For Immediate Release:

Montana Employers Saved Millions Through Work Opportunity Tax Credit

(Helena, MT) Montana employers who participated in the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) program through the Department of Labor and Industry saved $8,850,600.00 in 2011 (October 1, 2010 – September 30, 2011). “It’s encouraging to see so many of Montana’s employers using this program. Not only does it benefit those employers, but it puts people facing barriers to work into jobs, as well; a win, win for everyone,” said Labor Commissioner Keith Kelly.

As of September 30, 2011 (FFY 11), the Department processed 8,576 WOTC applications, certifying 3,479 of those requests. As of 12/31/2011 the program has 2,049 participating employers.

Program Yr. (FFY) Applications rec’d #Certifications $$ Saved by Employers

2011 8576 3479 $8,850,600.00

2010 7407 2905 $7,395,000.00

2009 5999 2123 $5,731,200.00

2008 5042 2259 $6,393.600.00

2007 4731 2522 $7,141,800.00

The credit is available to private, for profit employers; it encourages them to hire job seekers from one of the following targeted groups.

Qualified recipients of Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC)

Qualified Veterans

Qualified Disabled Veterans

Qualified Unemployed Veterans

Qualified Ex-Felons

Qualified Designated Community Resident

Qualified Vocational Rehabilitation Recipients

Qualified Summer Youths Residing in an Empowerment Zone or Renewal Community

Qualified SNAP Recipients (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)

Qualified Supplemental Security Income Recipients

Qualified Long-Term Family Assistance (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families – TANF)

To learn more about the WOTC program go to http://wsd.dli.mt.gov/wotc/wotc.asp

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Casey Kyler-West

Communications Director

Department of Labor & Industry

444-1520

ckylerwest@mt.gov

The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.

-Franklin D. Roosevelt