The Active Duty Voluntary Acquisition of Necessary Credentials for Employment (ADVANCE) Act, a bill authored by Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-San Bernardino) and signed into law by the president in 2018, has taken effect. The implementation of the new policy means that states have the ability to waive certain requirements for qualifying veteran, active duty and reserve military service members who are seeking commercial driver’s licenses.
“The brave men and women who serve our nation’s military learn highly-marketable skills while doing so, and we should do everything in our power to make sure they can use those skills to find good-paying jobs when they finish their service. I’m glad to see this policy take effect, and I hope it will lead to more veterans starting successful careers in communities like the Inland Empire,” said Aguilar.
“As a California-based trucking company that actively recruits and employs veterans, JSG Trucking is excited about the implementation of the Advance Act. Congressman Aguilar’s legislation will help facilitate greater opportunities for veterans returning to the civilian job market to join the trucking industry, and with 50,000 drivers needed today to fulfill America’s freight demands, the ADVANCE Act couldn’t be more timely! This precise and specific adjustment in law will assist service members in smoothly transitioning into a great career opportunity that can support their families and help the trucking industry keep moving the economy,” said Joe Giammona, President of the California Trucking Association.
The ADVANCE Act passed both Chambers of Congress as part of the Jobs for Our Heroes Act, a bipartisan legislative package designed to connect military service members with civilian employment. The Jobs for Our Heroes Act was signed into law by the president on January 8, 2018.