Kaine Holds Veterans Roundtable In Culpeper, Tours George Mason Career And Technical Education Facilities
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine continued his five-day tour of the Commonwealth in Culpeper and Manassas.
In Culpeper, Kaine met with veterans and held a roundtable discussion on improving care for servicemembers and ensuring the job market understands and values their skills.
"The idea for my first bill in the Senate came from discussions just like this with veterans in Virginia who told me about how difficult it is to find employers who understand how skills from military service translate to civilian jobs," said Kaine. "Since then I've worked on legislation to help servicemembers utilize tuition assistance benefits and I co-sponsored the bill to address care issues at the VA. So now I want to hear about the issues you have faced - whether it's receiving care at the VA or finding a job after you left active duty - and take your advice on what we can do better."
The group also discussed the “Welcome Home” resolution that Kaine introduced in June. The bipartisan resolution would recognize Veterans Day, November 11, 2014, as a special “Welcome Home” commemoration for all who have served in the military since September 11, 2001.
Kaine then visited George Mason University’s (GMU) Prince William Campus to meet with GMU President Angel Cabrera, students and faculty and tour the campus’s career and technical education (CTE) facilities. Kaine, who co-chairs the Senate Career and Technical Education Caucus, learned about GMU programs that allow high school and post-baccalaureate students to earn certificates in scientific fields and gain hands on experience in laboratories.
"As Governor and Senator I've heard again and again from companies that the key factor they consider when they decide where to locate is the quality of the workforce,” Kaine said. “I've seen the power of career and technical education first hand, but I'm concerned about the false belief that technical education is second-class. I've tried to shine a spotlight on the importance of CTE through Governor's Academies and co-chairing the Senate CTE Caucus.”
Yesterday, Kaine announced that he will introduce the Educating Tomorrow’s Workforce Act when the Senate reconvenes next week. “I'm excited to introduce legislation to ensure students have access to high-quality programs that get them college and career-ready," said Kaine. The legislation would amend the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act to better meet the needs of a 21st century workforce and ensure students have access to the highest-quality CTE programs.
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