Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell
(D-Theresa), member of the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, announced that an agreement has been reached on
legislation to increase economic opportunities for veterans. She was among the
lead advocates working to draft legislation that seeks to increases
participation in state contracts by service-disabled veterans. Today’s agreement
establishes a goal of awarding 6% state procurement contracts to businesses
owned by service-disabled veterans.
“Our disabled vets have made incredible
sacrifices to protect our freedom and deserve to have every opportunity to be successful,”
Assemblywoman Russell said. “This legislation demonstrates our state’s
commitment to honoring their sacrifice by proactively seeking to do business
with the brave men and woman who have given so much to us.”
The legislation would create the
Division of Service-Disabled Veterans’ Business Development within the Office
of General Services (OGS). The division would be led by a governor appointed
director, who would be required to coordinate with the OGS commissioner to
develop a statewide plan to promote the program among state agencies.
“As a representative of many
veterans and current service members in the Ft. Drum area, ensuring that we do
right by our veterans is one of my top priorities and responsibilities,”
Assemblywoman Russell said. “In this tough economy, it is even more imperative
that we help these brave men and women be successful upon completion of their
service to our country.”
The legislation calls for a public
directory of certified service-disabled veteran-owned businesses to be posted
on the OGS website, enabling the public and state agencies to compile and
circulate information to assist service-disabled veteran-owned businesses. It
would also establish annual reporting and monitoring requirements, and a review
process aimed at identifying areas of the program that require change or
improvement.
As part of her commitment to serving veterans, Assemblywoman also
helped pass the Veterans Employment Act that provides preference to veterans
applying for certain state jobs, and legislation establishing a permanent tax
credit to small businesses that hire veterans (Ch. 557 of 2013 and Ch. 59 of
2013).
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