Public hearing scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 2 on Abbarno’s Veteran-hire bill

The House Finance Committee has scheduled a public hearing on a bill to create work opportunities for military members, veterans and their families for Thursday, Feb. 2 at 1:30 p.m.

House Bill 1005, by Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia, would double the existing business and occupation tax credit for employers who hire a veteran, spouse of a veteran, or spouse of an active-duty military member and employ them in a full-time position for at least two consecutive full-calendar quarters.

“This is about helping our military members, veterans and their families – who've already given so much to our community – get jobs,” said Abbarno. “It would also alleviate the workforce shortage and help businesses keep up with demand.”

House Bill 1005 doubles the $1,500 business and occupation tax credit to $3,000 for veterans hired full-time on or after July 1, 2023. It would also expand the tax credit to veteran spouses and spouses of active-duty military members. Plus, veterans would no longer have to meet the requirement of being unemployed for at least 30 days to be eligible. In addition, it would apply to seasonal employers.

“Doubling this tax credit will provide the necessary boost for employers to be able to afford to hire our veterans, active-duty military members and their families, who are some of the most skilled and knowledgeable people in our communities,” added Abbarno.   

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Washington State House Republican Communications
houserepublicans.wa.gov