Virginia House Bill HB141

Virginia 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/2/24
• Refer: 1/2/24
• Report Pass: 2/6/24
• Engrossed: 2/9/24
• Refer: 2/13/24
• Report Pass: 2/21/24

Caption

Veterans' Fellowship for State Government Pilot Program; created, report.

Impact

The program will facilitate the recruitment of veterans into the Commonwealth workforce by offering them mentorship, leadership experience, and educational opportunities through collaborations with Virginia Commonwealth University. Participants will follow tracks for both undergraduate and graduate education, culminating in a commitment to two years of state employment following completion of the program. This is expected to enhance the skill set available within government roles and foster a more veteran-friendly work environment.

Summary

House Bill 141 establishes the Veteran's Fellowship for State Government Pilot Program within the Virginia Department of Veterans Services. The program is geared toward assisting veterans in their transition to employment with the Commonwealth of Virginia. It aims to increase the number of skilled workers with military backgrounds employed in state government, providing educational pathways and leadership development opportunities tailored for veterans.

Contention

One notable point of contention around HB141 is its expiration clause, which limits the program's validity until July 1, 2027. Some may argue that such a temporary program does not provide a sustainable long-term solution for integrating veterans into state employment and may hinder continuous support needed for veterans transitioning to civilian careers. Additionally, while the program is supportive of educational advancement, concerns regarding funding and resource allocation for both the program and participating educational institutions might arise.