Assemblywoman Addie J.
Russell (D-Theresa) announced legislation she sponsored to increase business
opportunities for service-disabled veterans was signed by the governor today
(Ch. 22 of 2014). The Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Act sets a 6
percent participation goal in the awarding of state contracts to
service-disabled veteran-owned businesses.
“Our veterans have a wealth of skills that make them
ideal business partners for the state of New York,” Assemblywoman Russell said.
“This legislation is a major step forward in our mission to help create economic
opportunities for veterans who have made such monumental sacrifices on our
behalf.”
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.
“It is a privilege to represent so many veterans here in
the North Country, and with that privilege comes the responsibility of ensuring
we honor their sacrifice by supporting them in their civilian lives,”
Assemblywoman Russell said. “This unprecedented legislation supports our vets
by providing one of the most critical ingredients to a person’s well-being–gainful
employment.”
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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