"Jumpstart Bill" sidesteps budget backlog

One bill , now headed to the South Carolina House of Representatives allows money to flow to business owners who seek new hires from the roles of the unemployed. 
Senate Majority Leader Harvey Peeler’s plan to “jumpstart” the economy by giving tax credits to businesses that hire unemployed state workers was passed out of the Senate on third reading Wednesday.
In the bill, any employer who hires an unemployed South Carolinian will receive a $100 per month tax credit for each employee hired beginning July 1, 2009. The tax credit is available for 24 months, a maximum of $2,400 per employee over two years.
“It just seems a practical way to jumpstart our economy. something that helps businesses and doesn’t grow government, says Peeler. “I think it’s a win-win for everyone.”
The Cherokee Senator says he is thankful that he has gotten bi-partisan support for this as was evident in the 39-0 vote on second reading Tuesday. The costy is partly offset, he says, by pulling people out of unemployment.
Also, says Peeler, “There’s the personal satisfaction of someone having a job, and you can’t put a pricetag on that.”The bill now heads to the House. The Senate is off next week.