LANSING — State Representative Robert L. Kosowski (D-Westland) joined Gov. Rick Snyder on stage at the Governor’s Summit on Veteran Talent to witness the governor signing House Bill 4752 into law. The bill permits relevant military experience earned by honorably discharged veterans to qualify for licensing as a stationary steam engineer or boiler operator. In addition, the law waives the initial licensing fee for qualifying veterans.

“Our veterans have risked their lives for their country and far too often return to civilian life with barriers to employment,” Kosowski said. “The unemployment rate for veterans in Michigan of 7.9 percent is simply unacceptable. We must do everything in our power to provide employment opportunities to our veterans, and House Bill 4752 is one step toward making entry into the job market easier.”

HB 4752 was one of five bills related to veterans’ issues signed by the governor at the event. “I am honored to have been invited to witness this important bill signed into law. I wish to thank Gov. Snyder for his recognition of the importance of veteran employment and his leadership on the issue. House Bill 4752, and the other bills signed today, will make Michigan a more attractive and welcoming state for our veterans who have sacrificed so much on our behalf,” Kosowski said.