Healey-Driscoll Administration Promotes New and Expanded Veterans Workforce Initiatives

Administration also launches equity workforce data dashboard for veterans

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
10/31/2024

Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development

Executive Office of Veterans Services

MEDIA CONTACT
Matthew Kitsos, Deputy Chief of Staff
& Director of Communications
matthew.kitsos2@mass.gov

Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones and Secretary of Veterans Services Jon Santiago made the announcements at an event at the State House.

“We’re proud to be expanding opportunities for veterans in the workforce with the launch of the Veteran’s Equity Dashboard and the increase of the Veteran Hire Tax Credit,” said Governor Maura Healey. “From day one, our administration has been committed to revitalizing veterans services in Massachusetts and making sure our heroes have the support and resources they deserve. We know that access to employment can be a major challenge for veterans, and I’m grateful for the strong leadership of Secretary Santiago, Secretary Jones and the Legislature to lower barriers by expanding these workforce initiatives.”

“Massachusetts leads the nation in veterans services and the recently signed Hero Act builds on that work. This administration is committed to connecting our talented veterans with companies looking to hire, and today’s event highlights the tools we have at our disposal to make that happen,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “The Veteran’s Equity Dashboard will allow us to identify and address barriers to employment and help ensure that our veterans receive the services they deserve.”

Among expanded workforce initiatives for veterans is the Veteran Hire Tax Credit, a $2,500 tax break awarded to small business owners who hire qualified veterans, including those receiving SNAP benefits, chronically unemployed veterans, and unemployed service-connected disabled veterans. The tax credit, originally passed in 2017, was increased by the Healey-Driscoll administration’s HERO Act, the most comprehensive piece of veteran’s legislation in Massachusetts history.

Chronically unemployed veterans are historically difficult to hire and retain, particularly for small businesses (less than 100 employees). The tax credit aims to increase the likelihood of hiring more chronically unemployed veterans while supporting small businesses.

“The Veteran Hire Tax Credit is a vital tool in helping our veterans transition into meaningful employment while supporting small businesses across Massachusetts,” said Secretary of Veterans Services Jon Santiago. By increasing the tax credit through the HERO Act, we’re creating more opportunities for chronically unemployed veterans, including those with service-connected disabilities, to secure jobs and build brighter futures. This initiative not only strengthens our workforce but also provides small businesses with the resources they need to bring on talented veterans who have served our country. It’s a win-win for our veterans and for Massachusetts’ economy.”

As another workforce initiative highlighted today, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development’s Department of Economic Research (DER) launched the Veterans Equity Dashboard. Building on DER’s workforce equity dashboard project, which aggregates Massachusetts-centric employment statistics across diverse demographic, racial, ethnic, and other identifiers. In addition to offering a snapshot of workforce outcomes among various demographic groups, now including veterans, DER’s workforce equity dashboard project also illuminates persistent workforce disparities and needs while also underscoring substantial contributions and diverse talents of Massachusetts’ communities.

“We know that veterans may face barriers to employment, which is why our administration is committed to prepare and connect veterans to career training programs and employment opportunities in Massachusetts,” said Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones. “By working collaborative across secretariats and with community and workforce partners, our new equity dashboard will also inform strategies to advance the skills and knowledge of our veterans as we build connections to industry and employers in need of talent.”

DER consulted with several agencies and groups to develop the framework for the Veterans Equity Dashboard project, including the Executive Office of Veteran Services, the Office of the Veteran’s Advocate, and MassHire Veteran’s Employment Representatives. Their input was crucial to ensuring the research and analysis considered the lived experiences of veterans and included topics relevant to improving labor market outcomes for veterans.

Secretary Jones and Secretary Santiago attracted many partners at the State House today to promote these workforce initiatives for veterans. Additional services for veterans were also promoted including the resources by the MassHire Department of Career Services (DCS), which supports veterans and transitioning service members by providing employment resources and expertise to veterans to prepare them for the next phase of their career, and to the businesses that hire them. The administration also leverages US Department of Labor funding for the Jobs for Veteran State Grant Program (JVSG), administered by MassHire DCS staff, to provide individualized career and training-related services to eligible veterans and eligible persons with barriers to employment, as well as other authorized populations, and help employers fill their workforce needs with job-seeking veterans. Specifically, “Disabled Veterans’ Outreach Program” (DVOP) and “Local Veterans’ Employment Representative” (LVER) staff assist veterans and provide intensive Veterans services to overcome or mitigate barriers and assist veterans to become “job ready.” LVERs work with employers and DVOPs to place job ready veterans into employment.

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Media Contact

Matthew Kitsos, Deputy Chief of Staff & Director of Communications
matthew.kitsos2@mass.gov

Jacqueline Manning, Communications Director / Press Secretary
(857) 303-6051
jacqueline.manning@mass.gov

Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development
The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development cultivates a skilled workforce across industries, provides economic stability for workers affected by job loss, injury, or illness, and upholds standards for safe working conditions.

Executive Office of Veterans Services
Our mission is to provide the highest quality programs, benefits, and advocacy to Massachusetts veterans alongside federal and local partners.