Toledo, OH – Joe “the Plumber” Wurzelbacher today called on his opponent, Rep. Marcy Kaptur to get behind H.R. 4115, a bill which will help veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan to gain employment by having their military training recognized by states who issue certain licenses.  Marcy has recently been attacking Joe’s military service and his training in the Air Force.

“Marcy Kaptur needs to sign on as a co-sponsor for H.R. 4115 immediately,” said Wurzelbacher.  “This common sense bill will help our veterans, by assuring that their military training is acknowledged as they transition into civilian employment.”

H.R. 4115 was introduced by Congressman Steve Stivers in February of this year.  It will require states to take into consideration military training when issuing commercial driver’s licenses, EMT certifications, and RN or CNA certifications.  

“As a veteran who was trained as a plumber in the Air Force, I know first hand how difficult it can be once you transition into the civilian world.  Heck, even today Marcy’s campaign is still attacking my military training,” added Wurzelbacher. 

“It would be nice if Marcy would actually try to do something to help our veterans who are struggling to find jobs in this tough economy, instead of spending her time attacking my military training.”   

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “young male veterans” between the ages of 18 and 24 had an unemployment rate of 29.1 percent last year. Non-veteran males in the same age group had only a 17.6 percent unemployment rate.

Joe “the Plumber” Wurzelbacher is a Republican candidate for Congress in Ohio’s 9th Congressional District.  Joe Wurzelbacher rose to national fame as Joe the Plumber when he challenged then-candidate Barack Obama on his plans to increase taxes for the middle class.  Since 2008, Wurzelbacher has spoken nationally in support of blue collar workers, encouraging voters to get engaged in the political process.    

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