‘Heroes’ Act Aims To Put Vets Back To Work
Returning home from military service and trying to find a job can be difficult, but there is help on the way for veterans.
An act passed by Congress last month aims to give employers a tax credit when they hire a vet. Many call it a small token from the country for which these men and women risked their lives.
After setting foot on home turf, and meeting the open arms of family, comes the task of finding a job. But it can be tough for veterans.
“Some left high school and immediately went into service and may not have worked in civilian occupations,” said Will Jensen, a regional economist with the Department of Labor in Idaho Falls.
President Barack Obama and Congress are hoping to ease that burden with the “Vow to Hire Heroes Act,” signed into law last month. It provides tax credits to businesses in exchange for hiring a vet.
“Even without financial incentives behind hiring vets, I think they’re a great population to hire,” said Jensen.
The credits range from $1,500 to $9,600 depending on factors like how long the veteran has been unemployed and if they have a disability.
According to the American Community Survey, over the last three years, the average unemployment rate for veterans in Idaho Falls is two points higher than that of the general population.
“We can’t just hire them because of the incentive,” said Jason Andrus, Chief Financial Officer for Doug Andrus Distributing.
The trucking company won’t bypass its standards for safe, qualified drivers just to get a little bonus cash.
But Andrus said the business hopes to do its part in getting veterans back to work. From what he’s seen, many have found an easy transition into trucking.
“Our experience with veterans is they do gain the experience. They’ve had experience operating trucks and equipment,” said Andrus. “And the tax incentives just make it that much more appealing.”
Jensen said since the information came out on Wednesday, the Department of Labor has already had calls from a variety of local employers.
The “Vow to Hire Heroes Act” took effect on Nov. 22 and runs through the end of 2012.
