Senator Bill Larkin Announces Passage of the “Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Act”

Today, the New York State Senate passed legislation (S6865), cosponsored by Senator Bill Larkin (R-C, Cornwall-on-Hudson), to facilitate the awarding of state contracts to disabled veterans. 

The bill will create a six percent state contract set-aside for service-connected disabled- veteran owned small businesses. The “Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Act” will ensure New York State’s service-connected disabled veterans are better able to compete for millions of dollars in state contracts. 

The set-aside is very similar to the highly successful three percent preference that the federal government offers. A three-way agreement on the bill was announced during the Governor’s Veterans and Military Families Summit held last week in Albany.

Senator Larkin said:  “The passage of this legislation is a tremendous advancement for our service-connected disabled veterans.  I applaud the Governor and the Assembly for recognizing the importance of this legislation and ensuring it becomes law.  Our veterans have sacrificed so much for our country and this legislation is one way for us to show our thanks and provide them with the assistance they need to reestablish their lives in the private sector.”

According to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, New York State is home to nearly 900,000 veterans, 600,000 of whom have served during periods of conflict. According to Governor Andrew Cuomo, there are roughly 106,000 service-connected disabled veterans in New York State. 

The bill was sent to the Assembly for their consideration.