TRENTON – A resolution proposed by Senator M. Teresa Ruiz to amend authorizing legislature to extend civil service hiring preferences to veterans who did not serve in time of war was approved today by the Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee.
Under current law, only veterans who served in time of war receive a hiring preference when applying for civil service positions. The amendment would allow veterans who did not serve in time of war also to receive a hiring preference for civil service positions.
“Anyone who makes the profound commitment to serve, protect and defend our country should be entitled to every possible benefit and honor, said Senator Ruiz (D-Essex). “Whether our nation declares peace or war during their service, the fact that they put their life on the line, expecting the unexpected, is enough to justify – at the very least – that they be given civil service hiring preference at the end of active duty.”
This concurrent resolution, SCR-99, would propose an amendment to the New Jersey Constitution to allow the Legislature to enact a law to extend the preference given to veterans for hiring for civil service positions. The law would determine the eligibility of veterans for the purpose of hiring preferences for civil service positions.
With a 5-0 vote, the bill was released to the Senate for further consideration.