A bill approved in Congress today and supported by Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, will help get thousands of veterans back to work. Larsen hailed the bill, which he said is a critical way to boost the economy and repay veterans for their service. The Vow to Hire Heroes Act now goes to President Obama, who has indicated that he will sign the bill.
“Veterans who have risked life and limb in the service of our nation deserve our help in finding jobs here at home,” Larsen said. “Our military personnel are exceptionally talented and are proven leaders. These tax credits and transition programs will help our vets put their skills to work in the private sector, growing our economy and giving vets the opportunities they deserve. Too many of our vets—particularly those returning from Iraq and Afghanistan—have struggled to find work. This legislation will provide important training for veterans transitioning into the private sector and gives strong incentives for private companies to hire veterans.”
Washington’s 2nd Congressional District is home to more than 75,000 veterans. The legislation is supported by veterans service organizations, such as the VFW, IAVA, Paralyzed Veterans Association, and the American Legion.
The Vow to Hire Heroes Act, originally sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Patty Murray, will:
Provide businesses with a tax credit of up to $5,600 for hiring veterans who have been looking for a job for more than six months, as well as a $2,400 credit for veterans who are unemployed for more than four weeks, but less than 6 months.
Provide a tax credit of up to $9,600 for hiring veterans with service-connected disabilities who have been looking for a job for more than six months.
Make the Transition Assistance Program (TAP), an interagency workshop coordinated by Departments of Defense, Labor and Veterans Affairs, mandatory for servicemembers moving on to civilian life to help them secure 21st Century jobs through resume writing workshops and career counseling.
Expand education and training opportunities for older veterans by providing 100,000 unemployed veterans of past eras and wars with up to one year of additional Montgomery GI benefits to go towards education or training programs at community colleges or technical schools.
Provide disabled veterans up to one year of additional Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Benefits.
Allow service members to begin the federal employment process prior to separation in order to facilitate a truly seamless transition from the military to jobs at VA, Homeland Security, or the many other federal agencies in need of our veterans.
Work with the states to create a licensing and credentialing standard for returning service members to break down the barriers to find meaningful employment in their military occupations.
Strengthen the protections for members of the National Guard and Reserve in the workforce to minimize hostile work environments.
