SHAHEEN: VETERANS DESERVE GOOD JOBS WHEN THEY RETURN HOME

(Claremont, NH) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) toured Red River Computer Company’s facility today and discussed efforts to promote economic opportunity for New Hampshire veterans and veteran-owned small businesses. Shaheen highlighted the legislative package she recently introduced aimed at expanding hiring and business ownership for veterans while meeting with Red River president, Rick Bolduc, who briefed Shaheen on Red River Computer Company’s efforts. Nearly 10 percent of Red River’s employees are veterans and the company works with groups in New Hampshire and other states to notify veterans about employment opportunities. 

“One of the most important things we can do for our nation’s veterans is to make sure they are able to get good-paying jobs when they return home,” Shaheen said. “The commitment that Red River Computer Company has made to promoting economic opportunity for veterans sets a great example for other businesses and we need to make it easier for more companies to follow their lead.”

“The bills I’ve introduced not only help us honor our commitment to the men and women who serve in uniform, they help our small businesses find highly skilled workers and encourage economic growth,” Shaheen added.  

Last week, Shaheen introduced the Veterans Hiring Act and the Veterans Entrepreneurship Act, which would provide immediate tax incentives for businesses that hire veterans and provide easier access to capital for veterans wishing to open or expand small businesses. The unemployment rate for U.S. Iraq and Afghanistan veterans stands at 9 percent, 2.3 percent higher than the national average. Shaheen has made promoting job creation and economic opportunity a top priority and has used her position on the Senate Armed Services Committee and Senate Appropriations Committee to advocate for policies that benefit veterans and small businesses.