November 17, 2023

Supporting Opportunities for Veterans

Under current law, employers seeking to hire veterans can only qualify for the Work Opportunity Tax Credits (WOTC) under limited circumstances. Specifically, the WOTC is available to employers who hire individuals from groups that have faced significant barriers to employment. With respect to veterans, the credit only applies when employers hire veterans who have a service-connected disability or have been unemployed for more than four weeks.

Last week, I introduced the Hire Student Veterans Act to further incentivize employers to hire student veterans for part-time work and paid internships by expanding the existing WOTC and ensuring that all student veterans using their GI benefits can take advantage of valuable paid internships or work opportunities.

It is vital that we support our nation’s heroes who have sacrificed so much as they move from active service to civilian life. The Hire Student Veterans Act does just that by helping expand opportunities for veterans to have a smooth transition and gain professional experience that will be invaluable in their long-term careers. I am grateful to have bipartisan partners who support solutions like this to serve those who have risked everything for our country.

Honoring Southern California's Heroes

To commemorate Veterans Day 2023, I asked you to nominate veterans you feel deserve special recognition to receive the 2023 Veterans of Distinction award. This year's honorees represent the very best of Southern California. 

It was a privilege to host a ceremony last week honoring these amazing veterans for their service to our nation. To each of the honorees, thank you for your service. Learn more about each of these distinguished veterans by clicking the link below.

Stopping Dangerous Crime

Last week, I shared about one of my latest bills, the They’re Fast, We’re Furious Act, which will address illegal auto racing and unlawful takeovers impacting communities across the country. These reckless activities harm innocent drivers, first responders, and local businesses and have become a major public safety issue. 

I've witnessed this behavior myself. It's unacceptable for families, businesses, and entire neighborhoods to feel unsafe in our communities because of the recklessness of a few thugs. It's time to put a stop to this crisis by passing my bill.

Intern in My Office

The application to intern in my D.C. or District office during the Spring session is open! If you are a high school or college student looking to learn more about Congress and the legislative process, an internship in my office can be a fun, educational, and exciting opportunity. 

Candidates must possess excellent writing and verbal communication skills. In addition, we are seeking highly collaborative team players with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. 

If you are a hardworking, dedicated individual who has a desire to help improve our Southern California communities, then an internship in my office might be for you! Visit my website to learn more and apply.

What I'm Reading

Thanks for taking the time to read about what I've been doing on behalf of Southern California families. Be sure to connect with my official Facebook, X, and Instagram pages, where I post the latest news and updates. It is an honor to serve you in Congress.

Sincerely,

Rep. Michelle Steel
Member of Congress