Connors, Rumpf & Gove

December 14, 2010   

Contact: Jason Smith / (609) 693-6700
District 9

Legislation sponsored by Senator Christopher J. Connors, Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf and Assemblywoman DiAnne C. Gove of the 9th Legislative District that would establish a set-aside program whereby three percent of all State contracts would be set aside for veteran-owned businesses was approved today by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.

The 9th District Delegation issued the following statement regarding their veterans initiative (S-2314/A-3308):

“The action taken today by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee marks a significant step forward in moving this bi-partisan veteran initiative through the legislative process.

“Our Delegation developed and introduced this legislation as a means of assisting veterans with the understanding that their service may have placed them at an economic disadvantage created by the recession and extremely limited employment opportunities. There is precedence for New Jersey to implement this veteran initiative, as at least a dozen other states have instituted some form of set-aside program for veteran-owned business.

“While this legislation was developed with the struggling economy in mind, it is important to consider the long-term benefits for business entrepreneurs in our state who honorably served our country. In our opinion, these individuals’ service to our country coupled with the economic opportunities they may have missed out on in the course of their service entitles them to special consideration for State contracts.

“Based on recommendations by the New Jersey American Legion, we strengthened our legislation to require documentation proving veteran status so as to prevent any abuse of the program by ineligible business owners who would deny opportunities to qualified veteran-owned businesses.

“Our Delegation is proud to continue working to advance this legislation for our veterans as part of a bipartisan effort that includes Senator James Beach and Assemblyman Jack Conners, the respective Chairmen of the Senate and Assembly Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committees.”

Legislation sponsored by Senator Christopher J. Connors, Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf and Assemblywoman DiAnne C. Gove of the 9th Legislative District that would establish a set-aside program whereby three percent of all State contracts would be set aside for veteran-owned businesses was approved today by [...]