Video & Transcript Research : 'maritime workforce'
Page 113 of 388
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:25:10.360>
will in the case management Workforce will in the case management Workforce - a more inclusive and effective Workforce a more inclusive and effective Workforce provide<01:39:
- approach will help address Workforce approach will help address Workforce shortages<01:39:58.199
- We have a workforce challenge, we know that, right?
- We have a workforce challenge, we know that, right?
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 3 on Health and Human Services May 21st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- This has created new opportunities to support workforce and population prevention programs.
- Identified workforce programs aid the overall behavioral health workforce continuum and allow flexible
- Maintaining workforce investments is especially important.
- Siscu's IHSS workforce has never had a bargaining agreement.
- They're currently in Pass Aover. workforce has never had a bargaining agreement.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Higher Education Institutions Committee Apr 9th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So hopefully they stay here and they feel that workforce need that we know is out here.
- So we've hired a workforce development officer who has been fantastic.
- So we've hired a workforce development officer who has been fantastic.
- Workforce expectations, and then that total cost of ownership.
- To get a feel of what's going on next session on that workforce initiative. Thank you.
Summary:
The Higher Education Institutions Committee met on the Minot State University campus for presentations on campus operations, enrollment, and new academic initiatives. President Shirley reviewed recent audits, noting mostly clean results with only minor technical findings, and highlighted MSU’s broad academic offerings, specialized accreditations, athletics, and partnerships with Minot Air Force Base and the MSU Development Foundation. Members asked about declining interest in teacher education, tuition waivers for athletes, dual credit incentives, and how MSU decides when to launch new programs and avoid duplication within the university system.
Shirley also discussed several workforce-focused initiatives supported by the Legislature’s Workforce Education Innovation Funds, including the purchase of the Trinity Health Center West building for a downtown health sciences hub, a new daycare/preschool partnership near campus, the Aspire program to recruit rural students into teaching, and a paraprofessional-to-special-education degree pathway. Enrollment data showed overall headcount was flat at just under 2,750, but full-time equivalent enrollment rose slightly and new student numbers increased, including the largest freshman class in 15 years. The committee also discussed Minot State’s in-state tuition rate for all students, its dual credit “Emerging Scholars” scholarship, and concerns about the share of high school graduates who do not immediately pursue postsecondary education.
Faculty then presented two new programs funded in part by WEAF: an Innovation Engineering degree and a master’s program in counseling with an integrated addiction studies focus. The engineering program was described as industry-driven, designed with broad early coursework, hands-on learning, and local employer input to prepare students for western North Dakota workforce needs; officials said it had already drawn more applicants than expected and would use renovated library space and donated or grant-funded equipment. The counseling program will be mostly face-to-face with hybrid options, aims to address shortages in mental health and substance use providers, and is structured to help students meet licensure requirements. Committee members asked about startup costs, licensure supervision hours, and whether the programs would be on campus rather than online, and presenters said both programs had recently received required approvals and were moving forward.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- /c><00:02:13.520>
of <00:02:13.680>a <00:02:13.920>diverse <00:02:14.480>workforce - <00:02:15.840>
I see the value of a diverse workforce. - I see the value of a diverse workforce.
- counselors and recently was able to um to give some um information to help clarify some things on workforce
- well as special education and workforce well as special education and workforce development.<00:
Summary:
The Health and Human Services Committee heard a series of gubernatorial nominations, primarily to the State Rehabilitation Council, the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs (PABEA), the Hawaii State LGBTQ+ Commission, and the Center for Nursing Advisory Board. Nominees included Patrick Gartside, Judith Daniels, James Montgomery (not present), Christine Park, Tammy Napoleon, Scott Spelina, Roy Katsuda, and Dr. Sylvia Rom. Each nominee described their background and why they wanted to serve, with recurring themes of disability advocacy, vocational rehabilitation, nursing workforce development, elder issues, and LGBTQ+ health and community support. Department of Human Services and Executive Office on Aging representatives generally testified in strong support of the nominees and emphasized their qualifications and relevance to the boards’ missions.
