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Ceretto votes to help service-connected disabled veterans find work

by jmaloni

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Wed, Mar 26th 2014 02:50 pm

Assemblyman John Ceretto, R-C-I-Lewiston, worked with Gov. Andrew Cuomo to co-sponsor and pass a bill that would help returning disabled veterans transition back into civilian life. The law sets aside 6 percent of state contracts for service-connected disabled veterans. The program is similar to a successful federal government program that sets aside 3 percent of federal contracts.

Ceretto said he strongly supports this legislation because it helps solve one of the biggest problems facing disabled veterans trying to re-adjust: finding meaningful work that pays well.

"Veterans who have sacrificed to protect the freedoms we enjoy need help transitioning back into the workforce, and this legislation accomplishes that goal," Ceretto said. "It is heartbreaking that the brave men and women who are wounded in battle overseas come back home and cannot find work. They simply want a chance to earn their living. My hope is that this legislation will provide it."

Veterans who were disabled in the line of duty often cannot perform physical tasks because of their injuries, limiting their job opportunities. In addition, having spent time overseas, they sometimes do not have the office experience required for many jobs. This combination has led to a higher unemployment rate among disabled veterans than the rest of the population.

"I thank Gov. Cuomo and my fellow state lawmakers for prioritizing this issue," Ceretto said. "We worked together in a bipartisan manner to give disabled veterans the chance they deserve to provide for themselves and their families. We will continue to look for ways to help them transition back into civilian life."

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