The National Governors Association is piloting programs in six states (Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nevada, Virginia, and Wisconsin) assisting returning military members with employment. These programs focus on easing licensure/certification for recruiting/transitioning police, emergency medical technicians, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, physical therapists, and commercial drivers. While these occupations seem to be a clear transfer, civilian credentials are still required, which provide hurdles for veterans. Local and state governments can help veterans obtain these credentials.
The National League of Cities (NLC), in collaboration with the Home Depot Foundation and the VA, has launched the 25 Cities Initiative to end veteran homelessness by 2015. Salt Lake City, Phoenix, and St. Paul have joined this initiative to reach zero homelessness. Numbers of homeless veterans have been decreasing in the past five years due to a massive effort by HUD and the VA, however numbers of minority and women homeless vets are on the rise.
The National Council of State Legislatures (NCSL) has a Task Force on Military and Veterans Affairs created to examine issues affecting military-community relations and the health and well-being of veterans. One focus is on combatting hunger in veteran and active duty military families who comprise 25-75% of recipients of food assistance in various towns and cities. NCSL offers a check list for local leaders seeking simple, low-cost ways to feed hungry families. They keep track of the legislation being presented and passed in each state that would assist veterans in easing the licensure/certification that NGA is proposing, as well as proposed legislation to assist veterans across the country.
The National Association of Counties (NACo) has cosponsored the Network of Care for Veterans, Service Members & Their Families to help residents and county officials find the veteran services they need. This is a thorough resource, providing specific information on where to obtain numerous services by county in many states. NACo has also launched the County Innovation Network, or COIN, a private, managed online community for local government leadership and staff. COIN will enable counties to network nationally to discuss issues, especially reintegrating veterans.
