Rep. Gina Mosbrucker says new figures released by the Washington State Department of Employment Security (ESD) show 1,569 employers across the state have participated in the YesVets program and 7,123 veterans have been hired since the program began Feb. 1, 2016.
Originally entitled, “One Business, One Vet,” the veterans’ hiring campaign was introduced during the 2015 legislative session by Mosbrucker through House Bill 2040. It was her first bill to pass the Legislature (with unanimous approval) and be signed by the governor.
“I am very appreciative to all the people who have worked over the years to make this program become an amazing success. The bill we passed encouraged employers to hire at least one veteran. The numbers released by ESD show employers have gone far beyond that and are giving many of our veterans the opportunity to go to work in communities across Washington once they have returned from serving their country,” said Mosbrucker, R-Goldendale. “I am grateful to both our employers who are extending jobs to our veterans and our returning servicemen and servicewomen who have sacrificed for us all, and are now contributing members of our state’s workforce.”
Employers seeking to participate in YesVets can submit an online application or contact a Local Veterans Employment Representative to get connected with veterans seeking job opportunities. Once a business signs up and hires a veteran, they are recognized with a YesVets decal. Continued participation is recognized with annual decals.
The Employment Security Department, in partnership with Washington Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington State Department of Commerce, Washington State Military Transition and Readiness Council, and local chambers of commerce across the state, form the YesVets partnership.
“We owe a debt of gratitude to our veterans. Helping them connect to jobs or start a business in Washington state is one of the best ways we can thank them for their service,” added Mosbrucker. “I’m very appreciative to our employers who have been very supportive by saying ‘yes’ to our men and women of the military.”
A 2020 study by 24/7 Wall St. ranks Washington state as 13th highest in the nation for its veterans’ population, having 520,226 veterans, which makes up 8.9 percent of the state’s adult population. According to 2022 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate of veterans in the Washington civilian labor force is 2.9 percent.
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