Governor Kay Ivey, during a bill signing ceremony in late May, signed House Bill 83 into law.
“Throughout my career, I have advocated for our service men and women, and I will continue to do all I can as governor to offer my support to those who have given us so much,” Gov. Ivey said. “Alabamians are steadfast in their support for the military, and I am proud to strengthen Alabama’s bond with the military.”
HB 83, the Veterans Employment Act, sponsored by Rep. Connie Rowe (Jasper) and Sen. Phil Williams (Rainbow City) gives a $1,000 tax credit to small businesses that hire unemployed veterans. To be eligible, the employers must hire veterans to work on a full-time basis and pay them at least $14 per hour.
“This was an opportunity to help both our veterans and small businesses at the same time,” Rep. Connie Rowe said. “Incentivizing the hiring and retention of our military veterans by Alabama small businesses allows us to acknowledge their service and provide them with more job opportunities. Small businesses will benefit, not only by qualifying for the tax incentive but also by bringing employees into their businesses with the admirable traits and skills acquired during military training and service. It’s a win-win piece of legislation.”
NFIB’s Alabama State Director Rosemary Elebash attended the bill signing ceremony with Rep. Connie Rowe, Sen. Phil Williams, Beau Holmes of Quantum Logistics (Montgomery), Brian Roth of IndusTree Timber (Wetumpka), John Mitchell, Sr., and Mitchell Nissan (Enterprise).
