Rep. Susie Lee, Rep. Michelle Steel Announce Introduction of Hire Student Veterans Act

Statement

Today, Rep. Susie Lee (D-NV) and Rep. Michelle Steel (R-CA) announced the introduction of the bipartisan Hire Student Veterans Act. This legislation would provide a tax credit to businesses that hire part-time veterans who are using their VA-administered educational benefits and taking advantage of paid internships and other work opportunities while still in school.

"More than 200,000 veterans call Nevada home, and it's our duty to do everything we can to help ease their transition back to civilian life," said Rep. Susie Lee (D-NV). "Throughout my time in Congress, I've met with organizations like UNLV Rebel Vets, and I've heard over and over again that our student veterans need more help when it comes to finding good-paying jobs. This common-sense, bipartisan legislation will help deliver our student veterans the training, resources, and opportunities they need to start new careers, all while creating incentives for businesses to hire veterans. I'm proud to introduce this legislation to make sure all veterans using their GI Bill benefits have access to valuable paid internships and work opportunities."

"California is home to one of the largest veteran populations in the nation, and we must ensure they have the tools and resources to succeed," said Rep. Michelle Steel (R-CA). "Our veterans deserve our support as they make the transition from active service to civilian life. The Hire Student Veterans Act will expand opportunities for student veterans and help them gain invaluable experience in the workforce. I'm proud to support our country's heroes with this bipartisan bill."

"As a retired Army soldier and Director of UNLV's Military & Veteran Services Center, I have witnessed the many challenges of veterans transitioning from active service to campus to career," said Ross Bryant, Executive Director for the UNLV Military & Veteran Services Center. "Helping these warriors transition successfully to their new career field also assists corporations in acquiring exceptional new employees who are team-oriented, values-driven and possess leadership experience. I can think of no greater honor than to serve our veterans in their successful transition."

"VFW is happy to support this legislation which would encourage hiring veterans who are diligently working to advance themselves through VA programs such as GI Bill and Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)," said Emily DeVito, Associate Legislative Director for Veterans of Foreign Wars. "Offering this expanded Work Opportunity Tax Credit is an excellent complement to enhance the goal of upward mobility of these VA education programs."

"Veterans participating in VA's Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E) program do so to overcome service-related conditions that can create serious employment barriers," said Joy Ilem, National Legislative Director for Disabled American Veterans. "DAV supports the Hire Student Veterans Act as it would provide employer incentives to recruit and employ these veterans. DAV applauds Representative Lee and Representative Steel for championing employment opportunities for our nation's veterans that were wounded, injured or made ill during military service."

"After service, many veterans look to higher education for their next steps," said Lindsay Church, Executive Director for Minority Veterans of America. "For minority veterans, the socioeconomic realities of pursuing higher education often require holding additional jobs, securing fellowships, and scholarships just to make ends meet. Minority Veterans of America endorses the Hire Student Veterans Act which will expand access to life-changing opportunities, allowing student veterans to retain and ultimately complete their degrees. Our country owes a debt to those who have worn the uniform, one that can be paid through access to equitable opportunities to succeed."

The Hire Student Veterans Act would expand the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) to include student veterans using their VA-administered educational benefits--including the GI Bill and Veteran Readiness & Employment programs--and taking advantage of paid internships or work opportunities while in school. The bill would also incentivize employers to hire more student veterans for part-time work and paid internships by automatically qualifying employers who hire veterans using VA educational benefits for the WOTC 40% tax credit on the first $6,000 of a new employee's first-year wages.

Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND) have introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

The bill has been endorsed by the following organizations:

Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
Minority Veterans of America (MVA)
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
Student Veterans of America (SVA)
Modern Military Association of America
Military & Veteran Services Center at University of Nevada, Las Vegas

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