SC Democrat wants tax credit for hiring veterans

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A Democrat in the South Carolina House says the state should give businesses an incentive to hire unemployed veterans.

Rep. Bakari Sellers of Denmark says veterans in the military-friendly state deserve a hand up.

His bill would give businesses a tax credit for hiring a veteran who’s been drawing unemployment benefits for at least a month. Employers could claim a credit of $100 a month for up to two years.

Sellers introduced the measure Tuesday. The House allowed it to be put on the calendar without going through the committee process.

A similar measure on the Senate calendar is being blocked by a Democrat. That proposal applies more broadly to those drawing unemployment benefits, not just veterans. Economic advisers estimate it would reduce state revenues by $63 million.