While the transition back into civilian life can be difficult for some, the economic state of the veteran community is on an upward trend. Overall, the nation’s 20.5 million veterans earn more, experience lower unemployment, are more likely to have health insurance, and less likely to live in poverty than their non-veteran peers. In this fact sheet we will dive a little deeper into the current economic state of our veterans community.

The report, “The Need to Rebuild Smarter,” cites that the average cost of national disasters have more than tripled since 1980. Furthermore, climate change poses an increasing threat to communities in the United States, with populations at risk to hurricanes growing 22 percent faster than the overall population from 2001-2010.

For over 50 years, Medicare has provided health coverage to seniors and people with disabilities, enabling them to lead healthy lives and receive the care they need. Unfortunately, rather than taking steps to strengthen Medicare, the Republican budget cuts nearly $473 billion from Medicare over the next ten years.

Since 2012, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) has helped nearly 800,000 young people who came to the United States as children work legally, get driver’s licenses, pursue a college education, and lead their lives without the constant threat of deportation. To build on these gains, Congress should pass the Dream Act now so that all Dreamers have the opportunity to fully contribute in the American economy and to their local communities.