trucking

House Approves Veterans' Trucking Transition Legislation

The House of Representatives advanced legislation this week that streamlines military veterans' entry into professional trucking. The Veterans' Transition to Trucking Act allows the Department of Veterans Affairs to approve apprenticeship programs operated by trucking companies, enabling veterans to apply VA education benefits toward tuition. The American Trucking Associations endorsed the measure, calling it a commonsense approach to reducing bureaucratic obstacles for veterans seeking stable careers in the industry. Representatives Chris Pappas and Jennifer Kiggans spearheaded the bipartisan effort. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration. Separately, Illinois is investing $2.6 million in Lincoln Land Community College's Truck Driver Training Program to expand capacity and create additional training infrastructure. The state funding addresses mounting demand for qualified commercial drivers while bolstering regional economic development.