CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Keeping college graduates in West Virginia is the idea behind a bill in the hands of lawmakers.

Senate Bill 324 has undergone a few revisions but would now offer a $10,000 tax credit to college students who graduate from a West Virginia school and stick around to work.

The original bill allotted for a $25,000 tax break and a $500 tax credit for interest paid on student loans.

The tax break would be available for graduates of two- and four-year colleges and technical colleges. People returning to school to get their degree or master's, could also take advantage of it.

The Charleston Area Alliance has been behind the bill from the beginning.

"It's a competition right now for young educated professionals in this country, and we have to do something to give us a competitive edge, Charleston Area Alliance President, Matt Ballard says.

Ballard says the tax break also could be used as leverage for businesses and higher education institutions.

"They can use it for a recruitment tool and, say for the first two years you are here, you are going to give a tax write off," Ballard says.