VETERANS: Mark Takano, Paul Cook form Work for Warriors Caucus

Reps. Mark Takano and Paul Cook have founded a House caucus to boost a California program that helps veterans find jobs.

Takano, D-Riverside, and Cook, R-Yucca Valley, formed the Work for Warriors Caucus, a bipartisan group to promote the state Work for Warriors program, read a press release from Takano’s office issued Friday, Nov. 8.

The program created in 2012 seeks to reduce unemployment among California National Guard members. According to Takano’s staff, the program has placed more than 1,700 guard members in jobs at a cost of roughly $500 per placement, compared to more than $10,000 per placement by federal veterans’ employment program.

“The Work for Warriors program has been a tremendous success in California and the formation of this bipartisan caucus will ensure that its mission of finding jobs for our heroes will remain a top priority,” Takano said.

“I thank my fellow co-chair, Representative Cook, for his commitment to the success of the Work for Warriors program, and I look forward to helping California’s Guardsmen find jobs, support their families and contribute to their communities.”

“The Work for Warriors Caucus will promote the Work for Warriors program which has been tremendously successful in helping California National Guard members find employment in the civilian job market,” Cook said.

Paul Cook

“It’s one of the most effective programs of its kind. I hope that our caucus can help to make the program even more successful and expand it to other states.”

Rep. Raul Ruiz, D-Palm Desert, is a caucus member.