Rapid Response Feedback Report: Thank You, Michigan Steelworkers! With your help, our veterans’ bill has passed the Michigan House!

Click here to download a PDF of this Feedback Report. 

Last week, H.B. 5736 (http://usw.to/4LT), our USW-sponsored veterans’ posting bill passed the Michigan House along party lines with a vote of 56 to 54. This clears the path for the bill to head to the senate after summer recess and hopefully onto the Governor’s desk for her signature.

H.B. 5736 would require a standardized workplace posting that includes basic information about benefits to which Veterans are entitled and a way to learn more about programs designed to help them, such as:

• Free advocacy and assistance through the: Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Crisis Line
• Federal disability compensation and other VA benefits
• Educational opportunities
• Assistance with substance abuse and other forms of addiction
• Available tax exemptions and credits
• Armed Forces Designation on MI driver license or ID card
• Employment and re-employment rights
• Pro bono legal services
• Information for constituency groups like African-American and LGBTQ+ Veterans Groups

These programs help to ease the transition back into civilian life and ensure that families and communities are supported after giving selflessly for our country.

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How Did Your House Member Vote?

We were surprised to see this bill voted along party lines. In nearly every other state where the bill has been passed, both parties came together to support our veterans and voted unanimously for passage.

All Democrats voted in favor of passage; all Republicans voted against. To see how your representative voted, click HERE (http://usw.to/4LQ).

This good work never gets done without you. We are proud of our veterans and happy that this is one more step forward in making sure they know what resources they have after their service to our country. Thank you for your help and stay tuned for additional action in the senate!