Veteran-owned businesses would get support from bi-partisan legislation

Written by Victoria Scialfa on September 28, 2021

Veteran-owned businesses would get support from bi-partisan legislation

By Hayden Mitman

September 28, 2021

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf speaking with the press. Governor Tom Wolf today applauded proposed legislation that will statutorily establish policies and programs to ensure that small, diverse and veteran-owned businesses continue to receive the support and opportunities they deserve in state contracting. Harrisburg, PA – September 27, 2021. Photo | Courtesy of PA Cast

HARRISBURG, Pa. – Gov. Tom Wolf joined a bi-partisan group of elected officials Monday to announce proposed legislation intended to help keep small, diverse and veteran-owned businesses competitive.

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Wolf said the goal of the proposal, Senate Bill 900, is to provide small businesses and those owned by members of minority communities and veterans, with opportunities to get state contracts.

“The free market does not work optimally if some people are shut out of that market. That’s just a fact,” he said.

This legislation was co-sponsored by Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Vincent Hughes (D-Montgomery/Philadelphia) and State Senator Camera Bartolotta (R-Beaver/Greene/Washington).

Wolf applauded the bi-partisan nature of the legislation.

“I know when folks talk about bi-partisanship, it’s something that’s sort of almost a throw away line. But this really is. We are trying to make the free market work the way it’s supposed to work,” he said.

The bill would create a program to ensure these types of businesses have opportunities to get state contracts for professional design, construction and other services.

The legislation is not yet scheduled for consideration, but State Senator Bartolotta said it’s ‘a priority to get done.’

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