Connecting vets with jobs in Delaware

Delaware Governor Jack Markell has declared September, ‘Hire a Veteran Month,’ in an effort to encourage employers in the state to hire service members now and throughout the year.

The Markell Administration says the unemployment rate for Delaware veterans and military personnel averages about five percent higher than the state average; according to July numbers, the state’s unemployment rate is 7.4. percent. The state has set the goal of closing that gap.

“Returning veterans are an untapped reservoir of talent for business owners,” said Delaware Department of Labor Secretary John J. McMahon Jr. “These brave men and women, to whom we owe so much, are technically savvy, have great soft skills, and are the type of people employers always tell me they want.”

The proclamation aims to not only encourage employers to hire veterans, but also to raise awareness of available federal and state tax credits. Last summer, the governor signed into law a measure giving companies a $1,500 annual tax credit for each 9-11 combat veteran they hire.

If your company is interested in hiring a veteran, you’re asked to contact Ms. Christine Kubik from the Delaware National Guard at 302-326-7582.