A bill introduced by U.S. Rep. John Mannion, D-Geddes, on June 29 would give more help to service members and their spouses when they try to transition into the civilian workforce, Mannion announced.
The bipartisan Next Mission Act, co-led by Rep. Nick LaLota, R-Long Island, would create a U.S. Department of Defense grant program for nonprofits that provide free, high-quality employment services to service members leaving the military and their spouses.
Those services would include things like expanded access to industry-recognized certifications, career counseling, job placement assistance and one-on-one support based on each participant’s background and goals as a supplement to the services already offered by the defense department’s Transition Assistance Program.
“We have a duty to support those who wore the uniform when they return to civilian life,” Mannion said in a statement. “The Next Mission Act is bipartisan, common-sense legislation that will help service members and military spouses access job training, career support, and employment services.”
Mannion cited the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University as a national leader in the kind of programs called for in the bill. The institute’ Onward to Opportunity program, which helps veterans and their spouses earn credentials and find employment opportunities, inspired the legislation, he said.
“With over 110,000 served through our Onward to Opportunity (O2O) program, we have seen firsthand how industry-recognized training and career preparation can help service members and military spouses translate their skills into meaningful civilian employment,” said Barb Carson, the institute’s managing director, programs and policies, said in a statement.
“By expanding access to proven workforce development pathways and strengthening support during transition, this legislation represents an important step toward ensuring every service member and spouse is prepared for success in their next mission.”
Over 200,000 members of the military end their military service each year, according to Mannion’s office.
“As a Navy veteran, I recognize what so many service members give up for this country and we owe them more than words when they come home,” LaLota said in a statement. “Ensuring our veterans have a clear path to good-paying jobs is one of the most meaningful ways we can honor that sacrifice and knowing the direct impact this bill would have right here in New York makes it all the more important.”
The Next Mission Act has been endorsed by SU’s Institute for Veterans and Military Families, the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, With Honor and Hire Heroes USA.
This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Mannion bill: Grants for nonprofits to help vets, spouses get jobs
Reporting by Amy Neff Roth, Utica Observer Dispatch / Observer-Dispatch
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By Amy Neff Roth, Utica Observer Dispatch | USA TODAY Network
