Senator Ken LaValle: “NY Jobs for Heroes” Plan To Assist Disabled-Veteran Owned Companies Is Now Law

May 21, 2014 – Senator Kenneth LaValle announced that the “NY Jobs For Heroes” legislation he co-sponsored has become law.  The new measure establishes a precedent-setting 6% set-aside in State contracts for disabled-veteran owned companies.

Senator LaValle said, “We have worked long and hard and with the support of many individuals and groups, “NY Jobs For Heroes” is now reality in New York.  Veterans comprise a large segment of the unemployed, and this measure will assist the service-connected disabled veterans who sacrificed so greatly for us. Disabled veterans deserve to have the state provide them with a little assistance after all that they have given for our country.”

New York State will now set a goal of 6% of state contracts to be awarded to service-connected disabled veterans.  This establishes New York as the leader in the nation with this precedent-setting program.  As comparison, the federal government goal is only 3 percent.   

Senator LaValle had posted a petition of support on his NY Senate web page to help illustrate support for the measure.  Senator LaValle said, “It was important that other legislators understood the depth of support for this important program.  I’m grateful so many individuals added their names to the petition.  It was extremely helpful in gaining momentum.”

The NY legislation creates the Division of Service Disabled Veterans’ Business Development within the Office of General Services, which will oversee the program and certify eligible businesses.   

Information about the program can be found at veterans.ny.gov/business including a contact form that businesses can use to begin the certification process and a list of frequently asked questions. Businesses can also contact OGS directly by calling 844-579-7570 or sending an email to veteransdevelopment@ogs.ny.gov.