Senate revives, endorses veteran jobs bill

Senate revives, endorses veteran jobs bill

HELENA — A Helena Democrat's bill to help military veterans get jobs is getting a second chance in the Senate.

Sen. Mary Caferro's Senate Bill 359 would set up a program to give loans to veterans and their spouses for short-term job training. At least half of the loan would have to be paid back by the veteran and the rest by the employer.

Caferro says the measure is targeted at veterans who do not have time to go to a two- or four-year school.

The bill originally called for giving training money to all unemployed or underemployed Montanans. That version was stopped in committee.

The Senate endorsed Caferro's measure Tuesday on a 33-16 vote. Sen Jonathan Windy Boy voted for the bill. Sen. Rowlie Hutton, R-Havre, voted no.

HELENA — A Helena Democrat's bill to help military veterans get jobs is getting a second chance in the Senate.

Sen. Mary Caferro's Senate Bill 359 would set up a program to give loans to veterans and their spouses for short-term job training. At least half of the loan would have to be paid back by the veteran and the rest by the employer.

Caferro says the measure is targeted at veterans who do not have time to go to a two- or four-year school.

The bill originally called for giving training money to all unemployed or underemployed Montanans. That version was stopped in committee.

The Senate endorsed Caferro's measure Tuesday on a 33-16 vote. Sen Jonathan Windy Boy voted for the bill. Sen. Rowlie Hutton, R-Havre, voted no.