Turner Pushes To Help Veteran-Owned Businesses Encourages NY State Legislature To Pass Veteran-Owned Business Bills

New York – Congressman Bob Turner (NY-09) sent letters to Senator John Defrancisco, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, and New York State Senate Finance Committee ranking member, Liz Krueger, urging them to pass S6819, The Veteran Owned Business Enterprise Act and S6818, The Service Connected Disabled Veteran Owned Business Enterprise Act, both of which were introduced by Senator Marty Golden (R,C,I - Brooklyn) on Monday, March 26th, in Albany.

“These bills are exactly the types of legislation our veterans deserve from us. As a member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, a veteran, and a former business owner myself, I can tell you just how important it can be to have guidance and training, as well as access to contracts and capital,” Turner said. “I commend Senator Golden for introducing the Senate versions of the bills and for working to support our veterans.”

Senator Golden, a member of the New York State Senate's Homeland Security Veterans and Military Affairs Committee stated, "I thank Congressman Bob Turner for his support of this legislation that will help our veterans get even more of a chance to succeed in business. We must assist our American heroes who wish to start careers as entrepreneurs here in New York State."

The bills will extend state benefits now offered to minority and women-owned business enterprises to honorably discharged and disabled veterans.

“Our veterans spent years giving to our country and are now returning to a stagnant economy. These are some of the most skilled and highly-trained people in America. It is in our best interest to encourage and assist them in putting those skills to good use by starting their own businesses,” the Congressman said. “It’s a win-win. Our veterans are provided with the tools they need to start their own business and our economy gets a needed boost from job creation.”

If these laws are passed, qualifying veterans would receive assistance with certifying their businesses and applying for state contracts as well as guidance on how to develop and promote their new venture.

“If passed, these bills would provide all of these benefits to some of the most deserving candidates there are - our American heroes,” Turner said.

Congressman Turner has been a staunch supporter of veterans’ initiatives and small business development since taking office. He has supported numerous pieces of legislation in favor of both. He has also coordinated small business roundtables within the 9th congressional district and assisted with veterans’ hiring and job training events throughout New York City.

Congressman Bob Turner represents New York’s 9th Congressional district and serves on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, and House Committee on Homeland Security.