Military veterans seeking employment with the Anne Arundel government could get a leg up through a bill before the County Council.
“I don?t feel we?re doing enough to hire a lot of veterans, especially in light of the fact that we derive a lot of our local economy from the military,” said Councilman Jamie Benoit, D-District 4, who introduced a proposal that would give veterans hiring preference.
Benoit, an Army veteran, said his bill aims to give military veterans, National Guardsmen and reservists preference when hiring for county government jobs.
Anne Arundel is home to many military institutions, including the U.S. Naval Academy and Fort Meade.
The bill also aims to hire veterans with disabilities, who Benoit said have difficulty finding employment.
In fact, all veterans are subject to discrimination by employers who fear redeployment, Benoit said.
“The homecoming veterans are finding that their jobs aren?t waiting for them like they?re supposed to be,” said George Martin, commander of American Legion Post 226 in Edgewater.
“They have to go out and find new jobs, and businesses tend to shy away from veterans.”
The issue of veterans discrimination extends to their spouses, though Benoit?s bill only address veterans.
“When you move every two to three years, it?s difficult to find a job,” said Taleen Jackson, 31, whose husband is stationed at Fort Meade. “I?ve been turned down by employers because my husband?s in the military.”
