City of St. Louis Gives Hiring Preference to Veterans

Mayor Francis Slay signed the Veterans Preference Bill into law. The law gives military veterans extra points on employment applications with the City of St. Louis.

On November 4, 2014, City voters approved a charter amendment to allow preference points to be awarded for veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, including the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. The bill signing makes it a law.

"I want to start by thanking the people of St. Louis," Mayor Slay said. "Our voters recognized that the men and women of our armed forces have sacrificed a great deal for our country and that we should do more to help them get back into the civilian workforce. We know that veterans are already dedicated to serving others, which is exactly what City government does. I am proud to give a hiring preference to the men and women who have served our country and who return with proven skills, aptitude for teamwork, and a deep sense of commitment."

Alderman Jeffrey Boyd, retired Master Sergeant, U.S. Army Reserve, sponsored the bill.

"Our veterans have made enormous sacrifices on our behalf," Alderman Boyd said. "By serving our nation, they did their duty. Now, by hiring them, we are doing ours."

The City of St. Louis seeks to reward veterans for their patriotic service and ease the transition from military service to civilian life, while attracting a loyal, well-disciplined and well-trained workforce. Veterans who successfully pass a Civil Service exam will be given up to 10 additional points on their application for employment with the City.

How it will work:

• Veterans who successfully pass a Civil Service examination will be given one additional point on their application for employment with the City of St. Louis.
• Five points shall be added to the numerical score received by a veteran who does not receive any other preference points.
• Ten points shall be added to the numerical score received by a disabled veteran who does not receive any other preference points.
• The highest score any individual can obtain is 100 points.
• By law, this hiring preference will go into effect in 30 days.