10th District Lawmakers: ‘Veteran Owned Businesses Deserve Better’

The 10th District Legislators are demanding action regarding the failures of New Jersey to award veteran owned businesses state contracts. Senator Jim Holzapfel and Assemblymen Greg McGuckin and John Catalano believe major changes must be made to ensure the State addresses this inadequacy and owns up to the mandates which are required by law.

“Veteran owned businesses are not looking for government handouts, they are looking for opportunities for growth,” said Senator Holzapfel. “We recognize the many sacrifices our veterans have made and it’s only fair that they are rewarded once their service to our country is complete. Governor Murphy needs to take immediate action for this glaring failure to our veteran owned businesses.”

The report released by the Garden State Initiative and New Jersey State Veterans Chamber of Commerce found 97% percent of state agencies that have procurement power are not enforcing a 2015 law that requires 3% of their budgets be set aside for contracts with businesses owned by disabled veterans. No state agency is following the legal reporting requirements.

“It’s absolutely shameful that under the Governor’s watch, our veterans have been cut out of receiving government contracts they lawfully deserve,” continued Assemblyman McGuckin. “I support Assemblyman Bergen’s recommendation of creating a joint legislative subcommittee to ensure a stronger commitment be made to the growth and economic fairness of our veteran business owners.”

According to the report, New Jersey is ranked 49th nationwide in supporting veteran owned businesses.

“The procurement process has been riddled with obstacles for our veteran business owners and it’s the duty of the Governor and his administration to clear the pathway and award more government contracts,” added Assemblyman Catalano. “We have an obligation to acknowledge the contributions of veterans and advocate for their growth and prosperity.”