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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 9, 2009
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Senators Robbins, Orie Propose Military Hiring Bills

Would provide tax credits to employers of veterans, National Guard

Following up on efforts to assist Pennsylvania's veterans and National Guard members, Senator Bob Robbins (R-50) and Senator Jane Orie (R-40) are introducing legislation to provide tax credits to employers who hire service members.

Under Senator Robbins' bill (Senate Bill 590), employers would receive a $1,000 tax credit for every member of the PA National Guard or Reserves that they hire or that re-enlists.  The tax credit could be used toward the employer's personal income tax, corporate net income tax, or capital stock and franchise tax and could be carried forward for a period of three years.

"Members of the National Guard and Reserves are subject to being called to active service at any time and that can a hardship for them, their families and their employers," Senator Robbins said. "This bill shows our appreciation for employers who provide jobs for our fine men and women in uniform."

Senator Orie's bill (Senate Bill 591) would provide employers with a $1,000 tax credit for the veterans they have hired since January 1, 2009, who have recently been on active duty overseas.  The credit is available for veterans who were members of the Armed Forces, the Armed Forces Reserves, or the PA National Guard on active duty in Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, or Operation Iraqi Freedom.  The tax credit would be capped at $5 million per fiscal year.

"We owe a special debt of gratitude to the men and women who left their families to serve our nation overseas in combat operations," Senator Orie said. "It is only right and fair that we provide this extra incentive to employers as way to reward their fidelity and their service."

Senate Bills 590 and 591 have been referred to the Senate Finance Committee.

Contact:

Nathan Silcox (Sen. Orie)  
(717) 787-6538

Michael Hengst (Sen. Robbins)
(717) 787-1322