TRENTON, NJ – Military service members who did not serve in a theater of operation but did serve during a war or conflict may soon be eligible for state civil service preference thanks to legislation sponsored by Senator Joe Pennacchio and signed into law by Governor Murphy.
“I am proud that this bill was signed into law today. This legislation will provide a great service to so many veterans and loosen the stringent requirements for civil service preference that deny numerous veterans to this day,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “This change would not only allow veterans to find employment more quickly after leaving the armed forces, but it is a well-deserved benefit for these brave men and women and will make their transition from military to civilian life much easier.”
Under current law, civil service preferences are granted only to service members who served in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign medal has been authorized. This includes campaign or expeditionary medals for El Salvador, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, Southwest Asia, Somalia, and Haiti.
Pennacchio’s bill, A-259/S-2224, provides a preference to military service members who did not serve in a theater of operation but did serve during a war or conflict for which the federal government authorized a campaign or expedition medal.
“Stable employment in a good job is one of the best ways veterans can assimilate into life outside of the military,” added Pennacchio. “It is a thank you and the least we could do for their service.”