Rep. Adam Miller Presents Sponsor Testimony on HB 53, Legislation to Help Put Veterans to Work

COLUMBUS- State Representative Adam Miller (D- Columbus) today testified before the Ohio House Ways and Means Committee on his  legislation that would create tax benefits for employers who hire veterans. The Ohio Veterans Opportunity Tax Credit would provide an employer, for each qualifying veteran, current National Guard and reservist, hired for a full-time job, tax incentives.

“Ohio’s steadfast support for our veterans and military families is well known nationally.   We must do everything we can to keep their talents and experience here,” said Rep. Miller. “Military and family support is a key factor in future Department of Defense basing decisions. Supporting our service members and their families will help Ohio’s standing as a key base location.”

The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) provides federal income tax credits that encourage employers to hire job seekers from defined target groups, many of which have barriers to employment. This includes veterans. There is no equivalent credit for Ohio taxes. Other states, from Alabama to Wisconsin, provide tax credits to employers who hire veterans.

The bill also calls for the following tax incentives:

• For each employed qualifying veteran hired for a part-time job, the credit would be $250 in the taxable year in which the veteran is hired and up to $100 in each of the next four taxable years.
• For hiring qualifying disabled veterans, the credit would be $750 for full time and $375 for part time for up to four years.
• For hiring qualifying spouses of veterans, current national guard and reservists hired for a full-time job, a credit of $500 in the taxable year in which the veteran is hired and $200 in each of the next four taxable years.  

Representative Miller is Ranking Member of the Ohio House Armed Services and Veterans Affairs Committee.