Senate File 053 (SF 53) was introduced to the Wyoming House of Representatives on Wednesday Feb. 3, as an update to a law allowing businesses to apply preference to veterans of the U.S. military when hiring.
The current statute gives able-bodied veterans in the state a 5 percent higher chance of being hired, and disabled veterans a 10 percent higher chance provided the veteran has lived in the state for a full year prior. SF 53 would amend the current law to eliminate the waiting time of one year, allowing veterans who move into the state the same privileges upon establishing residency.
“I think it’s great! If someone wants to move to Wyoming and benefit the economy, they should go for it,” Jose Delgadillo, a veteran and UW student, said.
The bill will provide an opportunity for veterans to come in and benefit all aspects of the state, including the economy, Delgadillo said.
“I think this will affect the University positively, vests won’t leave Wyoming after they graduate,” Delgadillo said.
The bill may also bring more of the U.S.’ service men and women to Wyoming once they leave active duty.
“I think that any vet looking to have better chance at employment should stay in Wyoming. Absolutely it will encourage those coming back from active duty to live in Wyoming,” Eric Magnuson, of UW’s Army ROTC program, said.
Students from military families and backgrounds are also in favor of the bill.
“I believe it’s a good thing that the state is taking an interest in our vets and finding a way to assist them in finding work,” UW student, Mark Merlino, said. “I’m cautiously optimistic about this bill, having many family and friends that have served in the military. If the bill allows people to move to Wyoming to benefit the state, I’m all for it.”
There may also be negatives to the bill Merlino said.
“I do believe that decreasing the time they have to be here has some disadvantages,” Merlino said. “What if veterans come into the state, get a job and then leave? Just because someone is a veteran doesn’t mean they can’t provide for themselves. This bill could very well be allowing them to take jobs from the other citizens of the state who are in a worse position in life.”
Merlino said the bill comes with more positives than negatives.
“It’s good to know that the state is considerate towards those who have served us. It shows the patriotic fiber of the state and we as its citizens should expect nothing less,” Merlino said.
Preferential hiring for vets
