State Representative Todd Snitchler (R- Uniontown) today introduced legislation that will authorize a nonrefundable tax credit for hiring and employing previously unemployed Ohio citizens.
Under this legislation, Ohio businesses that hire previously unemployed people will receive a $2,400 tax credit, at the rate of $100 per month, for each newly hired employee. Each credit will be claimable for up to two years so long as the employee meets a series of criterion specified in the bill. The new hire must have been unemployed for four consecutive weeks immediately preceding their hire date; the employee must be lawfully employable in the United States; and the employee must be continuously employed by the employer claiming the credit for a period of two years.
“It is our hope that this legislation will help combat the state’s current economic problems on two fronts,” Snitchler said. “First, Ohio businesses will be given the opportunity to ease financial pressures through the tax incentive offered them by hiring unemployed Ohio workers. Secondly, Ohio citizens that are out of work will be given the opportunity to improve their individual financial situations by obtaining gainful employment.”
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services’ Office of Unemployment Compensation has received a record amount of unemployment claims since the onset of this current economic downturn and as a result the amount of compensatory aid available is dwindling. ODJFS is also reporting unemployment rates in this state at over 10% in some areas.
“This legislation will help Ohioans off of unemployment and put people back to work,” said Snitchler. “Affecting this type of change, from both the employee and employer perspectives, should serve to stabilize and help revitalize Ohio’s economy.”
Snitchler jointly sponsored this legislation with Representative Kris Jordan (R – Powell).
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Uniontown, Ohio —
