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Dr. Ruiz, Rep. Negusse Introduce the Veterans Conservation Corps Act

April 11, 2019

Washington D.C.— This week, Dr. Raul Ruiz (D-CA) and Representative Joe Neguse (D-CO) introduced the Veterans Conservation Corps Act, bipartisan legislation to connect veterans with employment opportunities in public lands maintenance.

This bill provides transitional assistance for veterans through employment opportunities in conservation, resource management, firefighting, law enforcement, or historic preservation. The initiative has been widely praised by veteran and environmental advocates, as well as nonprofit and state-run conservation corps.

"Our veterans learn invaluable skills while serving in our nation's armed forces. Ensuring these talented men and women can secure employment is a crucial part of serving our veterans after they have returned home," said Congressman Ruiz, M.D., "I am proud to join Congressman Neguse in introducing the Veterans Conservation Corps Act, which will provide job opportunities for veterans who want to continue serving our nation by working in our national and state forests, parks, and wildlife refuges to maintain our public lands and protect our natural resources."

"This legislation addresses the issue of veterans unemployment, while investing in our public lands and our natural disaster assistance," said Congressman Neguse. "I'm proud to introduce the Veterans Conservation Corps Act which will support our veterans through concrete transitional opportunities, while also investing in the precious public lands at the heart of Colorado and our nation's character and economy."

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