Rep. Dar’shun Kendrick Introduces Legislation to Establish Tax Credits for Workforce-Ready Graduates

ATLANTA – State Representative Dar’shun Kendrick (D-Lithonia) recently introduced House Bill 1195, legislation that would allow workforce-ready graduates to be eligible for an income tax credit in the amount of $4,000.

“This much-needed tax credit not only rewards hard work and dedication of Georgia’s students but also ensures that our state remains at the forefront of innovation and competitiveness,” said Rep. Kendrick. “HB 1195 sets the stage to incentivize workforce development and bolster economic growth. By supporting our workforce-ready graduates, we’re building a stronger, more prosperous Georgia for generations to come.”

HB 1195 would require the Department of Labor to establish a workforce readiness program that issues certification of workforce-ready graduates. Workforce-ready graduates are individuals who have obtained a degree in engineering, computer information or data science within a high-tech area of study. Under HB 1195, on or after January 1, 2025, each workforce-ready graduate employed in a high-tech full-time job for a least 40 weeks during a 12-month period would be eligible for an income tax credit in the amount of $4,000 for each such year of employment.

The full text of HB 1195 may be found here. HB 1195 has been assigned to the House Ways and Means Committee and will be heard in the Leverett Subcommittee of Judiciary Non-Civil TODAY, February 12, 2024. Watch live here.

A list of Rep. Kendrick’s sponsored legislation for the 2024 legislative session may be found here.

Representative Dar’shun Kendrick represents the citizens of District 95, which includes portions of DeKalb, Gwinnett and Rockdale counties. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2010 and currently serves on the Interstate Cooperation, Judiciary Non-Civil, Juvenile Justice, Small Business Development and Technology and Infrastructure Innovation committees.

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