Hagan Pushes Hero Act for Veterans

By Roderick McClain

02-22-11 –

As lawmakers look for ways to trim the nation's debt, Democratic Sen. Kay Hagan of North Carolina, and Republican Sen. Scott Brown of Massachusetts, are introducing a bill to expand a tax credit offered to businesses that hire military veterans.

The measure would give businesses a credit of up to $4-thousand for each military veteran they hire. Hagan says the unemployment rate among veterans is higher than the national unemployment average.

"There's a disturbing trend going on right now regarding our veterans that serve in our National Guard and Reserve units. Twenty-one percent of the guard and reserve across the country are unemployed."

Hagan says the measure has a good chance of passing. Co-sponsors Hagan and Brown are working to determine an exact cost estimate if the bill is approved.

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