U.S. REP. RON BARBER JOINS NEW VETERANS JOB CAUCUS

TUCSON – U.S. Rep. Ron Barber today joined the newly formed Veterans Job Caucus, continuing his commitment to assist veterans in Southern Arizona.

“The VA estimates there are 70,000 homeless veterans nationwide – many of whom are unable to find work after getting out of the service,” Barber said today. “Our veterans stepped forward to serve our country and it is our responsibility to help them find meaningful employment when they return to their civilian lives.”

The unemployment rate for post-9/11 veterans nationwide remains higher than the national average. Veterans Jobs Caucus members have committed to help find jobs for the approximately 800,000 veterans looking for work.

Tomorrow, Patty Valera, one of Barber’s constituent services representatives who specializes in assisting veterans, will attend a free one-stop event where people experiencing homelessness and their families – including veterans – can obtain a wide range of services.

Valera will be among those available at the event sponsored by the Tucson Homeless Connect Committee, an independent organization dedicated to helping Southern Arizona’s homeless population.

Assistance available will include IDs, clothing, health screenings, haircuts, VA benefits, employment and housing services, behavioral health services, dog licenses and help with applying for state and federal benefits such as food stamps, AHCCCS, Social Security and SSI.

Veterans make up a significant percentage of the homeless population, both in Southern Arizona and nationwide. According to estimates, there are more than 1,500 homeless veterans in Arizona.

Last month, Barber sought to shift funding within the Department of Housing and Urban Development to help homeless veterans. Barber’s amendment would have added $75 million for veterans’ housing programs while cutting administrative expenses by a greater amount. Although the proposal garnered some bipartisan support, it did not pass the House. Video of Barber discussing his amendment is here.

And this week, Barber introduced his first piece of legislation – the Protecting Veterans’ Pensions Act, which will target financial companies that take advantage of veterans by selling them estate planning services and other financial products that prevent veterans from accessing their assets.

WHAT: Patty Valera, U.S. Rep. Ron Barber’s constituent services representative specializing in veterans’ issues, attends one-stop event sponsored by the Tucson Homeless Connect Committee

WHEN: 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., Friday, July 27, 2012

WHERE: Trinity Presbyterian Church, 400 E. University Blvd.

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NEWS RELEASE
Thursday, July 26, 2012


CONTACT
Mark Kimble
Communications Director
U.S. Rep. Ron Barber
Arizona’s 8th Congressional District
(520) 881-3588 or (520) 904-5876