After establishing the Home Base veterans employment program last month, Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad is continuing to push for veterans benefits. The governor announced Dec. 3 that the program, which encourages Iowa-based businesses to hire former servicemembers, is adding two incentives for local companies and stores.
According to The Sioux City Journal, Iowa companies that meet the requirements can be named a Home Base Iowa Business, while towns can be deemed a Home Base Community. To qualify as a Home Base Iowa Business, companies must post job openings on the Home Base Iowa website, hire a specific number of veterans and enroll in the Skilled Iowa program.
"Iowa Workforce Development has fielded dozens of calls and is working to place a number of veterans already," the governor said during a news conference. "We want veterans to know that Iowa can provide them not just a job, but a career in a caring, welcoming community."
Branstad added that all veterans in the state are eligible to use the Home Base services.
More than 240,000 veterans live in Iowa, according to a 2009 state summary from the Department of Veterans Affairs.