Branstad unveils new jobs program for veterans

JOHNSTON (AP) ? Gov. Terry Branstad is launching a new effort to connect veterans with jobs in Iowa.

Flanked by military veterans and business leaders, Branstad announced a program called Home Base Iowa on Tuesday. He says the plan is to raise $6 million in private funds to use for national marketing efforts to reach veterans.

The co-chairs of this effort are former Congressman Leonard Boswell and Casey?s General Stores CEO Bob Myers.

Branstad did not say if any state dollars will be used. He says the five-year program ? which also aims to help veterans with jobs, education and housing opportunities ? could attract ?tens of thousands? to the state.

Efforts are underway in other states to help veterans find employment. Many states offer tax credits to businesses that hire veterans.