ASSEMBLY PASSES CONNERS BILL TO GIVE DISABLED VETERANS CIVIL SERVICE CREDIT

ASSEMBLY PASSES CONNERS BILL TO GIVE DISABLED VETERANS CIVIL SERVICE

(TRENTON) - The Assembly today passed a measure Assemblymen Jack Conners and Herb Conaway, M.D., sponsored that would extend civil service credit to any disabled veteran who served in the United States Armed Forces, regardless of whether the nation was at peace or at war.

"Disabled veterans should be given every appropriate advantage in the civil service system," said Conners (D-Camden), chair of the military and veterans affairs panel.  "Servicemen and women injured in the line of duty should never have to face difficulties when trying to secure a job in public service, especially after coming home from serving our country."

The measure (ACR-96) would require voter approval on the November ballot to permit all disabled veterans who served in the United States Armed Forces, including those who did not serve during a time of war, to receive civil service hiring preference. Currently, only disabled veterans who served during a time of war may receive such preference.

"Our disabled veterans are the true heroes of our country, and they deserve every benefit we can provide them," said Conaway (D-Burlington).  "Granting disabled veterans extra help to secure employment is the least that can be done to show our infinite appreciation for these men and women who have sacrificed themselves in honor of their country."

The Conners/Conaway legislation stipulates that a veteran who has become disabled while performing active service in the military will qualify for civil service hiring preference.
Veterans' preference was established by the Veterans' Preference Act of 1944. 

By law, veterans who are disabled or who served in the Armed Forces during specified time periods or in military campaigns are entitled to preference in hiring.  In addition, it allows for veterans to also be considered for special noncompetitive appointments for which only they are eligible. 

The bill passed 80 to 0.  The bill now heads to the Senate for further consideration.
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