Friday, May 26, 2006

Teamsters Call on Governors to Adopt Veteran-Friendly Legislation

Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa proposed that 45 state governors follow federal regulations (49 CFR 383.77) to enact measures that will allow the states to grant military personnel a commercial driving license when they have had qualifying training during their service.
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In letters that the governors received this week, Hoffa asked them to help veterans return to the workforce and apply the valuable training they received from the government.

"As the country pays respect this Memorial Day weekend to our men and women in the military who died in the service of our country, these 45 states should also make a true effort to help our soldiers use the training they received in the military," Hoffa said. "We shouldn't be placing roadblocks in the way of these national heroes when they return and re-enter the workforce."

Five states including Minnesota, Florida, Nevada, Ohio and Rhode Island recognize specialized skills veterans gain from service and military training. With the lack of qualified drivers available in the industry, these soldiers offer an immediate and qualified population of drivers.

"For the sake of our veterans and their families, I ask that states adopt these measures as soon as possible," Hoffa said. "This would not only 'Keep America's Promise' and help repay our debt to those who have sacrificed and served our country in time of war, but would also ensure applicants have the skills necessary to safely handle commercial vehicles on our nation's highways."

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