The Kentucky Career Center issued 53,398 Workforce Opportunity Tax Credits to Kentucky employers during the 2017 fiscal year, a 30 percent increase from the 41,098 issued in fiscal year 2016. The Workforce Opportunity Tax Credits program potentially saved Kentucky employers more than $205 million in federal taxes. WOTC benefits employers who hire people classified in select target areas, such as veterans, public assistance recipients, ex-felons, eligible summer youth employees, and vocational rehabilitation referrals, who face significant barriers to employment when entering or re-entering the workforce. Michelle DeJohn, Employer Customer Services branch manager, said the program was partly successful due to a new automated application process.