Chicago City Council March 13,2019
Referred to Committee on Workforce Development and Audit
ORDINANCE
WHEREAS, Last year the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics indicated that veterans were employed at a lesser rate than the general population; and
WHEREAS, This tragic underemployment of veterans is even worse in the State of Illinois, including in the City of Chicago. In fact, veterans are underrepresented in the City's own workforce; and
WHEREAS, Employment is essential in helping veterans successfully reintegrate once returning home by becoming productive members of their communities; and
WHEREAS, Veterans obtain outstanding skills while serving in the military which are beneficial to employers, including the City of Chicago; and
WHEREAS, All Chicagoans owe an enormous debt of gratitude to the men and women who have honorably served in the armed forces protecting our great country; and
WHEREAS, A City hiring goal of veterans is essential in helping remedying this massive underemployment of veterans; now, therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO:
SECTION 1. The above recitals are incorporated herein by reference.
SECTION 2. Chapter 2-74, Department of Human Resources, is hereby amended by adding new section 2-74-082 underlined as follows:
2-74-082. Employment of Veterans
Definition.
"Veteran" means a person who has served in the United States armed forces and was discharged or separated under honorable conditions.
Goal.
The city shall have an annual hiring goal of veterans of 25%. The commissioner is authorized to take all measures she deems appropriate and necessary to achieve this goal.
(c) Reporting.
By February 28th of each year, the commissioner shall submit a report to the mayor and the committee on workforce development and audit on progress in meeting this goal and shall appear before this committee to discuss the report.
(d) Rules.
The commissioner is authorized to promulgate rules to implement this section. (e...
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