Members and agency witnesses also discussed substantive policy issues during the nominations. For PABEA nominee Scott Spelina, the committee asked about a bill involving strict liability and elder abuse-related criminal penalties; Spelina supported the approach, saying it would be easier to enforce and better protect seniors. For other nominees, testimony highlighted the need for stronger rehabilitation services, qualified vocational rehabilitation counselors, adult education partnerships, and nursing recruitment and retention, especially on Kauaʻi. Dr. Sylvia Rom’s nomination drew broad support from commission members and community supporters, with testimony focusing on LGBTQ+ health, gender-expansive youth, and intersectional advocacy.
No final votes were taken during the hearing. The chair repeatedly stated that decision-making would be deferred until later in the calendar, and in some cases until the nominee was present or quorum was available. One nomination, James Montgomery, was skipped because he was not present on Zoom, and Kevin Nakamura’s nomination was also deferred to a later date. The committee accepted written and oral testimony and generally moved through the nominations without questions from members.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Committee to Study Long-Term Managed Care (09/15/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- um access to previously of workforce um access to services<00:47:03.280>
is <00:47:03.680> - Um, the other thing that I think is a great concern for many of us is the workforce question.
- <00:52:15.440>
Um, workforce question. You raised that. Um, workforce question. - <01:10:14.640>
It's talking about the workforce issue. - It's talking about the workforce issue.
Summary:
The Committee to Study Long-Term Managed Care met to approve prior minutes and outline its schedule, with meetings set for September 24 and September 29 ahead of an October 1 report deadline. The chair said the committee would use the first two meetings to digest testimony, likely ask follow-up questions of DHS, and then work toward conclusions and a report format. The minutes from the previous meeting were approved unanimously.
The main testimony came from Sharon Alexander of Amera Health, who argued in favor of moving from fee-for-service Medicaid long-term services and supports to a managed LTSS model. She described managed LTSS as a capitated, quality-driven system used in about 26 states, and said it can improve care coordination, accountability, access to home- and community-based services, and budget predictability. She cited Amera Health’s experience in Pennsylvania and Delaware, including care coordination, housing and transportation support, caregiver programs, and quality benchmarks tied to state oversight. She also said nursing facilities would remain an important option for people who need that level of care.
Committee members asked about how the programs are administered, how rates are set, how care managers work, and how quality is measured. Alexander said states contract with managed care organizations at actuarially sound capitated rates, with annual contracts, reporting, and oversight. She explained that care managers typically conduct quarterly assessments and follow up after trigger events such as hospitalization, and that housing coordinators may assist with transitions to the community. On quality, she said states use CMS-related and HCBS benchmark measures covering service timeliness, care planning, transitions, and other outcomes, and that New Hampshire could build on existing metrics rather than starting from scratch. She also noted that rural areas face workforce and transportation challenges, which managed care plans try to address through technology and self-direction options.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Chamber Meeting Mar 1st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- By the workforce, for example, the Department of Workforce Solutions.
- So, we really want to boost the local workforce.
- Is it to build a workforce? Mr. Speaker and gentlelady, you Seem focused on building a workforce.
- Opportunities for a highly skilled STEM workforce. Mr.
- Speaker, gentlelady, is related to the workforce.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Health Care Financing Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Health Care Financing
Transcript Highlights:
- I think you all know that the crisis in the direct care workforce has been serious for many years, and
- It is a workforce crisis that has ripple effects in our communities. Substance use is rising.
- By paying these workers a living wage, we can better recruit and retain the workforce needed to meet
- We have seen since the pandemic that there is a workforce shortage because of the pandemic.
- Many people are to take the loved ones home and leave the workforce.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Health Care Financing held a public hearing focused largely on senior long-term care issues, family caregiving, post-acute care access, and direct care workforce pay. Testimony strongly supported bills to raise the personal needs allowance for nursing home and rest home residents (including H. 1411, S. 482, and related bills), with speakers from Mass Senior Action, Dignity Alliance, nursing home residents, providers, and former state officials arguing that the current $72.80 monthly allowance has been unchanged since 2008 and is inadequate for basic items like clothing, toiletries, haircuts, and transportation. Witnesses also backed bills to increase MassHealth asset and income limits for seniors and to stop counting life insurance as cash, describing the current rules as outdated and harmful to low-income elders.
