To watch a video of Rep. Schwartz deliver a statement on the bill today visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lu7KIi35wpM

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz voted for legislation today that would help put our nation’s veterans back to work. Last week, Schwartz introduced the Hiring Our Veterans Act, to strengthen the current law she introduced and championed successfully in 2007 and 2009 to provide tax incentives to businesses that hire veterans. Today, Congress sent bipartisan legislation to President Obama that builds on this effort and expands job opportunities for our veterans.

President Obama, who included these same provisions in his job’s proposal, is expected to sign the legislation into law.

“As the daughter of a Korean War veteran, I firmly believe that we have the responsibility to better ensure that our nation’s veterans can find work when they return home,” Schwartz said. “Too many veterans, especially Post-9-11, are struggling to find employment. “This is a huge victory for our brave men and women and their families who have sacrificed so much for our nation and our freedom. As we wind down two wars, it is our duty and our honor to support our veterans and better ensure they have good, stable jobs when they return home.”

“The American Legion appreciates the bipartisan effort made by Congress in addressing veteran joblessness through passage of the VOW to Hire American Heroes Act,” said Tim Tetz, Legislative Director of The American Legion. “Veteran joblessness cannot be resolved without mutual efforts made by every American, Rep. Schwartz epitomizes that effort.”

This new bipartisan legislation:

• Increases the current maximum tax credit from $4,800 to $9,600 for employers that hire veterans with a service-connected disability who have been unemployed for six months or more. 
• Provides a $2,400 credit for employers that hire veterans who have been unemployed for at least four weeks. 
• Provides a $5,600 credit for veterans who have been unemployed for at least six months.

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