Tax credit to employ homeless goes to governor

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A bill that would give a tax credit of up to $2,000 to employers who hire a homeless resident is headed to the governor after narrowly winning passage Thursday in the Senate.

Sen. Curt Bramble, R-Provo, said it would encourage employers to take the risk of hiring a homeless worker and "would be an incentive to provide gainful employment."

The credit in HB140, which has been pushed for years by Rep. Brian King, D-Salt Lake City, would be limited to 50 people in the first year.

"This is a win-win for the homeless and business communities," King said. "The increased employment will positively benefit our economy in a myriad of ways, and will help remove the stigma from a group of people who simply need an opportunity to succeed."

The measure passed the Senate 15-9, receiving the minimum number of votes required, and goes to Gov. Gary Herbert for his consideration.

Robert Gehrke