Thursday, March 7, 2013

McCaskill Meets Missouri Veterans Leaders

Over the past week, U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill has met with key Missouri veterans leaders to discuss the issues currently facing Missouri’s veterans.

McCaskill talked with Missourians representing the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), the American Legion, and Disabled American Veterans about issues ranging from the budget for the Department of Veterans Affairs to veteran unemployment—especially members of the Guard and Reserves—and the need for states to modify the certification requirements to account for employment skills gained while in active service.

“We’ve got to make sure that Congress is living up to the promises made to our nation’s heroes,” said McCaskill, the daughter of a World War II veteran. “And I’ve been proud to partner with Missouri’s veterans to accomplish that goal. I’m confident that these Missouri leaders and Congress will continue working together to ensure veterans get the benefits they’ve earned.”

McCaskill is the founding member of the Senate Veterans Jobs Caucus and was a leading advocate for the VOW to Hire Heroes Act, which provides tax credits to employers that hire veterans, extends education benefits to Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, and takes steps to help veterans translate their military experience into relevant skills sought by civilian employers.

Last year, McCaskill led a Senate hearing to examine progress made by government contractors in the hiring of military veterans. McCaskill also supported and helped pass legislation to ensure that the military training received by the nation's veterans is considered and valued when those veterans seek employment opportunities.

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