By By Paul Bright Feb 3, 2012 in Politics Arlington - With the veterans employment rate above 13 percent, President Obama announced new programs to help soldiers returning from war. The price tag for these programs in addition to other veteran initiatives is expected to be $5 billion. Obama noted that money saved on wars should help fund these initiatives and that Washington can take a cue from the military. “No matter what the circumstances, those men and women in uniform…work together, act as a team, finish the job. That’s what we gotta do to help this nation’s economy.” He also noted that while the unemployment rate dipped to 8.3% today, more needs to be done to keep the recovery going. “I want to send a clear message to Congress: do not slow down the recovery that we're on. Don't muck it up.” The veterans unemployment rate is 13.1%. This new policy adds to a previously announced initiative that gives At a firehouse in Arlington, Virginia, Obama announced new policies to help veterans get jobs as firefighters and law enforcement. Stemming from the administration’s new Veterans Job Corps , the policy will prioritize federal grants to communities that hire veterans in these positions. Veterans will also get priority for national park jobs. He also announced a new program to help veterans start small businesses.The price tag for these programs in addition to other veteran initiatives is expected to be $5 billion.Obama noted that money saved on wars should help fund these initiatives and that Washington can take a cue from the military.He also noted that while the unemployment rate dipped to 8.3% today, more needs to be done to keep the recovery going.The veterans unemployment rate is 13.1%.This new policy adds to a previously announced initiative that gives tax credits to companies who hire unemployed veterans. More about Veterans, veteran job corps, Unemployment More news from Veterans veteran job corps Unemployment