LEGISLATIVE REPORT
September 20, 2012
Ken Kooyman
Senior Vice-Commander/Legislative Director
DAV Department of Massachusetts
Room 546, State House
Boston, MA 02767
(617) 727-2974
(314) 750-3752
VETERANS’ EMPLOYMENT BILL RESULTS 9-19-12
Greetings,
As part of my duties, the legislative process doesn’t end with the resolutions and filing and lobbying on behalf of Bills. It also includes reporting on the outcome of legislation and how our congressional delegation voted.
Yesterday was a resounding affirmation of the ineffectiveness of our current congress to meet the needs of this county’s citizens and in particular disabled veterans, veterans and families. Senate Republicans blocked legislation Wednesday that would have established a $1 billion jobs program putting veterans back to work. It would have placed some of these capable young men and women into jobs in local fire and police departments and other federal jobs where much needed staffing for our common good.
As I visit chapters throughout the state, I am discussing the patrician climate in Washington. I am telling our membership that we need to check the voting records of our legislators. I have also stated there are those in Washington that do not consider veterans anything more than “cry babies” and part of the “entitlement” problem. It is sad to think that we are thought of in this manner and garner disrespect for our service.
It is also sad that less than 25% of those serving in Congress have no understanding of the covenant this government made and makes with our military men and women. This election on November 6, 2012, may change how our country looks at us. All I ask is that you review the voting records of those we are re-electing or understand the position of those that are new and running for office. We have worked too hard climbing up the ladder to be cast off and considered cry babies.
I am pleased to announce that both Senators Kerry and Brown voted to support this bill. 10.9% of veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan era are unemployed. This is 2.9% higher than the national unemployment rate.