Job Creation and Workforce Development

Price preferences for veteran businesses: Providing our veterans with good-paying jobs and paths to successful business ownership is an important way of showing our gratitude for their sacrifices. SB 564, co-authored by Sen. Frank Mrvan, requires each state agency to set a goal of at least 10 percent veteran-owned business participation in state contracts and provides that the Indiana Economic Development Corporation help determine which purchases of supplies or services could be designated for veteran-owned small businesses.

 Hoosier veterans

Combat to College: As many veterans struggle to make the transition from combat to civilian life, lawmakers are considering legislation that will help veterans obtain a college degree. SB 115 will require state universities to establish a “Combat to College Program.” The legislation, coauthored by Sen. Richard Young, requires universities to provide a centralized location for admissions, registration and financial services; reasonable accommodations for disabled veteran students; the development of programs to provide academic guidance specifically for veterans as well as access to counseling services or resources for disabled veteran students and those veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Among other provisions, the bill requires universities to provide postsecondary credit for military training based upon recommendations by the American Council of Education.

Service skills to job training: SB 290 provides that the Emergency Medical Services Commission shall issue a license or certificate to a military service applicant who meets certain requirements. Authored by Sen. Lindel Hume, the bill would allow the commission to issue a temporary practice certificate or provisional license while the military service applicant is satisfying certain requirements as determined by the commission.