Entrepreneurship”, “VVA Guide to PTSD” and information on Women in Service Issues and Homeless Veterans programs.

Financial Impact Statement: In accordance with motion 8 passed at VV A January 2002 National Board of Directors meeting which charges this committee with the reviewing its relevant Resolutions and determining an expenditure estimate required to implement the Resolution, presented for consideration at the 2007 National Convention; this committee submits that implementation of the foregoing Resolution shall cost VVA National under $4,500. Cost of NOT implementing this Resolution is 200,000 jobs for Veterans and using an average income of $12,000 a year, which is poverty level except in HI & AK (according to 2003 Health and Human Services) for a family of one, the total wages earned would be $24 billion. If you use 10 percent as the average tax base that would mean $2.4 billion in federal and state tax dollars received by the respective governments.

E-20-07
30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DISABLED VETERANS OUTREACH PROGRAM

Issue: The Disabled Veterans Outreach Program will be celebrating their 30th anniversary during the month of November 2007. With new Veterans being formed each and every day this program and those that make the program work should be recognized.

Background: The Disabled Veterans Outreach Program was established in May 1977 when President Carter directed the Department of Labor to create a program to help Vietnam-Era and Disabled Veterans to return to the workforce and become productive in the labor market. The Department of Labor created this program as part of the Economic Stimulus Appropriation Act of 1977 as a temporary program. In October 1980, President Carter signed the Veterans’ Rehabilitation and Education Amendment of 1980 establishing the DVOP program as a permanent position.

Resolved, That: Vietnam Veterans of America takes the following positions:

VVA calls on all State Councils and Chapters to show their appreciation for all DVOP personnel and assist in any ceremonies done in their honor.

VVA will recognize the DVOP program in publicity in the VVA Veteran, on VVA web page and other means; and will provide financial assistance through a cost center set up for donations. Such financial assistance will not exceed the amount of donations received for these events.

Financial Impact Statement: In accordance with motion 8 passed at VVA January 2002 National Board of Directors meeting which charges this committee with reviewing its relevant Resolutions and determining an expenditure estimate required to implement the Resolution, presented for consideration at the 2007 National Convention; this committee submits that implementation of the foregoing Resolution shall be at no cost to National.

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