Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, announced the passage of his amendment to the tax extenders bill that would make long-term unemployed Americans eligible for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC). Currently, the WOTC provides an employer tax credit of between $1,200 and $9,600 per employee for hiring and retaining veterans, ex-felons, the disabled, summer youth employees, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and Supplemental Security Income recipients. Portman’s amendment adds to this to offer employers a $2,400 credit for first year wages paid to the long-term unemployed.

“I’m pleased my amendment passed the committee with strong bipartisan support today because it will help encourage businesses to hire long-term unemployed Ohioans,” said Portman. “At a time when thousands of Ohioans are struggling to find work in this weak economy, we must make it a top priority to connect them with a job, as well as create good tax policy that encourages employers to hire those who have the most trouble finding work. I am hopeful that as we move forward, we put an end to temporary tax policies, and make permanent deserving provisions like the Work Opportunity Tax Credit.”

Last year, Portman authored the bipartisan unemployment insurance agreement that would extend unemployment insurance for long-term unemployed Americans. Portman played a key role in ensuring the bill was fully paid for, that it was short-term, and that it included reforms to the broken program that’s failing to connect Americans with jobs.