MACo Associate Director, Natasha Mehu, provided written testimony in support of Senate Bill 522, “Income Tax Credit – Eligible Employers – Eligible Internships,” to the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee on February 21, 2017.

SB 522 creates a program that allows businesses to receive a credit against the state income tax for employing eligible interns enrolled in public and private nonprofit higher education institutions in the state. In turn, the interns receive valuable and paid experience in a field that interests them. Counties appreciate that this bill offers a state-funded tax benefit, without a “spillover” residual effect on county revenues and services.

From MACo testimony:

Internships supplement classroom experience by providing students exposure to real-world problems, increasing their marketability to employers, offering opportunities for advancement within organizations, and other professional growth opportunities. Employers benefit from the well qualified pool of potential employees the internships create.

Follow MACo’s advocacy efforts during the 2017 legislative session here.