Bill > HB894

This bill establishes the Veterans Entering the Sustainability Sector (VETSS) Program to help veterans find employment in the sustainability sector through apprenticeship training. The program, administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development, will partner with several state departments (Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources, Environmental Protection, and Military and Veterans Affairs) to provide workforce training opportunities for veterans in fields like electrical work, construction, manufacturing, and other technical trades. The bill creates a dedicated fund to support VETSS grants, which eligible employers in the sustainability sector can apply for when hiring veterans who have completed apprenticeship training. Employers who receive these grants must keep the veteran employed for at least two years or face financial penalties. The program aims to address environmental concerns by prioritizing veteran employment in industries focused on renewable energy and sustainable practices. Each year, the department will submit a comprehensive report detailing the program's progress, including the number of grants awarded, vocations supported, and recommendations for improvement. The program will be funded through state appropriations and potentially additional sources like federal grants and donations, with grants distributed on a first-come, first-served basis until the fund is exhausted.

Labor and Employment

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=894