U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand was in Westchester today hosting a Veterans Roundtable discussion with leaders of the veterans community as well as other government leaders.

Gillibrand was joined by Congressman Eliot Engel and State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins to call attention to the hundreds of vets from Iraq and Afghanistan in Westchester and Rockland Counties who have returned home only to find themselves unable to find work.

Speaking at the seminar at Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, Senator Gillibrand said local businesses need to be reminded about a federal tax credit,The Work Opportunity Tax Credit, that provides incentives for businesses to hire returning veterans. 

To raise awareness, the Senator says she has been working closely with local Chambers of Commerce across the state to encourage member businesses to use the tax credit and hire vets who have come home.In return for hiring a veteran, businesses can write off roughly 40% of the first $6,000 paid to a vet.  

In addition, she says, she is working to pass the Veterans Employment Act,which would help veterans translate their skills into careers by expanding job training the placement services.

She estimates there are about 300 veterans in both Westchester and Rockland who have been unable to find work since returning home. 

"Service to our country should ensure housing,educational opportunities and certainly good paying jobs, which is why Senator Kirsten Gillbrand's leadership on this issue is so important," said Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins. "I'm proud to join the Senator today along with business leaders, government officials, veterans advocates and officials from Mercy College to show appreciation to our veterans by working to provide them with ample economic opportunities."