Connors, Rumpf & Gove

November 15, 2010   

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

The Assembly Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee today released legislation (A-3308) 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.

The 9th District Legislators released the following statement regarding the Committee’s advancement of their veteran initiative:

“With all that they have given to our country, it would be appropriate for our state to ensure that veteran-owned businesses are offered the first opportunity to secure a certain percentage of State government contracts.

“Provisions contained within our legislation ensure that only qualified businesses are awarded contracts under the set-aside program so as to protect the interests of taxpayers. That said, we are confident in the ability of companies managed by veterans, given the unprecedented challenges that these individuals are required to face and surmount during their military service.

“The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs continues to do a tremendous job in assisting veterans to locate employment opportunities. However, in these extremely difficult economic times even greater initiatives must be undertaken by the state for our veterans.

“It is clear that the recession has closed many opportunities that would have once been available to returning veterans. Through no fault of their own, these individuals are now at a disadvantage in an increasingly competitive and bleak job market. Every effort should be made to reverse this unfortunate trend by extending to those who have served our country, the opportunity of employment through government contracts. We are therefore grateful to the Committee for advancing this legislation and for its continuing dedication to our state’s veterans.”

Members of the 9th District Delegation serve on each Houses’ Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committees. The Committees’ respective Chairmen, Senator James Beach and Assemblyman Jack Conners, have joined as prime sponsors on the Delegation’s veterans-centered initiative.

The Assembly Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee today released legislation (A-3308) 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 [...]