Hi! First let me introduce myself. My name is John Matson, LVER of the Jacksonville Local Office.

If you have been reading the Workforce(May/June 1997 issue, pg.29) regarding "American Legion & DAV release legislative goals", & you are a DVOP, you should be concerned. The proposal by the DAV supports making DVOPs part of the VA vocational rehabilitation case management. There are many pros & cons, as well as other ramifications/issues with this proposal. We in North Carolina already provide vocational services to the VA under the VR&C program, but only in assisting veterans to gain employment based upon their education, upon graduation. If you are a member of the DAV, get the facts on the VR&C program, brief your local chapter, & let them know what we already do.

Did you know: on June 2, 1997, the North Carolina House of Representatives finalized & stamped "PASSED" legislation to require all providers of job-training & employment assistance to give eligible veterans priority in their programs & services.

One month earlier, the North Carolina Senate also approved the same measure. The Bill adds a new provision, Article 7A, to Chapter 165 of the General Statutes, & directs that "All covered service providers...shall establish procedures to provide veterans with priority...to participate in employment & job training programs."

Awards recommendations will be coming up...get your data ready ... recognize those that went above & beyond in providing services.

-John Matson