Already Gets IL Bill Passed to Help Veterans Work Back Home

Rick Passarelli is business manager for Illinois Gas Workers Local 18007. But he also served in the Navy CNB (naval construction battalion) in Lebanon during the 1980s. Many others throughout the UWUA have served this nation’s military, some who have given their lives, others who are just making their way home, trying to re-enter the workforce and provide for their families. That’s what inspired Passarelli to begin the UWUA Veterans Committee. He is the National Chair and an E-Board member. Other E-Board members include John Capra from Local 1-2 in New York, Frank Meznarich from Local 270 in Cleveland, OH; and Rich Harkins of Local 223 in Monroe, MI. Support for Returning Vets “I asked President Mike Langford to start this committee and he liked the idea. We want to help get these guys viable jobs as they come back home, there’s going to be more than a million,” stresses Passarelli.

To this end, they have pushed legislation, Senate Bill 12-70, that passed and was just signed by Illinois Governor Pat Quinn on August 5. “It states that 3% of all state contracts have to go to service-disabled veteran owned businesses and veteran owned small businesses,” explains Passarelli. “Veterans who have taken the initiative to start small businesses and help create jobs should be supported when competing for government contracts,” Governor Quinn said. “We must honor the men and women who have honorably served our country.” Look for a separate page on www.uwua.net for details on upcoming Veterans Committee meetings and events.

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