U.S. Senator Honored for Finding Solutions to Military Spouse Unemployment
As home to the Pentagon and more than 20 military installations, Virginia has one of America’s highest populations of veterans. Virginia is also home to U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, a leader in bipartisan efforts to reduce unemployment for veterans and military spouses.
Hiring Our Heroes President Eric Eversole and Booz Allen Hamilton CEO Horacio Rozanski recently presented the inaugural Hiring Our Heroes Congressional Impact Award to Kaine for his commitment to finding solutions to military spouse unemployment. The award recognizes lawmakers working to ensure military spouses have access to economic stability and professional growth.
“Sen. Tim Kaine understands the sacrifices military spouses are making for our nation and why military spouse employment is critical to maintaining an all-volunteer force. It is an honor to present him with the inaugural HOH Congressional Impact Award,” Eversole said.
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Kaine has been an advocate for federal policies to help military spouses since 2013. He serves on the Senate Armed Services Committee and is co-chair of the Senate Military Families Caucus.
Sen. Tim Kaine understands the sacrifices military spouses are making for our nation and why military spouse employment is critical to maintaining an all-volunteer force.
Eric Eversole, President, Hiring Our Heroes
Provisions of Kaine’s Military Spouse Employment Act passed in the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act. The provisions expanded hiring and career opportunities for military spouses. It also increased small business opportunities while addressing the constant transfers and moves military families experience.
“Sen. Kaine is a true champion for military families. He is a tireless advocate for military spouses and their right to economic opportunity, regardless of where their service member is stationed,” said Elizabeth O’Brien, Executive Director at Hiring Our Heroes. “His leadership has helped make a real difference in the lives of military families.”
In 2023, Sen. Kaine (D-VA) and Sen. John Boozman (R-AR) introduced the Military Spouse Hiring Act. The legislation would amend the tax code to incentivize businesses to hire military spouses.
“Our service members and their families make countless sacrifices for our security and freedom,” Kaine said. “In turn, we have a responsibility to take care of them — and that must include helping America’s talented military spouses access a wide range of work opportunities.”
