Proposal would connect unemployed veterans with jobs, increase opportunity for veteran-owned businesses

Today State Reps. Hearcel Craig (D-Columbus) and Niraj Antani (R-Miamisburg) introduced legislation that would promote economic growth while increasing Ohio veterans’ job opportunities. The proposal would grant income tax credits to employers who hire veterans for at least a year, and provide a five percent bid preference on state contracts for veteran-owned businesses.  

“Ohio veterans are some of the most highly trained, highly educated and highly skilled workers that we have,” said Rep. Craig. “When businesses hire veterans, they are getting proven leaders who can solve problems efficiently while staying focused and contributing to an improved bottom line. Hiring veterans is not just goodwill. It’s good business. Veterans have the ability to meet employers’ toughest challenges today, tomorrow and in the future.”

The legislation would provide a $2,000 non-refundable credit for each veteran hired who works approximately 30 hours or more a week. The credit would be applied in the first year after one year of employment and any credits not used could be used in a later tax year.

“As the youngest state lawmaker, many of my friends and those in my generation served our country in Afghanistan and Iraq only to come home and struggle to find jobs,” said Rep. Antani. “This legislation can make Ohio the most veteran-friendly state in the country. These veterans served our country, it’s time for us to serve them.”