Illinois businesses have qualified for $67 million in federal tax credits for hiring veterans, SNAP recipients, and other state residents in need of employment.

"This valuable program helps a business owner improve the bottom line and offers a hand up to those who want to make a better life for themselves and their family," Illinois Department of Employment Security Director Jay Rowell said. "This is real progress in helping businesses compete, assisting individuals to find gainful employment, and improving the Illinois economy. It also shows that employers increasingly view IDES as an employment agency."

In Illinois, more than 27,000 people were hired under the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) program. Business owners can still benefit from the program if a new hire qualifies for the tax credit; more information is available here.