VETERANS PREFERENCES

Veterans Preferences

Veterans Preferences

Introduction

New York State will vote this fall on an amendment to its constitution which, if adopted, will have the effect of limiting the public service to veterans for years to come. Twenty-four states, from Alabama to Wisconsin, revised their laws during 1943-1944 to give the veteran of World War I1 preferred status when competing for government employment. The Congressional mill ground also during this period; the outcome is the Veterans Preference Act of 1944. Why all this legislative ferment? Civilians suffering from guilt complexes because of their meager contributions to the war effort when assessed against the soldiers' sacrifices indiscriminately embrace veteran legislation.

Lobbyists for veterans' organizations are having a field day. A conglomeration of legislation, some good, some bad, all veteran - oriented, gets legislative priority. From the Congressional hopper in Washington has come the G.I. Bill of Rights (Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944) (Carvell, 2005, 59), which offers the ex-soldier hospitalization, education, a guaranteed loan for a farm or a home, the services of an employment exchange and unemployment insurance, all at government expense. From the same source has originated special educational benefits to the soldier with service-connected disabilities and preferential treatment for the veteran who desires a career in the public service. The majorities of states has or are contemplating comparable over-all plans for the veteran. New York's Governor Dewey, in his special message of January 29, 1945, had a twelve-point program ranging from rest camps to a psychiatric consulting service for ex-soldiers. A favorite approach to jobs for the veteran, one not new in American history, looks upon our public service as an outdoor relief department for those who have made the contribution of military service. The basic equalitarian philosophy that no special talent is needed for government work gives the justification for exceptional treatment for all veterans. It should be emphasized, however, that from among the veterans of previous wars have come thousands of persons well qualified for public service. Since there is no disagreement about the ex-soldier's right to a job in the postwar world, the question is solely how can that job best be pro- vided? Does a partial solution lie along the path charted by the Downey-Sherman resolution? In accordance with New York State constitutional procedure, the 1944 and 1945 sessions of the state legislature passed this resolution, sponsored originally by Hampton and Devany. It will appear on the ballot in November and, unless citizens' groups are vigilant, no one need doubt its outcome at the polls. “These boys were ready to give their lives for us, the least we can do is give them government jobs.” That argument is difficult to beat at a referendum election. (Carvell, 2005, 59)

Effect of Amendment

What will this amendment accomplish? If passed it will have the effect of closing the New York State and municipal public services for a period of years to all but veterans. Among the unsuccessful competitors, both for initial appointments or promotions in this state, will be veterans' widows, wives of ...