The committee also heard testimony on bills allowing family members, including spouses and guardians, to be paid caregivers (H. 1394/S. 886), with supporters saying this would help families keep loved ones at home and reduce reliance on costly institutional care. Another set of bills (H. 1412/S. 903) drew support from a physician who said clearer MassHealth communication and improved post-acute care determination processes would help reduce delays and backlogs for patients awaiting skilled nursing, rehabilitation, or other post-acute placement. Several speakers emphasized that better home- and community-based care can prevent hospital readmissions and support independence.
A major portion of the hearing focused on S. 877, which would establish an enhanced care worker minimum wage of $25 per hour, indexed to inflation, for certain home care and human services workers. Union representatives and direct care workers from SEIU Local 509, 1199 SEIU, and the AFL-CIO described severe staffing shortages, burnout, low wages, and high turnover across home care, mental health, disability services, and crisis response. They argued that higher pay is necessary to recruit and retain workers and to stabilize services for vulnerable residents. Committee members asked about costs, comparisons with other states, and whether non-wage incentives could help, but witnesses repeatedly said wages were the central issue. The hearing concluded after all registered testimony was heard, with the committee noting it would continue accepting written testimony and then adjourning.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Health Apr 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- on how to assist the gap financing or gap funding needed to continue to help with our health care workforce
- These are the transformative care model, rural workforce development, and technology and tools.
- Rural workforce development, as you can imagine, supports pipeline programs, clinical training capacity
- UC also supports building a sustainable rural health workforce to address care gaps in underserved areas
- We also support building a sustainable rural health workforce to address care gaps in underserved areas
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
December 10, 2025 - 01:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- ARE MOVING QUICKLY TO UNDERSTAND WHAT AI MEANS FOR INSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION, DATA GOVERNANCE AND WORKFORCE
- , EMERGING POLICIES, ADMINISTRATIVE USES AND OPERATION AND BUDGETING AND THE NEW SKILLS THAT OUR WORKFORCE
- 16 COMPACT STATES TO UNDERSTAND HOW ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IS RESHAPING TEACHING, LEARNING AND WORKFORCE
- IN WAYS THAT ENHANCE INSTRUCTION, PROTECT STUDENTS AND SUPPORT WORKFORCE READINESS.
- WE WANT TO PUT THE PIPELINE IN THE WORKFORCE THAT FLORIDA NEEDS AND BEYOND. AND THE ENTIRE NATION.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Dec 3rd, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- and the leadership at the college have on the horizon and certainly interested in improving our workforce
- Certainly, workforce is important.
- have North Florida College as a segue for those students to be able to get out and get into the workforce
- Well, thank you very much for your commitment, especially on the workforce.
- As I said earlier, we're very interested in the workforce elements, and certainly building a welding
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met to hear confirmations for 19 appointees and reappointees to university and state college boards, with most of the agenda focused on the University of Florida, Florida A&M University, Florida Atlantic University, University of Central Florida, Florida State University, Florida Polytechnic University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Pensacola State College, State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota, North Florida College, South Florida State College, and the Florida Prepaid College Board. Testimony from the nominees generally emphasized their educational backgrounds, professional experience, and priorities such as student success, workforce development, financial sustainability, research growth, housing, and maintaining or improving institutional rankings. Several UF trustees highlighted the university’s “One UF” vision, institutional neutrality, and goals of reaching top-three or top-one national status. Other nominees stressed the role of state colleges in workforce pipelines, and Florida Poly witnesses focused on STEM growth, housing, and strong graduate outcomes.
One in-person public testimony came from Elijah Hooks, who spoke in opposition to the current FAMU administration and described his expulsion, arrest, and trespass from campus after protesting the appointment of President Marva Johnson. For FAMU, Jocelyn Dobson Rodriguez testified in support of her appointment, emphasizing her legal background, alumni ties, and goals of strengthening leadership, alumni engagement, and the connection between the main campus and the College of Law in Orlando. For Florida Atlantic University, Tina Vidal-Duart was questioned closely about her prior service on the Hope Florida Foundation board and about CDR Health’s involvement in state contracts; she said she was not aware of the foundation’s governance problems at the time and that CDR’s state contract was a flat daily rate.
