For Immediate Release
Tuesday, February 9, 2010

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Baucus Meets with Top Vets to Push Job Creation Among Returning Servicemembers

Senator Moving Forward With Bill to Tackle Veteran Unemployment

WASHINGTON D.C. - Montana’s senior U.S. Senator Max Baucus today met with top members of the group Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America to talk about job creation and upcoming tax credits aimed at returning service members.

Baucus is chairman of the powerful Senate Finance Committee, which has jurisdiction over all tax credits. He is moving forward with a hiring credit that would reward employers that hire veterans that have recently left military service.

“We had a great meeting,” Baucus said. “Our service members are some of the most selfless, heroic Americans among us- and Montana has one of the highest sign up rates in the country. Montanans know what it means to serve. I’m committed to passing tax credits and hiring credits specifically for these folks- to make sure they have everything they need to get their feet under them once they return home.”

IAVA Founder and Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff said:

“Senator Baucus has been fantastic partner of IAVA, working with us on many of our key issues. He lead the charge for mandatory mental health screenings and is now spearheading efforts to secure employment opportunities for veterans. His proposal will reward employers who hire veterans with a tax credit and will make it easier to apply for those credits. This is incredibly important for veterans returning home to such a tough economy. IAVA thanks Senator Baucus for his commitment to the newest generation of veterans.”

Patrick Campbell, chief legislative counsel for the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), and four other Iraq veterans urged Baucus to do everything he can to help veterans find jobs. From 2006 to 2009, the unemployment rate among male veterans ages 18-24 increased by 11.5 percentage points to 21.7%. Among female veterans of the same age, the unemployment rate increased by 7.5 percentage points to 20 percent.

“For our veterans to have unemployment that high is simply shameful,” Baucus said. “We must recommit ourselves to finding these American heroes the jobs they deserve once they come home. You can bet I’m committed to getting this hiring credit done as soon as possible.”

The veterans also took the opportunity to thank Baucus for his work improving mental health screenings. The legislation, which is modeled after a program currently used by the Montana National Guard, requires the military to provide a live screening for every soldier, Marine, Airman, or Sailor before he or she deploys to combat as well as no later than six, twelve and twenty four months after their return.

To arrange an interview with IAVA Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff or a member veteran, contact Chrissy Stevens, 212-982-9699, chrissy@iava.org .

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America ( www.IAVA.org ) is the country's first and largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and has more than 180,000 veteran members and civilian supporters nationwide.

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