Governor Bill Haslam tried yesterday to sidestep criticism over part of his proposed overhaul for how the state hires new workers. Democrats and some Republicans have argued it could hurt veterans.
Right now, when choosing who to hire the state gives preference to veterans, as well as the spouses of disabled or deceased vets. Under part of Haslam’s proposal (link) that would go away, in what one Republican lawmaker called “almost an insult” to veterans.
Haslam told reporters last night the new system was simply set up differently, and would do what it could for vets.
“They will… obviously they will always be guaranteed the right to an interview, which is really the maximum you can guarantee things under the new system.”
Haslam is trying to streamline the state’s hiring process because he says (link) the current system is cumbersome and slow. Yesterday lawmakers in both the state House and Senate put off dealing with the matter one week.
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