Veterans Programs

Purpose
In concert with the WorkForce Center System, these programs exist to ensure that specialized employment and training services are provided to veterans.

Customers and Services
Primary customers are the 400,000+ Minnesota veterans--including the MN National Guard and Reserves--and the employer community. To qualify for services, customers must meet the definition of an "eligible veteran" and register with a WorkForce Center. Job-readiness assessment, job-preparation assistance, and job-placement assistance are provided by the Disabled Veteran Outreach Program (DVOP) and local veterans employment representatives (LVERs). In addition, LVER staff reach out to the business community to further develop job opportunities for veterans. DVOP and LVER staff are located at WorkForce Centers throughout the state. Veterans employment representatives continue to play an instrumental role in Minnesota's "Beyond The Yellow Ribbon" National Guard Reintegration Program which provides one-to-one counseling and support to soldiers returning from overseas deployment; the program ensures soldiers and their families have the tools and resources to successfully return to family, work, and community.

Measures - Reporting period is now federal fiscal year (FFY), July 1 - June 30*

* Reporting period has changed from state fiscal year (SFY) to FFY. The program also changed its calculation method, resulting in a considerably lower 2008 count for the second measure.

Funding Source and Allocation
The program was funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor for $2.7M in FFY 2008.

Statutory Authority
-- The Workforce Investment Act of 1998; the Jobs For Veterans Act; U.S. Code, Title 38; Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 116J.401

Contact Information
Jim Finley, Director
Phone: 651.259.7557; TTY: 651.296.3900

This information current as of January 2009. For more information on DEED programs, see the State of Minnesota budget pages.