# The HUBS for Veterans Act: What It Does

This bill creates a new federal grant program to help military members and veterans transition to civilian life after they leave the armed forces. The Department of Labor will give money to local organizations—nonprofits, veterans groups, and workforce boards—that can provide comprehensive support services to people making this transition. The goal is to create local "hubs" where veterans and their spouses can access multiple types of help all in one place, rather than having to hunt around for different services.

The grants will fund a wide range of practical assistance. Organizations can use the money to help with job training and career counseling, mental health services, legal help, and guidance on accessing VA benefits. They can also offer case management, help starting a business, and other support services related to civilian transition. The bill specifically encourages funding organizations that offer multiple services together, since the idea is to create one-stop shops for veterans. The federal government will cover up to half the costs, with the local organizations needing to match the funding with their own resources.

Who this affects: Military members about to leave service, recently separated veterans, retirees, and their spouses will benefit from having easier access to transition support in their communities. The bill also affects nonprofits and local workforce organizations that could apply for these grants to expand their veteran services. The program will run for five years, starting within six months of the bill becoming law, with $10 million authorized to fund these grants nationwide. Military branches will also be required to tell service members about these local resources during their exit counseling, so people know what's available to them.

HUBS for Veterans Act of 2023

Neguse, Joe

Helping Unleash Benefits and Services for Veterans Act of 2023 or the HUBS for Veterans Act of 2023 This bill establishes a grant program to assist the transition of military personnel to civilian life. It directs the Department of Labor to carry out a five-year grant program for nonprofit organizations, state boards, or local boards to assist the transition of the following persons from Armed Forces service to civilian life: <ul> <li>members eligible for preseparation counseling,</li> <li>former members who are transitioning to civilian life, and</li> <li>spouses of such members or former members.</li> </ul> Funds must be used for a range of services and assistance, such as career and training services.