House wants to allow voters to decide whether to give vets an edge

House wants to allow voters to decide whether to give vets an edge

Michigan–Voters would decide next fall whether to give disabled or honorably discharged veterans preference for civil service jobs under a measure unanimously approved Thursday by the state House.

The resolution would partially reinstate a point system for civil service applicants dropped about 16 years ago that would give 10 points to a disabled veteran and five points to those who were honorably discharged.

The measure now goes to the Senate, where it will need approval from two-thirds of that chamber to appear on the state ballot. A majority of state voters would have to approve it for the change to take effect.

Rep. John Garfield, R-Rochester Hills, said he introduced the measure because veterans are dedicated individuals who would fit well into demanding civil service jobs.

“They’ve served their country. They’re well-qualified,” said Garfield, a Vietnam War veteran and chairman of the House Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security Committee. “It’s their right to be able to come back to civil service duty.”…

This is the second time Garfield introduced the resolution. His previous attempt died in the Senate last year.

Garfield’s first resolution drew criticism from the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan. The group said it was concerned that such a provision would have a major impact on state government and who gets hired in the future, particularly on whether it could negatively affect women who make up a smaller percentage of the military.

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The veterans preference resolution is House Joint Resolution F.

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Michigan Legislature: http://www.legislature.mi.gov