Fresh call for state to recognize veteran-owned firms

Long Island engineer Ted Bier was among dozens of veterans who rallied last week to make a fresh call for New York State to pass legislation that would give veteran-owned businesses a share of state work.
The event, organized by U.S. Congressman Steve Israel, aimed to urge legislators to follow the lead of 23 other US states which provide a veterans’ set-aside at least equal to that provided for woman-owned and minority-owned businesses.
New York State Senator Jack M. Martins has introduced a bill that would set aside three percent of all contracts from state contracting agencies to veteran-owned businesses.
A veteran-owned business is described an a business enterprise that is at least 51 percent owned by a veteran who is a resident of New York State and has served on active duty in the United States Armed Forces.
“Many States, as well as the Federal Government recognize the service given to the nation by members of the Armed Forces,” said Bier.
“As a lifelong New York resident, except for three years active duty service as an Army Officer, it has been disappointing to see New York ignore veterans requests to simply be given the same preferences granted to women and minority-owned businesses,” said Bier.
“As a Veterans Administration certified Vietnam-era veteran-owned company, our organization, TMBA, has lost work and suffered financial loss on New York State projects, because of New York’s failure to grant us equal status. We applaud Senator Martins’ efforts in behalf of all veterans and urge the New York State Senate to support his efforts.”
Bier noted that letters to Governor Cuomo and several of his predecessors had not resulted in any action on the issue.
The rally attracted several concerned elected officials and veterans advocates, including Nick Auletta, vice president of Summit Security Services, Inc., also a Long Island veteran, and local veterans Greg Savino, Bob Froiseth and Marcus Richards, William Laderer, Commander of the Glen Head American Legion, Post 336; William Walden, Commander of the Hicksville VFW, Post 3211; and Philip Como, Commander of the Sea Cliff American Legion, Post 456.
Currently, there are bills pending in the New York State House and Senate calling for legislation that will help veterans by extending state benefits now offered to minority- and women-owned business enterprises to honorably discharged and disabled veterans.
If the laws are passed, qualifying veterans would receive assistance with certifying their businesses and applying fir state contracts, guidance on how to develop and promote their new business.