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East County News Service
March 21, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) -- This afternoon, the Assembly Committee on Veterans Affairs voted to support AB 353, the Veterans Employment Parity Act, with unanimous support (10-0).
"The Veterans Affairs Committee took an important step today toward expanding job opportunities for our nation's veterans. With a higher unemployment rate than the national average, it's critical that we provide private employers with the option to give preference to veterans during the hiring process," said Voepel.
AB 353 would permit private sector employers to establish a voluntary hiring preference policy for veterans. Today's law only allows for employers to give preference to Vietnam-era veterans when it comes to hiring decisions.
This bill would expand this law to include all Veterans, regardless of when they served. This ensures that, if they desire, employers can give preference to veterans who have served since the end of the Vietnam war, ensuring that veterans of Iraq, Afghanistan, and other conflicts can receive preference when it comes to employment.
To date, 37 states have enacted similar legislation. In addition, under current law, a veterans preference policy is allowed for public sector positions.
Assemblyman Randy Voepel represents the 71st Assembly District, which includes the communities of eastern San Diego County, including Alpine, Borrego Springs, Casa de Oro - Mount Helix, El Cajon, Lakeside, Jamul, Ramona, Rancho San Diego, Santee and Spring Valley; and southern Riverside County, including Anza, Aguanga, Idyllwild-Pine Cove, Lake Riverside and Mountain Center. Prior to his election to the Assembly, Voepel served as the Mayor of Santee for 16 years.
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