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Kerry seeks help for reservists and small firms

Posted by Foon Rhee, deputy national political editor November 9, 2009 06:15 PM

Senator John F. Kerry is cosponsoring a bill he announced today he will introduce to give more aid to small businesses that have military reservists on their payrolls.

Authored with Representative Ron Klein of Florida, the legislation would provide tax incentives for small businesses that make up the difference in salary between military and civilian pay while reservists are serving in Iraq or Afghanistan.

Many large businesses offer the supplements, but many small business owners, who employ 20 percent of reservists, can't afford to do the same.

“Our legislation supports the small businesses that stand by our men and women in uniform when reservists are deployed. It keeps our service members employed and small businesses open for business. In the face of a tough economy, we can do more to support the employers and reservists who make such profound contributions to our economy and national defense,” Kerry said in a statement.

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