The committee then voted to report all appointees favorably except for Tina Vidal-Duart, whose confirmation was held for a separate vote at the request of Senator Bracy Davis. After discussion, the committee voted 5-1 to report her confirmation favorably as well. The meeting concluded with no further business and adjournment.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Apr 10th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- It requires the District Workforce, Education funding steering committee to hold public meetings and
- About 10 years ago, I started it PT Consulting firm that focuses on education and workforce policy.
- And I appreciate the college's emphasis on providing job skills, job training, workforce opportunities
- I know I'm a huge advocate of having prepared women in the workforce and women in the workforce.
- And thank you for the background and your sister and and your relationship with women in the workforce
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board (12-10-25) - Part 2
Transcript Highlights:
- This impacts our entire workforce.
- This impacts our entire workforce.
- This impacts our entire workforce.
- This impacts our entire workforce.
- This impacts our entire workforce.
Summary:
The Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board reconvened and heard a presentation from the Attorney General’s Office Medicaid Fraud and Abuse Control unit. AG staff described the unit’s structure and work: it investigates and prosecutes Medicaid provider fraud, and also handles abuse, neglect, and exploitation cases involving vulnerable adults in facility settings when asked to assist. They said the office has prosecutors, detectives, auditors, and support staff, works with federal partners, Commonwealth’s attorneys, CHFS, DMS, OIG, and MCOs, and uses a hotline and referral line for complaints. They also explained the MCO referral process, including monthly meetings, stand-down lists, and review of referrals for a “credible allegation of fraud” before the AG office decides whether to open a criminal or civil investigation.
The presentation focused heavily on current fraud trends. Staff said behavioral health is a major concern, along with participant-directed waiver services, medically assisted treatment, cash billing for services, controlled-substance billing, and vision and dental fraud. They gave examples such as duplicate time sheets for family caregivers, questionable Suboxone counseling and urine drug screening practices, and a prior optometry case involving false claims for children’s glasses. They also discussed CMS’s estimate that about 5% of Medicaid payments are improper, noted that most improper payments are at the fee-for-service level, and said there is no reliable overall fraud-rate estimate. They highlighted a sharp shift in behavioral health billing after the cabinet’s November 1, 2024 policy changes, saying individual psychotherapy spending dropped while group billing increased, suggesting providers may have moved billing to different codes.
Members asked about the scale and timing of cases, how MCO referrals are screened, and whether the data reflected more people being served or just higher spending. The AG office said investigations can take years, with some federal cases still awaiting sentencing from 2018 and 2019 matters, and that they currently had nine individuals awaiting sentencing in federal court. They also reported 58 hotline reports during the referenced period, six cases opened from MCO referrals, and four additional MCO referrals not accepted for active cases. Several members raised concerns about home-based services and the risk of abuse or fraud when family members are reimbursed, and asked whether the process could be streamlined; the AG office said it had no immediate recommendations but would be willing to return with suggestions after further review.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on State and Local Government - 01/23/25
State and Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- I think it gives a better representation of the state in our workforce.
- who are now reversing those Workforce who are now reversing those Workforce habits<01:17:58.480>
- to have now completely virtual Workforce to have now completely virtual Workforce which<01:18:26.320
- to full remote workforce?
- <01:51:40.520>
oh get the question about my Workforce oh get the question about my Workforce
ND
Transcript Highlights:
- So in the post-secondary ready pathway and in the workforce ready pathway, it gives a student an either-or
- And in the Workforce Ready Pathway, it gives a student an either-or.
- Where it does remove the ACT is at the bottom of that Workforce Ready Pathway, and if I look at the bill
- could use the subscores from that specific test to meet one of the additional indicators in that workforce-ready
- So if I can, so we're striking it from the workforce ready, which would meet an ACT of 19.
