In an effort to make it easier for small businesses to hire more veterans, U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) voted in support of the Hire More Heroes Act.

Luetkemeyer cast his first vote in the 114^th Congress in support of the Hire More Heroes Act which would incentivize small businesses to hire veterans by exempting veterans who already receive health insurance through the Department of Veterans Affairs or reservists covered under TRICARE from being counted towards the number of employees required by the employer mandate under the Affordable Care Act. The employer mandate is a requirement that all businesses with more than 50 full-time employees provide health insurance to their employees or pay a fee.

“I am pleased the first vote in the 114^th Congress was aimed at helping our nation’s veterans and small businesses. This legislation is not only a jobs bill that encourages the hiring of veterans but also ensures businesses are able to expand and grow without being penalized under the health-care law,” Luetkemeyer said. “It is my hope the Senate will bring this bipartisan legislation to the floor for a vote immediately so we can get our nation’s veterans back to work.”