Crapo, Little to Highlight New Job, Education Opportunities with Idaho Veterans Coalition

A new coalition in Idaho, the Veterans Education and Workforce Development Coalition, is working to increase opportunities for jobs and education for veterans in the state. 

On Monday, November 5, in the Office of Idaho Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter, Idaho Senator Mike Crapo and Idaho Lt. Governor Brad Little will join state leaders to mark the partnership and accomplishments of the Veterans Education and Workforce Development Coalition.  

Crapo has sponsored two federal, bipartisan bills in the Senate to assist in the Coalition’s mission to help members of the Armed Forces transition from military service to the civilian sector: 

• S. 3299, the Improving Preparation and Resources for Occupational, Vocational and Educational (IMPROVE) Transition for Servicemembers Act, proposes various improvements to the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) to accomplish earlier, more consistent and more effective utilization of the program and also seeks to improve communication among federal, state and local organizations.  Language from S. 3299 received consideration by the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee in a hearing on August 1st.  

• S.3310, cosponsored with Senator Bennet of Colorado, which would provide federal matching grants to organizations that act as “hubs” of various supportive services for separating servicemembers and their families, such as employment assistance, financial services, entrepreneurship training and behavioral health services.  The Veterans Education and Workforce Development Coalition has informed these legislative efforts in addition to supporting local partnerships to provide educational and employment opportunities for veterans across the state. 

The new legislation and the coalition’s work with business, industry and governmental entities are seeing results, including a two-thirds increase in applications by Idaho businesses to establish on-the-job training and apprenticeship programs in Idaho for veterans; over 40 Idaho businesses trained in how to recruit and support veteran employees; and ongoing efforts to improve the transfer and applicability of military skills to civilian occupations and educational degrees. 

“When a veteran transitions to Idaho after the military, he or she should receive more than just a warm welcome with words—we as a community should also step up to provide a ready network of community, information and services to support their ambitions and help them start a new life,” Crapo said. 

A news conference and briefing on the Coalition’s efforts is planned for Monday, which will also include a joint proclamation from Governor Otter and Lt. Governor Little recognizing the value of our nation’s veterans and the work being done on every level to ensure Idaho is not only “veteran friendly,” but also “veteran ready.”  Coalition stakeholders and Idaho industry leaders will be present to discuss their involvement in the initiative. 

Veterans Education and Workforce Development Coalition update: 

Monday, November 5^th
1:00 PM
Idaho Statehouse, Office of the Governor 

Idaho Lt. Governor Brad Little
Idaho Senator Mike Crapo
Elli Brown, State Government Affairs Director, Idaho National Laboratory
Recruit Officer Kenneth Sandoval, former U.S. Marine

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