Highlights of bill for veterans, gov't contractors (AP)

WASHINGTON ? Highlights of a bill aimed at helping veterans and government contractors:

_Tax credits of up to $9,600 ? double the current amount ? for companies hiring disabled veterans who have been jobless at least half a year.

_New tax credits of up to $5,600 for employers hiring veterans who have been job-hunting for at least six months, and up to $2,400 for those unemployed more than four weeks.

_Benefits for older veterans for up to a year of education or training at community colleges or technical schools.

_Mandatory career counseling and other job training for many troops leaving the military and improving the training that is offered.

_Gives disabled veterans up to a year of additional help finding and training for jobs.

_Allows troops to begin applying for civilian jobs in the federal government before leaving the military.

_Repeals a law, due to take effect in 2013, requiring federal, state and local governments to withhold 3 percent of their payments to contractors.

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/uscongress/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20111111/ap_on_go_co/us_jobs_veterans_glance

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