ST. PAUL, MN — Today, a bipartisan group of legislators announced legislation that would offer tax credits to businesses that hire unemployed Minnesota veterans. State Representative Mary Sawatzky (DFL – Willmar) is a co-author on the bill. Minnesota has the third highest unemployment rate in the nation for veterans who have served since 2001.
“The high unemployment rate for our veterans is unacceptable and we can and we should do more to solve this problem,” said Rep. Sawatzky. “Our veterans have served our country honorably and deserve our full support.”
The bill has strong support from a number of veterans and veterans’ advocacy groups, including the Military Action Group, the United Veterans Legislative Council, the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans, and the Association of the United States Army. The bill is chief authored in the House by Rep. Anna Wills (R – Apple Valley) and in the Senate by Sen. Chuck Wiger (DFL – Maplewood).
“It’s great that this bill has bipartisan support and the support of a number of veterans groups,” said Rep. Sawatzky. “I want to thank Sen. Wiger and Rep. Wills for their work on this bill. Legislators may disagree on a number of issues, but this shouldn’t be a partisan issue. We can work together and get this done.”
Rep. Sawatzky encourages constituents to contact her with any questions, comments, concerns, or ideas on any legislative topic. Rep. Sawatzky can be reached by phone at 651-296-6206 or by email at rep.mary.sawatzky@house.mn. Constituents can also visit Rep. Sawatzky’s legislative page and sign up for email updates.