Highlights of bill for veterans, gov’t contractors

WASHINGTON — Highlights of a bill aimed at helping veterans and government contractors:

—Tax credits of up to $9,600 — double the current amount — for companies hiring disabled veterans who have been jobless at least half a year.

—New tax credits of up to $5,600 for employers hiring veterans who have been job-hunting for at least six months, and up to $2,400 for those unemployed more than four weeks.

—Benefits for older veterans for up to a year of education or training at community colleges or technical schools.

—Mandatory career counseling and other job training for many troops leaving the military and improving the training that is offered.

—Gives disabled veterans up to a year of additional help finding and training for jobs.

—Allows troops to begin applying for civilian jobs in the federal government before leaving the military.

—Repeals a law, due to take effect in 2013, requiring federal, state and local governments to withhold 3 percent of their payments to contractors.