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One state is doing its part to create jobs for veterans.

In honor of Veterans Day, the State of Illinois is hosting several job fairs throughout the state during November. These events will help put veterans back to work and teach employers about the tax credits they can get for hiring veterans.

During 2009, all veterans of all eras had an unemployment rate of 8.1 percent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Gulf War-era II veterans had an unemployment rate of 10.2 percent, while young male veterans between 18 and 24-years old had an unemployment rate of 21.6 percent.

"Helping businesses create jobs and finding the right person for those new jobs is important as Illinois' economy continues to steadily improve," Maureen O’Donnell, director of the Illinois Department of Employment Security, said. "Our Veterans have the training, commitment and loyalty that make them excellent hires and we, as citizens, have a duty to honor their sacrifices and the sacrifices of their families and help them find good-paying jobs."

IDES is coordinating the veteran hiring events throughout Illinois. The job fairs will emphasize opportunities of particular interest to veterans, and although the events are meant to focus on veterans, those without military experience also are encouraged to attend.

The job fairs also will feature businesses that will benefit from hiring veterans. The state offers an income tax credit of up to $1,200 to businesses for each qualified veteran they hire. Employers also may qualify for the federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit, which provides up to $4,800, and the Illinois Small Business Job Creation Tax Credit, which provides $2,500 for each new hire.

The statewide veteran job fairs will take place:

• November 9 - 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Effingham VFW Post 1769 in Effingham
• November 9 - 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Bloomington National Guardy Armory in Bloomington
• November 10 - 9 a.m. to Noon at the Roland Lewis Community Building in Mt. Vernon
• November 10 - 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Southwestern Illinois College in Belleville
• November 11 - 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Daley College in Chicago
• November 12 - 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Lawrenceville VFW Post 2244 in Lawrenceville
• November 12 - 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the VFW Post 1303 in Rock Island
• November 13 - 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at River Oaks Community Church in South Holland

Labels: Jobs for veterans