Legislation introduced by U.S. Sens. Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Jerry Moran (R-KS) would help student veterans secure jobs and increase their skills.
The Hire Student Vets Act would incentivize employers to hire student veterans for part-time work and paid internships by expanding the Work Opportunity Tax Credit to employers who hire student veterans. The legislation would also allow student veterans access to valuable paid internships and work opportunities while in school.
“When I’ve spoken with student veterans across our state, it’s clear they need more opportunities while in school to gain valuable experience like paid internships and work opportunities. That’s why I’m introducing this bipartisan bill to incentivize businesses to hire student veterans while they’re in school,” Rosen said. “The brave men and women who serve our nation have our unending respect and gratitude, and it’s our responsibility to do everything we can to help these veterans transition to civilian life.”
Specifically, the legislation would automatically qualify employers who hire students veterans for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit of 40 percent on their first $6,000 of a new employee’s first-year wages, as well as reducing the existing tax credit’s 400-hour work requirement to 120 hours.
“Those who have sacrificed for our nation should be provided with every opportunity to achieve success in their life after service,” Moran said. “This legislation would provide veterans who are utilizing their GI Bill benefits with increased flexibility to pursue paid internships and part-time employment to gain valuable work experience while in school. Expanding the Work Opportunity Tax Credit for student veterans is a positive step to improve opportunities for our veterans as they join the civilian workforce.”