Bills:
HB1404
Keywords:
HB 1404, North Dakota scholarship, scholarship eligibility, student aid, high school graduation, college readiness, career readiness, career and technical education, CTE, dual credit, advanced placement, AP exam, International Baccalaureate, IB exam, ACT, SAT, WorkKeys, ASVAB, JROTC, Civil Air Patrol
Summary:
The Senate Education Committee met with six members present and first took up House Bill 1404, which would update North Dakota scholarship eligibility language by allowing the NDA Plus assessment to be used in place of ACT scores in certain pathways. The Department of Public Instruction explained that the bill does not eliminate the ACT entirely, but removes outdated references tied to ACT accountability testing that will no longer apply after this year’s seniors graduate. Members discussed how the change affects public and nonpublic schools, then voted 6-0 to give HB 1404 a do pass recommendation.
The committee then returned to House Bill 1363, a bill dealing with school emergency response planning and automatic external defibrillators. Members adopted an amendment clarifying that the requirements apply to school-owned facilities and grounds, replacing language about school events and venues, and revising the planning language for school-based events not held on school-owned property. The committee also debated whether the bill should be mandatory or permissive; a motion to change “shall” to “may” failed, with members noting the bill’s liability protections. The committee then voted 5-1 to pass HB 1363 as amended, with Senator Gerhardt carrying the bill.
Before recessing, the chair noted that House Bill 1533 would be taken up later in the day after additional information from DPI was received.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We've already got about 36,000 people that are commuting workforce out there trying to desperately train
- business, but also a good place to make sure that we can maintain a proper and properly trained workforce
- responsible planning, strategic infrastructure upgrades, and a continued focus on education and workforce
- By directing resources towards strategic infrastructure projects, as was mentioned, workforce development
- We want to make sure that we have the workforce in place to keep that going.
Keywords:
emergency preparedness, flood-prone communities, Texas Rural Emergency Preparedness Fund, disaster relief, funding, youth camp, safety regulations, advisory committee, child welfare, health standards, summer camp, camp safety, child abuse reporting, child neglect, mandatory reporting, background check, criminal history check, sex offender registry, CPR training, first aid
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Housing and Homelessness Prevention - 03/03/26
Housing and Homelessness Prevention
Transcript Highlights:
- MHP supports aligning the program with the workforce housing program for maximum impact.
- MHP supports aligning the program with the workforce housing program for maximum impact.
- aligning the program with the workforce aligning the program with the workforce housing<01:06:58.960
- A couple of added retain workforce.
- maintain, let alone grow our workforce. maintain, let alone grow our workforce.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Licensing, Occupations, & Administrative Regulations.(6-18-26)
Licensing, Occupations, & Administrative Regulations
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:52:29.520>
certificate degrees and workforce certificate degrees and workforce certificate - <00:52:36.120>
training create a parallel workforce training create a parallel workforce training - <00:55:16.560>
to <00:55:16.760>Kentucky's Barbering can be an incredible workforce - opportunity to close gaps and provide credentialing to Kentucky's workforce goals.
- funding model and workforce funding model and workforce credentialing<01:00:53.000>
needs
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Other areas are federal funds, the contractor recovery fund, and workforce development.
- Recovery Fund and Workforce Recovery Fund and Workforce Development<00:14:31.839>
next Development - Okay, next we will jump into the Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board.
- <00:30:07.720>
Standards <00:30:08.200>Board nursing home Workforce Standards Board - <01:23:54.080>
Development standard of Workforce Development standard of Workforce Development
Summary:
The committee met under a new Senate power-sharing arrangement with co-chairs, began with member and staff introductions, and then received a jurisdiction overview from Senate counsel. The overview explained that the Labor Committee’s jurisdiction has not changed from the previous biennium and covers fair labor standards, minimum wage, workers’ compensation, occupational safety and health, and related agencies and boards such as the Department of Labor and Industry, Bureau of Mediation Services, PERB, and the Workers’ Compensation Court of Appeals. It also noted that some topics, including paid leave, fall under other committees, while earned sick and safe time remains within Labor and Industry jurisdiction.
