Halpin Fighting to Expand Job Opportunities for Veteran Families

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Families of military veterans would have more job opportunities under a bill backed by state Rep. Mike Halpin, D-Rock Island, which restores a hiring credit for employers of military personnel and expands the measure to cover their spouses’ employers as well.

“We need to ensure that veterans’ families are financially secure,” Halpin said. “Families of military members sacrifice for their countries as well as veterans themselves. They deserve our gratitude, and our aid, and we owe them more than a few kind words. Although we can never fully repay them for their service, this bill will provide the men and women who served us and the spouses who support them with new civilian opportunities.”

Halpin is sponsoring House Bill 2332, which reinstates a tax credit that encourages businesses to hire veterans, and expands the credit to also include military spouses. Under Halpin’s bill, local employers could receive an income tax credit worth up to $1,200 per year for every qualified veteran hired to a long-term position. This credit had been provided to businesses until 2015, when it was allowed to expire. In addition to restoring this veteran job credit, Halpin’s bill expands it to include spouses of veterans hired to long-term positions as well.

“The men and women who have fought for us should not have to fight unemployment when they return home,” Halpin said. “Veterans and their spouses have given a lot for their country, and they deserve the same consideration.”