Duckworth Intros Bill to Help Job-Seeking Veterans and Their Families

Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) last week introduced a bill to support veterans and veteran families reduce veteran unemployment by helping improve access to child care services for veterans participating in workforce and job training programs. The Veteran Employment and Child Care Access Act would create a federal program modeled after the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ “Tiny Boots” program to help ensure veterans transitioning to civilian life can access affordable child care during their job-seeking process, which is especially important for low-income veterans, those on the cusp of homelessness, or those already homeless. “Transitioning back into civilian life can be challenging for any Veteran, especially those struggling to find a new job,” said Duckworth. “It can be even harder when a Veteran searching for a new job also has young children to care for. Far too many men and women who have sacrificed in uniform – especially female Veterans – struggle to secure employment after their service because they can’t afford to pay for child care while job searching. We can do so much more to support Veterans who are also working parents, and my new bill will go a long way toward that goal.” The new legislation is co-sponsored by Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and six other Democratic Senators. More here.