Senators Marshall & Cassidy Unveil Bill to Boost Hiring for Americans Facing Barriers to Work
Washington – On Thursday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined Senator Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana) in reintroducing the Improve and Enhance the Work Opportunity Tax Credit Act, which will modernize and expand the tax credit to include military spouses as a new eligible group and extend it through 2030.
The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is designed to help employers invest in staffing, training, wages, and benefits to hire individuals from specific groups that face statistically higher barriers to employment, including veterans, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients, and other vulnerable groups. Employers typically experience higher training and recruitment costs for employee WOTC-eligible hires.
“For hardworking Americans who’ve faced real obstacles entering the workforce and pursuing their American Dream, the Work Opportunity Tax Credit has long been a vital lifeline,” said Senator Marshall. “By extending and modernizing WOTC – and adding military spouses alongside the long-term unemployed, those transitioning off assistance, and our veterans – we’re giving more people a fair chance at meaningful work and the independence that comes with it. I’m proud to join Senator Cassidy in introducing this legislation.”
“Veterans and military spouses deserve every opportunity to build stable, rewarding careers,” said Senator Cassidy. “By reducing the burden on employers who hire them and other individuals who have fallen through the cracks, we strengthen our economy and give people the chance they need.”
The legislation is also co-sponsored by Senators John Boozman (R-Arkansas), Jerry Moran (R-Kansas), Jim Justice (R-West Virginia), Tim Kaine (D-Virginia), Maggie Hassan (D-New Hampshire), and Peter Welch (D-Vermont).
According to the National Employment Opportunity Network, the WOTC has saved American taxpayers $202 billion over ten years. This legislation could support the creation of 350,000 new jobs and generate $3.7 billion in labor income, adding $5.6 billion to the GDP, according to another report by EY.
Click here to read the full bill text.
Background:
- Senator Marshall has worked relentlessly to support America’s working class, including championing legislation like the Overtime Wages Tax Relief Act, whose bill text was included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the largest tax cut for middle- and working-class Americans in history. He was also fervently in favor of similar legislation that would cut taxes on tips.
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Contact: Payton Fuller
