Bill submitted to aid veteran-owned businesses in Nassau

By ROBERT BRODSKYrobert.brodsky@newsday.com @BrodskyRobertNovember 11, 2014

Nassau County businesses owned by active-duty servicemen and armed forces veterans could receive a leg up for government contracts under a bill proposed this week by legislative Democrats.

The measure, introduced by Legis. Laura Curran (D-Baldwin), would steer more county contracts to veteran-owned businesses, although the measure does not specify a percentage of work that must be awarded to those companies. Similar programs are in place for minority- and women-owned businesses based in Nassau.

The program will help veteran-owned companies "cut through the red tape" of government contracting and create jobs for current and former service members, Curran said. "Veterans tend to hire other veterans, which will open doors for our returning vets," she said.

Legislative Republicans hold an 11-8 advantage, and the bill needs GOP support to ensure passage. Matt Fernando, a spokesman for Presiding Officer Norma Gonsalves (R-East Meadow), said she would "review the bill and provide due diligence."

Brian Nevin, spokesman for Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano, said the "administration is supportive of numerous veteran initiatives and will review the legislation."

The Veteran Owned Business Act would require Nassau's Veterans Service Agency to create a directory of companies located in the county that are owned by current and former service members. Officials also would maintain a clearinghouse of information on services and programs that support those businesses.

The veterans agency would be required to assist veteran-owned companies in getting started in contracting, filling out applications and securing capital.

Veteran-owned businesses that bid on county contracts would receive an advantage when their proposals are evaluated by the county, Curran said.

"This is not charity," she said. "If their proposals are not up to snuff, they will not win the contract."

The county veterans agency also would have to report annually to the county legislature on its efforts to aid veterans' companies.

The national unemployment rate for veterans fell to 4.5 percent last month, the lowest level since August 2008, according to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics.