State Rep. La Shawn K. Ford (D-Chicago) announced today the hiring of Jonathan Axel Tate as the Eighth District community and veterans outreach coordinator.
Tate brings both military and civilian experience to his new position, having served his country in both the U.S. Air Force and the Army. He is currently serving in the Illinois Army National Guard.
“The unemployment rate among our nation’s military veterans is a serious issue,” Ford said.
“We owe it to the men and women of our armed forces to provide sufficient work opportunities for the next transition of their careers. Mr.Tate has served and continues to serve our great country, and I feel confident that his military experience can help improve outreach to veterans and the entire Eighth District,” he said.
According to the Department of Labor, as of the last quarter in 2011, one in three veterans is unemployed. Rep. Ford seeks to increase the number of veterans who are employed. He recently introduced the Veterans State Employment Plan (HB3787), which aims to improve overall state employment and services to veterans in Illinois. The bill has bipartisan support, with 48 co-sponsors.
Mr. Tate will be based at Rep. Ford’s Suburban Constituent Service Office, 816 S. Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park.
For more information, please call one of Ford’s constituent service offices; call the Oak Park office at 708-445-3673 or the Chicago office at 773-378-5902.