May 26 is Memorial Day — the day our nation remembers the men and women who died while serving in the Armed Forces. Our service members make big sacrifices for us. In return, we must honor our responsibilities to them.
In the Legislature, Republicans and Democrats have worked together to make Iowa a national leader in state support for veterans, service members and their families. Our efforts have helped Iowa become one of the first All-Star Vet States, an initiative that highlights opportunities, services and support that states offer to attract military families. In particular, All-Star Vet States are dedicated to employing our veterans. In recent months, Iowa businesses have committed to hiring 2,900 veterans and that number is growing.
Part of what earned us the All-Star Vets designation is our state’s Home Base Iowa effort, which helps veterans find jobs, explore career paths and make a smooth transition to civilian life in Iowa. Home Base Iowa is also a hub for employers and communities that want to do more to attract military families. Companies are becoming Home Base Iowa Businesses by pledging jobs specifically for veterans, and Iowa towns are offering incentives to welcome veterans to Home Base Iowa Communities.
Iowa is also expanding educational opportunities for military families by offering in-state tuition at our community colleges and state universities. In addition, a work group is expected to make recommendations on a more consistent approach for awarding credit to veterans for their military training and experience, on strategies to recruit veterans to our colleges and universities, and on promoting the educational benefits provided to veterans.
This Memorial Day, as we say “thank you,” we can be proud of the many innovative things Iowa is doing to ensure our state is the best place for veterans to live, learn and work.