The Senate has passed legislation that would give tax breaks to nonprofit and other employers that hire unemployed workers.

The legislation, which was earlier approved by the House of Representatives, now goes to the president for his signature.

The measure, included in a jobs bill, would exempt employers from paying Social Security taxes in 2010 for employees hired this year.

The Alliance for Children and Families has estimated the Social Security savings could help nonprofit groups create up to 18,000 jobs.