AUGUSTA — Lawmakers in Maine are considering a proposal designed to make sure veterans in the state have access to more jobs and educational resources.

Democratic Sen. Joe Rafferty of Kennebunk proposed the Veterans Bill of Rights this month. It requires state officials to review examination and licensing eligibility of applicants who are veterans and to waive fees for them.

The proposal also takes steps such as authorizing the public safety commissioner to waive initial licensing fees for veterans who apply for jobs as private security guards. Rafferty said the steps are aimed to “provide these resources to Maine veterans and active duty service members” as “a small token of gratitude we could provide for them, given all they have done and continue to do for us, our communities and our country.”

The bill is similar to one submitted previously that died when the legislature adjourned due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The bill was the subject of a public hearing before a legislative committee and will face more consideration in committee.

Rafferty said Maine has one of the highest percentages of veterans by population in the U.S.


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