WC Wisconsin News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03), alongside Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI), announced the introduction of legislation to increase financial support for veterans in apprenticeships and on-the-job training programs. The Warriors to Workforce Act aims to amend the current stipulation of the GI Bill that dictates the Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) for veterans, increasing it from 80% to 90% of the standard rate throughout their training period, to reduce financial barriers and dropout rates among veterans during their workforce training programs.

“Veterans should not be forced to choose between having a home and having a job, which is why I introduced the Warriors to Workforce Act,” said Congressman Van Orden. “Getting veterans back into the civilian workforce after they depart from their military service is instrumental in ensuring they can be successful, productive members of society, and my bill increases veterans’ MHA so that they can secure a good-paying job while also having a bed to sleep in. This is the least we can do for our nation’s heroes, and I thank Congresswoman Dingell for her support on this legislation.”

“I am proud to lead this bill to foster more sustainable apprenticeship and on-the-job training program opportunities for our veterans by increasing the Monthly Housing Allowance to reduce dropout rates,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “We make a promise that we will take care of our veterans when they return home, and this bill is a big step towards keeping that promise and providing them with the tools they need to succeed. When our workforce is strong and our veterans receive the support they deserve, America is made stronger.”

“The American Legion is committed to supporting legislation that improves educational benefits for service members, veterans, and their families. Unfortunately, many of our veterans have had to drop out of promising training programs due to the increasing cost of living. This bill increases the monthly housing allowance a veteran receives, which is necessary to help them overcome daunting financial burdens, and allows them to take full advantage of the benefits they have earned. The American Legion commends Congressman Van Orden and his staff for their steadfast leadership in this regard,” said The American Legion’s Veterans Employment and Education Chairman, Jay Bowen.

“This commonsense legislation is a practical improvement to the Monthly Housing Allowance that removes the financial barriers in completing on-the-job training and apprenticeships, stabilizes the transition of servicemembers into civilian life, and increases benefit utilization amongst the veteran community,” said Shawn Deadwiler, Chairman of the Black Veterans Empowerment Council Inc. (BVEC). “BVEC is proud to support this meaningful step forward in addressing chronic issues faced by veterans - including housing and homelessness, access to resources that support a self-sufficient and healthy life, and availability of services for veterans entering the workforce.”

“Given the nation’s need to expand its skilled labor pool, some veterans opt to utilize their GI Bill benefits for on-the-job training or apprenticeship programs. These veterans face a reduction in their VA monthly housing allowance (MHA) after the first six months, which leads some to consider leaving the program. SVA strongly supports The Warriors-to-Workforce Act which seeks to increase MHA during second six-month period helping ensure Veterans can complete training without financial hardship We appreciate Congressman Van Orden's commitment reducing dropout rates supporting success,” said Tammy Barlet Vice President Government Affairs Student Veterans America SVA

The Warriors-to-Workforce Act supported multiple organizations including: American Legion Veterans Foreign Wars Disabled American Task Force Movement Student Veterans Reserve Organization Special Operations Association National Association State Approving Agencies Black Empowerment Council Vietnam Air Commando Education Project Tragedy Assistance Program Survivors

To read Warriors-to-Workforce Act text click here