The Senate, on a 24-10 vote, rejected a bill that would have exempted state government agencies from the requirements of a competitive interview and application process when considering certain categories of disabled veterans for employment.
"I thought this was a good faith effort to recognize the service of our veterans," said Sen. Chuck Winder, R-Boise. Winder voted "yes" on Senate Bill 1041, and after the vote told IdahoReporter.com "I was disappointed to see this defeated."
The bill sought to eliminate the open process that other job applicants are subjected and permit state government agencies to hire certain classifications of persons based solely on a being a disabled veteran. The bill was co-sponsored by Sens. Branden Durst, D-Boise, and Marv Hagedorn, R-Meridian.
"I appreciate what Sen. Hagedorn and Sen. Durst were trying to accomplish," said Sen. Bob Nonini, R-Coeur d'Alene. "I think it's an idea that is worth revisiting at some point, but as I read the bill and listened to floor debate, I think the issue of essential fairness was a big concern with this bill."
