CT SB00213

Establishes a Veterans' Opportunities pilot program within the Labor Department, effective July 1, 2014, consisting of grants to nonprofit housing agencies for job placement specialists and a state-wide coordinator position.

Labor Commissioner, in consultation with the Commissioner of Veterans' Affairs, shall develop eligibility criteria for nonprofit housing agencies based on region served, demonstrated need of homeless veterans, agency capacity, and other relevant factors.

Designates a state-wide coordinator within the Labor Department to oversee job placement specialists, coordinate employment services, facilitate job referrals, organize employer networks, and provide resources to employers hiring veterans.

Coordinator duties include identifying employment specialists statewide, centralizing job referrals, organizing networks of employers willing to hire homeless veterans or veterans at risk of homelessness, and supporting military occupational certification transfer to private sector.

Requires Labor Commissioner to submit a report to the joint standing committees on labor, veterans, and housing no later than January 1, 2015, detailing program establishment, implementation, results, and recommendations for changes.