ATLANTA – State Representative Jesse Petrea (R-Savannah) recently filed House Bill 1151, legislation that would offer a tax credit to employers who hire veterans. The bill will now be considered by the House Ways and Means Committee.
“Our veterans are some of this state’s most valuable assets, but often times they find it difficult to find work upon their return home,” said Rep. Petrea. “This legislation is a win-win, ensuring that our veterans have opportunities to provide for themselves and their families, in addition to providing an income tax credit for those who choose to hire them.”
HB 1151 would create an income tax credit for employers who hire veterans for full-time jobs. To be eligible, an individual must have served on active duty in the United States armed forces and received honorable discharge and work at least 30 hours a week for a minimum of 40 weeks in a 12 month period. The full-time job must also be located within Georgia to qualify and have no predetermined end date. HB 1151 would require a report to be issued to the General Assembly prior to September 1 of 2018, 2019, and 2020 on the status of veteran employment and number of tax credits claimed. If passed, the legislation would take effect beginning with the new tax year on January 1, 2017.
For more information about HB 1151, please click here.
Representative Jesse Petrea represents the citizens of District 166, which includes portions of Bryan and Chatham counties. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2014, and currently serves on the Health & Human Services, Human Relations & Aging, and Public Safety & Homeland Security committees.
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