We owe our veterans a tremendous debt for their selfless dedication and the enormous sacrifices they made in defense of our freedoms.
While this debt is one we can never fully repay, we must do all we can to express our appreciation for their service in a real, meaningful way.
As part of that effort, I am proud to co-sponsor proactive legislation in the Michigan Senate to encourage small businesses to hire unemployed veterans.
When our veterans return home they often face real challenges transitioning into new careers.
The “Hire MI Heroes” initiative is about standing up for our veterans by enlisting Michigan’s job-creating small businesses in the effort to give our veterans a chance to live the American Dream that they served honorably to protect.
Senate Bill 89 would provide Michigan small businesses that hire an unemployed veteran with a one-time tax credit of 25 percent of the veterans’ compensation up to $4,000.
To ensure accountability, SB 89 includes several safeguards, such as enabling the state to reduce or terminate the credit if the veteran the business hired to receive the credit is laid off within a year.
During my time in the Senate, we have achieved much to assist veterans entering the workforce by removing unnecessary barriers to getting a job in Michigan.
This bipartisan legislation would build on those continued efforts and would represent a common sense way to help thank our veterans for their service while also doing something positive for the state economy.
I also encourage all veterans in our state to visit the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency website at michiganveterans.com for helpful employment resources and to ensure they are receiving the benefits they earned. Veterans may also call the agency at 1-800-MICH-VET.

Sen. John Proos, R-St. Joseph, represents southwest Michigan.