Commissioner Nicole Blissenbach and Josiah Moore then gave a detailed Department of Labor and Industry presentation. They reviewed the department’s funding sources, emphasizing that workers’ compensation funds and construction codes/licensing revenues make up most of the budget, while the general fund is a small share. They described the department’s major divisions, including workers’ compensation, construction codes and licensing, labor standards, nursing home workforce standards, and OSHA consultation and compliance, and highlighted practical examples of their work.
Examples included return-to-work assistance for an injured worker, compliance training that reduced penalties for self-insurers and claim administrators, and use of the Special Compensation Fund when an employer lacked workers’ compensation insurance. The labor standards section highlighted enforcement actions involving unpaid overtime, pregnancy and parental leave retaliation, wage deductions, and child labor violations, along with totals for 2024 collections and inquiries. The presentation also noted the Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board’s adopted rules, the expansion of construction licensing exams statewide, and OSHA consultation programs such as Min-SHARP and MINSTAR, including a Minnesota employer that recently achieved MINSTAR status. No votes or formal committee actions were taken in the portion provided.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- regarding the Department of Workforce. regarding the Department of Workforce.
- successful in the workforce. successful in the workforce. >> Mhm. >> Mhm.
- workforce training certificate, right? workforce training certificate, right?
- to the workforce. to the workforce.
- into the workforce. into the workforce. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay.
Summary:
The Senate first recognized the Montgomery Academy boys basketball team for winning the 2026 Class 3A state championship, their second straight title. Senator Barfoot introduced the team and read a resolution commending the players, coaches, and school community for the 66-39 win over Southside Selma, noting standout performances by Braden Gordon, Mason Ellis, and Jarrett Friendley. Coach Jeremy Aant and school head John Williams thanked the Senate and emphasized the team’s selflessness, teamwork, academic standards, service, and leadership development. The Senate applauded the team, added all senators to the resolution, and arranged for a picture and challenge coins for the players.
After the recognition, the Senate came to order, established a quorum, excused absent senators, and adopted the previous day’s journal. Committee reports followed. The Committee on State Government Affairs reported House Bill 541 favorably with one amendment; the bill would create the Safeguard Alabama Voter Engagement Act, requiring party registration for primary voting, restricting crossover voting, retaining voter history as a public record, revising voter registration forms, and requiring parties to publish candidate qualifications. The bill was ordered to a second reading and placed on the calendar.
The Committee on Local Legislation reported House Bills 630, 631, and 632 favorably, all relating to Etowah County, including changes to tax exemptions and personnel board membership. These bills were also sent to second reading and the calendar. The Senate then took up Senate Joint Resolution 117, commending Dylan Nut for winning the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic, and added all members as co-sponsors. During discussion, one senator used the opportunity to speak at length about a separate concern involving alleged unlicensed real estate solicitation and the need for legislation to protect citizens from property-related scams; he also discussed the calendar process and other bills. The floor later included extended informal remarks about fishing and a separate discussion of a proposal to designate Miss America as an official state ambassador, with support expressed for a possible stipend amendment.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint hearings with the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs to examine the legislative presentation of The American Legion and multi VSOs: Minority Veterans of America, Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A, National Association of County Veterans Servic Feb 26th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Senate Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- is preserved as the VA implements new federal workforce guidance.
- I'm quoting him, a veteran in the government workforce.
- I want to ask you guys a few questions related to the workforce at the VA. Commander.
- VA's total workforce is 469,000 employees.
- A third of the workforce in this country is made up of our veterans.
Keywords:
veteran services, homelessness, unemployment, VA funding, mental health, congressional oversight, testimonies, American Legion, Dole Act, suicide prevention
Summary:
This meeting focused on veteran services, emphasizing the urgent need to address the alarming rate of unemployment and homelessness among veterans. Numerous testimonies were presented detailing the impact of mass furloughs and cutbacks at the VA on personnel, notably veterans who were serving as employees. Various representatives expressed deep concern over how these firings could drastically affect the quality of care available to those who have served the nation. There was a strong call for Congress to bolster funding for existing programs aimed at alleviating veteran homelessness and improving overall care quality, especially in mental health services.