Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa) announced legislation
she sponsored to increase business opportunities for disabled veterans passed
the Assembly. The Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Act (A.9135) sets a 6
percent participation goal in the awarding of state contracts to
service-disabled veteran-owned businesses.
“Over a decade of
active military operations has focused attention on the need to support our
veterans after they have completed their service to our country,” Assemblywoman
Russell said. “The state is a large customer, and this legislation says let’s choose
to do business with the brave men and women who have sacrificed for our
country.”
The
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Act will establish the Division of
Service-Disabled Veterans’ Business Development within the Office of General
Services (OGS). OGS would coordinate
training of procurement personnel with an emphasis on increased responsiveness
to the needs of service-disabled veteran-owned businesses. The Office would
also provide advice, technical assistance and promote service-disabled veterans’
owned businesses understanding of state procurement procedures to increase
participation.
There are more
than 900,000 veterans in New York State and over 19,000 reside in Jefferson and
St. Lawrence counties.[1] In addition, New York has the fourth highest
number of veteran owned small businesses in the country.
“The North
Country is privileged to have a large population of veterans and as their
representative, it is my responsibility to ensure we honor their sacrifice by supporting
them in their civilian lives,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “This legislation
recognizes that our veterans are a tremendous resource and possess a wealth of
skills and values that make them ideal partners in conducting the business of
state government.”
For a small business
to qualify, it must be at least 51 percent owned by a service-disabled veteran
who controls the day-to-day
operations. Eligible veterans must have at least a 10% compensation rating and
have received an honorable or general discharge.
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