Gov. Cuomo seeks contracting program for service disabled veterans
Published on 02/03/2014
In early January, Gov. Cuomo announced in his State of the State Address a plan to channel 5 percent of the state's contracting dollars to disabled veterans.
"Disabled veterans showed us their loyalty; we must show them our loyalty," said the governor. "We will host a summit this spring to find ways to make this goal a reality."
Veterans groups applauded the announcement.
"New York State is home to tens of thousands of highly qualified post-9/11 veterans who will benefit from Governor Cuomo's new initiatives on behalf of the new greatest generation," said Paul Rieckhoff, Founder and CEO of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, who is a New York Army National Guard Iraq Veteran and a 9/11 first responder.
The proposal already has support from New York's Republican legislators. A pre-existing bill sponsored by state Sen. Greg Ball, R-Patterson, aims to award 3 percent of state contracts to service-disabled veteran-owned businesses and has received endorsements from a number of senators.
"Governor Cuomo said it's time to show respect to the disabled veterans that have been so loyal to us and our country. I wholeheartedly agree, which is why I supported Senator Ball's legislation," said Senator Joseph A. Griffo, R-Rome. We don't need a study to figure out if this is the right thing to do. We know it's the right thing to do. The time to take action is now."
