Last month State Reps. Hearcel Craig (D-Columbus) and
Niraj Antani (R-Miamisburg) intro-
duced legislation that would promote
economic growth while increasing
Ohio veterans job opportunities. The proposal would grant income
tax
credits to employers who hire veter-
ans for at least a year, and provide a
five percent bid preference on state
contracts for veteran-owned business-
es.
Ohio veterans are some of the most highly trained, highly
educated and
highly skilled workers that we have, said Rep. Craig. When
businesses hire veterans, they are getting proven
leaders who can solve problems efficiently while staying
focused and contributing to an im-
proved bottom line. Hiring veterans is
not just goodwill. Its good business. Veterans have the ability
to meet
employers toughest challenges to-day, tomorrow and in the
future.
The legislation would provide a
$2,000 non-refundable credit for
each veteran hired who works ap-
proximately 30 hours or more a
week. The credit would be applied in
the first year after one year of em-
ployment and any credits not used could be used in a
later tax year.
Proposal would connect unemployed veterans with jobs, increase
opportunity for veteran-owned businesses
HEAP Summer Crisis Program Underway Cooling assistance during
sweltering summer months
The Ohio Development Services Agency has announced
that the application process has started for the Low-
Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Summer Crisis
Program for Summer 2015.
The Summer Crisis Program is designed to help quali-
fied households pay for summer cooling. This program
applies to electric utilities only and is available from
June 1 through Aug. 31.
To qualify for the Summer Crisis program, you must
live in a household with gross annual incomes of up to
200 percent of the federal poverty level and meet one
of the following criteria:
You must have a member of the household who is
at least 60 years old; or
Provide a doctors note showing medical necessity.
For those who qualify, the Summer Crisis program of-
fers one air conditioner unit per household (for house-
holds that have not received an air conditioning unit in
the last three years).
Additionally, those who qualify are also eligible for a
one-time payment assistance (for electric bills only) of
up to $250 to help you afford cooling costs.
Applicants do not have to be enrolled in PIPP to be eli-
gible for the Summer Crisis program, and you do not
have to be in danger of disconnection to receive
assistance.
Call today for more information or to enroll.
Monday-Friday: 7am-5pm
(800) 282-0880 (Voice)
(800) 686-1557 (TDD)
Problems paying your utility bills?
PUCO-regulated gas and electric companies
have extended payment plans available to allow
you to make affordable payments and maintain
service. For more information, contact your
utility company or PUCOs Public Interest Center toll-free:
Monday-Friday
Between 8am-5pm
(800) 686-PUCO (7826)
(800) 686-1570 (TTY-TDD)
Some utility companies may offer other emer-
gency assistance plans. Please contact your
provider for more information.
