Governor Beshear has restored the preference for veterans in state hiring decisions. A few opponents have argued that there shouldn't be any preferences in state hiring because it could skew the search for the best qualified applicants. Here's the release from the governor's office:
Governor Approves Veterans' Preference in State Hiring
Regulation will restore preference in new employment system
(FRANKFORT, July 3, 2008) - Governor Steve Beshear today proposed an amended Administrative Regulation to restore Veterans' Preference in hiring for all state executive agencies. "The experience and professionalism of our veterans are enormous assets to Kentucky," Gov. Beshear said. "I want to make sure that the taxpayers of Kentucky reap the benefits of that experience and professionalism by bringing more veterans into state government."
Since 1970, state law has given veterans extra points on employment tests. However, written tests were eliminated in May for all state jobs. The new regulation will require managers to interview qualified applicants who are veterans, restoring a stronger preference for state employment than previously existed.
"It is both proper and fitting that the Commonwealth assist those who forfeited their career opportunities to ensure the boundless freedom we enjoy by providing Veterans' Preference to those seeking employment in state government," said Les Beavers, Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs.
Veterans' Preference is defined as those individuals:
Who have served in the active military, military reserves, or National Guard and were discharged or released with an Honorable Discharge.
Who have been discharged under Honorable Conditions, or a General Discharge.
Any current member of the active military, military reserves, or National Guard.
Under certain circumstances, the spouse or parent of a veteran.
Veterans' Preference requires:
Information on qualified applicants must clearly identify all individuals entitled to Veterans' Preference.
The employing agency shall offer an interview to no fewer than five (5) individuals identified on a register certificate as entitled to Veterans' Preference, including individuals presently employed by the Commonwealth of Kentucky who apply for another classified position within state government.
When the number of individuals identified as eligible for Veterans' Preference on a register certificate is less than five (5), the employing agency shall offer an interview to all individuals identified on a register certificate as entitled to Veterans' Preference.
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