‘One Business, One Vet’ Rep. McCabe’s first bill passes the House unanimously
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‘One Business, One Vet’ Rep. McCabe’s first bill passes the House unanimously
Rep. Gina McCabe is a step closer to her legislative goal of increasing veteran employment in Washington state after the House of Representatives passed House Bill 2040 Thursday night.
“To have my 'One Business, One Vet' bill be the first bill I get passed by the House of Representatives means a lot to me. I have always had a deep gratitude toward those who have served our country. I truly feel like I am paying it forward,” said McCabe, R-Goldendale. “Veterans just want to work when they return home. I am hopeful this bill will make its way through the legislative process and we will achieve the goal of increased veteran employment.”
There are over 600,000 thousand veterans residing in Washington and the unemployment rate for veterans between the ages of 18-25 is about 21 percent.
“Our veterans have diverse and valued skill sets, including expertise in fields such as health care or technology. I think any employer would be pleased to hire a veteran given their work ethic and leadership abilities,” said McCabe.
House Bill 2040 directs the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA), Employment Security, and Department of Commerce to consult with local chambers of commerce, associate development organizations and businesses to initiate a campaign resulting in an increase in veteran employment in Washington. The DVA would maintain a database of those participating and share percentages of cities, counties and districts that employ at least one veteran.
The bill is now headed to the Senate for further consideration.
PHOTO CAPTION: Rep. Gina McCabe is congratulated by colleagues after passage of her first bill in the House.
