Rosen’s proposal would expand tax credits for businesses hiring student veterans

Senator Jacky Rosen speaks at the Clark County Lake Mead Micro business Groundbreaking event was held on site in the Historic Westside of Las Vegas, Nevada on Thursday, March 20, 2025. Photo by: Brian Ramos

U.S. Sen. Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., is introducing legislation today that would incentivize businesses to hire student veterans through an expansion of the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, according to a release from Rosen’s office.

Under her Hire Student Veterans Act, which is co-sponsored by Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., businesses would be able to claim a 40% tax credit on the first $6,000 a student veteran using GI Bill benefits earns at the company.

To fully maximize the tax credit, new employees have to work at least 400 hours in their first year of employment. But Rosen’s legislation would drop that requirement down to 120 hours for eligible student veterans, according to the release, which could make shorter-term internships qualify.

“When I’ve spoken with student veterans across our state, it’s clear they need more opportunities while in school to gain valuable experience,” Rosen, who sits on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said in a statement. “It’s our responsibility to do everything we can to help these veterans transition to civilian life.”

Just over 7,400 student veterans were enrolled across the Nevada System of Higher Education’s universities and community colleges during the 2023-24 academic year, according to NHSE

With Republicans holding majorities in both chambers of Congress, Moran — who chairs the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee — could be vital to the new bill’s passage.

The Kansas senator wrote in a statement that the bill “is a positive step to improve opportunities for our veterans as they join the civilian workforce.”

“Those who have sacrificed for our nation should be provided with every opportunity to achieve success in their life after service,” Moran said.