President Barack Obama outlined his Veterans Jobs Corps today. The proposed Corps will hire Veterans to work in our National Parks rebuilding roads. Police and fire stations will also prioirtize Veterans as workers. And a network will match skill sets with jobs. Here are highlighted segments of his speech:

“The war in Iraq is over. The war in Afghanistan is moving to a new phase — we’re transitioning to Afghan lead. Over the past decade, nearly 3 million service members have transitioned back to civilian life, and more are joining them every day. . .

“Our veterans are some of the most highly trained, highly educated, highly skilled workers that we’ve got. These are Americans that every business should be competing to attract. These are the Americans we want to keep serving here at home as we rebuild this country. So we’re going to do everything we can to make sure that when our troops come home, they come home to new jobs and new opportunities and new ways to serve their country.

Read more ›

Michelle Obama at the announcement of Joining Forces with medical facilities to help vets with PTSD. ap photo

“I’m inspired to see our nation’s medical schools step up to address this pressing need for our veterans and military families. By directing some of our brightest minds, our most cutting-edge research, and our finest teaching institutions toward our military families, they’re ensuring that those who have served our country receive the first-rate care that they have earned,” said First Lady Michelle Obama.

As part of First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden’s Joining Forces initiative, the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) committed to creating a new generation of doctors, medical schools, and research facilities that will make sure our heroes and their families receive the care worthy of their sacrifice. Recognizing veterans, service members and their families’ dedication and commitment, 130 schools associated with the AAMC and AACOM pledged to leverage their missions in education, research, and clinical care to train the nation’s physicians to meet the unique health care needs of the military and veterans communities.

Read more ›

President Obama issued and Executive Order which will allow victims of military sexual assault to keep their conversations with advocates confidential.

“Far too many of our men and women in uniform don’t seek help when they’ve been sexually assaulted. A lot of that is due to a fear of retribution from their attackers—often superiors—if they say anything,” said Congresswoman Chellie Pingree. “They go it alone for fear of jeopardizing their careers, which is a tragedy. We need to better protect these veterans so they feel comfortable getting help. Letting them know their conversations are confidential is a big step. As we address the critical problem of military sexual assault, we have to continue breaking down barriers that keep victims from getting the assistance they need and deserve.”

Read more ›

President Obama signs Returning Heroes Act

In September, President Obama called on Congress to enact tax credits that will help get veterans back to work. The Returning Heroes Tax Credit provides businesses that hire unemployed veterans with a maximum credit of $5,600 per veteran, and the Wounded Warriors Tax Credit offers businesses that hire veterans with service-connected disabilities with a maximum credit of $9,600 per veteran.

“When I sent Congress a jobs bill I proposed a tax credit for any business that hires a veteran who’s been unemployed for at least four weeks. I proposed an even bigger tax break if a business hires a veteran who’s been unemployed for at least six months. And if a business hires an unemployed veteran with a disability related to their service, I proposed doubling the tax break that we already have in place,” said President Obama. “Today, because Democrats and Republicans came together, I’m proud to sign those proposals into law. And I urge every business owner out there who’s hiring to hire a veteran right away.

Read more ›

A bill that would establish a specialized treatment court for veterans suffering from drug addiction and mental illness will be considered next year when lawmakers reconvene for the second session of the 125th Legislature.

“As a grateful state, we must continue to honor military service members by providing them with an alternative to incarceration: proper treatment for mental health and substance abuse problems resulting from military service,” said bill sponsor Rep. Maeghan Maloney, D- Augusta, in her comments to Legislative leadership. “The establishment of veterans’ treatment courts will address the unique challenges veterans face as a result of their honorable service.”

Read more ›

The blue angels photo by Ramona du Houx

“Whether in peacetime or in war, those who have served in uniform deserve our utmost respect and appreciation. They have made countless sacrifices on behalf of the American people and we have a solemn responsibility to remember their service as well as keep our promises when it comes to the health care and benefits they have earned,” said Congresswoman Chellie Pingree.

 Yesterday the U.S. Senate passed the Returning Heroes and Wounded Warrior Tax Credits – two pieces of President Obama’s American Jobs Act – that would provide tax credits to businesses that hire veterans. The House will likely take up the measures for a vote early next week. President Barack Obama has increased benefits and aid to Veteran’s 30 percent since he took office- the largest amount since President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

Read more ›

The Senate has passed President Obama’s veterans jobs bill in a 94–1 vote.

“Today, Republicans and Democrats in the Senate did the right thing and passed tax credits that will encourage businesses to hire America’s veterans. Tomorrow, our nation will commemorate Veterans Day and honor the service and the sacrifice of all who have worn the uniform of the United States of America. No veteran who fought for our nation should have to fight for a job when they come home, and I urge the House to pass these tax credits as well so I can sign them into law. I also urge Congress to pass additional jobs proposals in the weeks ahead to help the millions of other Americans who are still looking for work,” said President Barack Obama.

Today First Lady Michelle Obama announced that the International Franchise Association (IFA) which represents 1,100 franchises has committed to hiring 80,000 veterans and military spouses by 2014. 5,000 jobs of this commitment are promised to wounded warriors.

Mrs. Obama also announced that the Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) – which Dr. Jill Biden helped launch at the Chamber of Commerce last summer and which includes nearly 100 companies and organizations – has committed to employ 20,000 military spouses. Together the commitment by the International Franchise Association and the Military Spouse Employment Partnership represents 100,000 veterans, wounded warriors and military spouses who will be hired by 2014. In Maine the initiative is know as Jobs Now for Maine Vets.

“When we think about what we’re announcing today, 100,000 new jobs committed and 550,000 searchable jobs online, those aren’t just numbers. There are millions of Americans all across this country who are working hard every day to find new ways to honor military families’ service,” said First Lady Michelle Obama

Read more ›