Rep. John Velis
WESTFIELD-As the unemployment rate for young veterans ticked up again nationally, State Rep. John Velis (D-Westfield) finds the numbers “troubling and problematic.”
Recent figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) note the unemployment rate for the youngest generation of veterans jumped to 6.3 percent in January, the fourth time in the past seven months that group has been higher than the overall veteran rate. At press time, approximately 211,000 Iraq and Afghanistan era veterans are looking for work, according to the BLS. For all veterans, the January unemployment rate was 4.5 percent, up slightly from December but under 5 percent for the 20th consecutive month, according to BLS data.
In his new role as vice chairman of the state Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs, Velis said he is “deeply honored” to be serving in this leadership position and plans to “act quickly” on legislation that will soon come before the board.
Velis, a combat veteran and current member of the United States Army Reserves, said he brings a “unique and valuable perspective” to the committee which will serve him well.
Velis said one of his chief objectives is securing employment for unemployed and underemployed veterans in Westfield and across the state.
“It breaks my heart whenever I receive calls from veterans who say they can’t find a job and have to get food stamps,” said Velis. “We have to offer employers incentives to train and hire these veterans.”
Currently, for-profit employers in Massachusetts may be eligible for a federal tax credit through the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) program if they hire a qualifying unemployed veteran. An unemployed veteran is a person discharged or released from the military during the five years preceding the hiring date who received unemployment benefits for at least four weeks during the one-year period ending on the hiring date.
CAPT. JOHN VELIS
Velis said in the coming weeks he plans to work on legislation that will emulate what is offered on the federal level.
“We are on the forefront of veteran advocacy, and I look forward to working with the Baker administration on implementing tax credits for businesses that hire veterans,” said Velis.
Velis said he also looks forward to meeting with business leaders this spring to determine what skill gaps exist and how the state can help.
“The truth is we owe a debt of gratitude to our veterans and I have no reservations asking employers to step up to the plate and hire them,” said Velis.
In a related objective, Velis has also filed legislation titled HD.1936, an act “protecting veterans’ preference in hiring practices.” While some cities and towns have opted out of civil service hiring practices, an initiative Velis called a “disturbing trend,” the draft bill would make mandatory that the city or town would still need to have a veteran preference in place, according to Velis.
Velis noted he is accessible for constituents and can be reached through his district office at 52 Court St., by calling (413) 572-3920, or via email to [email protected]. He also plans to conduct several “town hall meetings” soon so that veterans and their family members can talk about “obstacles” they are experiencing.
“Transportation might be an issue for veterans coming to Beacon Hill,” said Velis, adding, “so I am bringing Boston to Western Massachusetts.”
Velis said he will provide ample notice of upcoming meetings through The Westfield News and a variety of social media avenues to ensure that the word gets out to veterans.
“I look forward to doing what I can to improve the lives of our vets in Massachusetts,” he said.
In addition to Velis’ work on the local and state level, veterans and their family members will also find helpful resources at Westfield Veterans’ Services, 45 Noble St. (office within the Westfield Senior Center). The office is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. , and inquiries can be made by calling (413) 642-9314. Also, local veteran employment representative Linda Candage is available to meet with veterans at CareerPoint, 850 High St., Holyoke. Candage also specializes in helping veterans who might have barriers to employment. Candage can be reached by calling (413) 322-7147, or by stopping in to CareerPoint.
