Senate Passes Bill to Help Unemployed Veterans

Just in time for Veterans Day, the Senate overwhelmingly approved legislation Thursday to help unemployed U.S. veterans land jobs. Veteran unemployment has been a source of increasing government attention in recent months, as unemployment rates for veterans remain above rates for civilians.

Bill gives tax credits to companies that hire vets

The bill, which was approved by a 95-0 vote, would allow for creation of tax credits to encourage businesses and other organizations to hire veterans. It would provide up to $9,600 to companies hiring disabled vets who've been out of work for at least six months, up to $5,600 for employers hiring veterans who've searched for a job for at least six months, and up to $2,400 for those hiring veterans who have been jobless for four or more weeks.

It also would expand education and job training services for veterans, improve employment counseling for active servicemembers and provide an extra year of occupational services for disabled veterans.

Of the veterans who served since Sept. 11, 2011, about 240,000, or 12 percent, are unemployed. The House could vote on the bill as early as next week.

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