Goggin bill would encourage hiring of disabled and unemployed veterans

Sen. Mike Goggin (R-Red Wing) continued to make veterans a cornerstone legislative priority today when he presented a bill to the Senate Veterans Committee that would incentivize employers to hire disabled or unemployed veterans.

“The transition back home from active duty can be a difficult one,” said Sen. Goggin. “We have seen too often that veterans come back with valuable skills but few job prospects; they just need an opportunity. Everyone wins under my bill – disabled and unemployed veterans get a chance to show what they can do; employers get dedicated, hardworking employees; and Minnesota gets another contributing member of society.”

The Senate Veterans Committee passed the bill and referred it to the Committee on Taxes, where it awaits a hearing.

Bill details:

  • Employers will be eligible to claim a nonrefundable tax credit for each disabled or unemployed veteran hired during the year, equal to ten percent of the wages paid to the veteran.
  • The maximum credit is $3,000 for each disabled veteran hired and $1,500 for each unemployed veteran hired.
  • An employer may not claim the credit if the employer currently employs or has previously employed the veteran.
Senator Goggin listens Jerry Kyser, chairman of the United Veterans Legislative Council of Minnesota testifies in support of the bill. To Sen. Goggin’s left is Trent Dilks, Transportation Director of Disabled American Veterans of Minnesota.