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State tax credit, database aim to help veterans find jobs

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State tax credit, database aim to help veterans find jobs

BOSTON — Veterans seeking jobs in Massachusetts have a new tool at their disposal, launched by the state Office of Veterans Services in conjunction with the Office of Labor and Workforce Development, just in time for Veterans Day.

Jon Santiago, secretary of veterans services, joined forces with Lauren Jones, secretary of labor and workforce development, to create two programs — a $2,500 tax credit to incentivize employers to hire veterans, and an interactive dashboard to link job seekers with employers.

The programs come on the heels of the HERO Act, signed by Gov. Maura Healey in August, that increases state benefits for veterans, from payments for disabled veterans to allowing municipalities to increase their property tax exemptions.

“The HERO Act is laying a new foundation that enables us to better serve veterans across the state,” Santiago said. “We’ve also put forward the largest, dedicated investment to end veterans’ homelessness, and perhaps more importantly we’ve begun the necessary transformation at both Massachusetts veteran homes, both Holyoke and Chelsea.”

Officials are confident that, with these two new programs and the HERO Act, it will continue to address the needs and enhance the lives of the roughly 284,000 former service members living in Massachusetts.

“We’re proud to be expanding opportunities for veterans in the workforce with the launch of the Veterans Equity Dashboard and the increase of the Veteran Hire Tax Credit,” said Healey in a prepared statement. “From day one, our administration has been committed to revitalizing veterans’ services in Massachusetts and making sure our heroes have the support and resources they deserve. We know that access to employment can be a major challenge for veterans, and I’m grateful for the strong leadership of Secretary Santiago, Secretary Jones and the Legislature to lower barriers by expanding these workforce initiatives.”

Many veterans face challenges upon their return to civilian life, including substance use disorders, mental health issues, chronic joblessness and homeless. According to a report issued by Duke University with American Warrior Partnership, about 24 veterans commit suicide every day and another 20 die of substance use overdoses. The federal government is taking the issue seriously and has partnered with private organizations that work on job prospects, training, education and social connections to determine if these supports can reduce suicide risk and help build protective factors for the population.

“We think veterans offer a host of skills and experiences and bring diversity to communities they serve,” said Santiago.

The dashboard embraces all sectors of industry in Massachusetts, reveals where companies are hiring and helps match veterans with jobs. The secretaries said Massachusetts is growing industries such as artificial intelligence, life sciences, cybersecurity, biotechnology, health care and human services that closely match the skills veterans have mastered while serving. Employers, they believe, should exploit those talents.

“From demographics to industry representation, wages and employment outcomes, this dashboard highlights both the contributions veterans make and the challenges they still face,” Santiago said. “With these insights, we’ll be able to shape workforce strategies that are responsive to veterans’ needs and better meet their expectations.”

The interactive dashboard is coupled with a program that incentivizes companies and businesses to hire veterans. The Veteran Hire Tax Credit gives companies a $2,500 credit for each former service member they hire. If the veteran is retained for two years, company officials can claim the credit twice, once for each year.

Conditions apply, including length of military service (180 days active duty), discharge conditions and employment status at the time of hire. The kitty for the tax credit is capped at $1 million a year across the board and is awarded to employers on a first-come, first-served basis.

The federal government also provides tax incentives for companies that hire veterans.

Santiago called the program a “critical door-opener” for veterans. While they can bring “unique skills, resilience and dedication,” to a job, they also face challenges to employment. The tax credit, coupled with job training, coaching, and other supports offered through programs developed by both governmental agencies, can ensure that they remain employed.

“From the very beginning, we knew that meeting veterans’ needs would require cross-agency efforts and open lines of communication,” Santiago said at a Thursday meeting at the State House where the new tools were announced. “Working with Secretary Jones and her team, we’ve begun to do just that — to bridge critical gaps in veterans’ services.”

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