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Baird-sponsored bill creating Second Service for Veterans program passes State Senate
Legislation creating the Second Service for Veterans program has passed unanimously out of both the Indiana House and Senate.
Co-sponsored by District 44 State Rep. Jim Baird (R-Greencastle), Senate Bill 331 establishes the program to help connect veterans with a job in the teaching profession.
"Throughout their career, members of the military conduct briefings, instruct peers and subordinates and develop skills which can easily transfer into the teaching profession," Rep. Baird said.
"With the unemployment rate for veterans still too high," he added, "we need to do everything we can to help them succeed once their service is over. One way we can accomplish this is by creating programs like Second Service for Veterans which will help them use the skills they developed, while faithfully serving their country, to benefit them in their civilian affairs."
If enacted, SB 331 would create the Second Service for Veterans program, which would require each state college to provide academic and career counseling to honorably discharged veterans who major in education.
Additionally, each college would be required to offer scholarship opportunities to veterans that enroll in the school of education as well as develop a plan to attract more veterans into the major. Veterans serving out of state that apply and are accepted into the program would be eligible to receive in-state tuition.
Other portions of the bill expand college credit opportunities for veterans that either pass examinations with college equivalency or complete courses at state accredited postsecondary institution during their service.
"Veterans protect and defend our freedom, and despite all they sacrifice, some may receive nothing in return for their years of service," said Rep. Baird. "As a veteran, I know firsthand how difficult the transition from military to civilian life can be, so we need to do everything we can to help those who devoted their lives in service to this country make that transition more smoothly."
Rep. Baird represents all of Putnam County and portions of Clay, Morgan, Owen and Parke counties.
Interested persons can visit www.in.gov/legislative to learn more about Senate Bill 331 or www.in.gov/legislative/house_republicans to learn more about Rep. Baird.