Fairness to Veterans’ empowers veteran-owned businesses in rebuilding nation’s infrastructure
WASHINGTON, D.C. – April 8, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — Alaskan Congressman Don Young and Representatives Mike Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Cheri Bustos (D-IL) have teamed up to introduce bipartisan legislation to ensure veterans play a critical role in rebuilding America’s infrastructure. H.R. 1694, the Fairness to Veterans for Infrastructure Investment Act, levels the playing field in federal contracting for veteran-owned businesses by providing veterans access to existing preferences authorized for transportation projects.
“As our men and women in uniform return home from combat and begin transitioning into their civilian lives, it’s important to ensure they have every opportunity to succeed,” said Congressman Don Young, former Chairman and senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. “There’s no question that America’s veterans, who have sacrificed so much for the greater good, are able and ready to put their battle tested skills towards improving our nation’s roads, highways, and critical infrastructure projects. As a veteran and the Congressman for the state with the largest veteran population per capita, I am proud to introduce the Fairness to Veterans for Infrastructure Investment Act.”
“With more than 75% of current veteran business owners over the age 55, it is critical we empower the next generation of veteran-owned businesses to get to work upgrading our nation’s roads, rails and bridges,” said Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick, a member of the Veterans Jobs Caucus. “Our veterans are the most highly skilled workforce in America’s history – the product of rigorous training, an iron-clad commitment to teamwork and the remarkable ability to succeed where others might fail. We need Fairness to Veterans so we are leveraging the unique strengths of veteran entrepreneurs to address the challenges at home.”
“Rebuilding our nation’s transportation infrastructure is essential to growing our economy and creating jobs,” said Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. “The veterans who served us so honorably deserve our full support and that starts with making sure they have good-paying jobs here at home. Not only will this bipartisan effort help get veterans back to work, but it will also help rebuild our crumbling roads, bridges, tunnels, and rail lines.”
Federal agencies, including the Department of Transportation, have special ‘set-asides’ for contracts going to small businesses owned and controlled by particular groups of people who have been designated for contracting preferences. States that receive federal dollars for highway infrastructure repairs have to set aside 10 percent for preferred groups of small businesses through the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) – however Veteran Owned Small Businesses (VOSBs) are currently not included within this program. The Fairness to Veterans for Infrastructure Investment Act fixes this discrepancy and ensures veteran small businesses are put on the same playing field as everyone else.
Nearly 2.5 million veterans own and operate small businesses in the U.S. – including over 380,000 construction firms – and sustain over 8 million American jobs. Of the 250,000 service members currently transitioning from military to civilian life, surveys show one in four are considering starting or buying a business.
The Fairness to Veterans for Infrastructure Investment Act is endorsed by the American Legion as a key piece to increase access to jobs for veterans.
“It is a misconception that Department of Transportation’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program only excludes veteran owned road and infrastructure construction firms. There are in fact a variety of industries involved, so this is an issue that affects all veteran owned small businesses,” said Joe Sharpe, Director of the American Legion’s National Veterans’ Employment and Education Division. “The American Legion has worked with Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick and other leaders to ensure that veterans are not disadvantaged by other government procurement program established by law. The Fairness to Veterans for Infrastructure Investment Act is a simple and effective approach that levels the playing field for our veteran small business owners.“
