Wait Passes Veteran Benefit Bill

May 2, 2007

Belvidere, IL…State Representative Ron Wait (R-Belvidere) negotiated the passage of a veterans assistance bill, HB1234, on Wednesday.  The legislation, aimed at employing more veteran-owned businesses in executing state contracts, passed the House of Representatives unanimously and was co-sponsored by a bipartisan group of representatives.

“In return for their service to our state and our country, the least we can do is give veteran-owned businesses a bit of an edge when competing for state contracts,” Wait said.

Wait’s legislation directs state agencies to establish a goal of at least 12% of the total dollar amount of State contracts under their control to be awarded to veteran-owned businesses.  Wait introduced the bill as part of the House Republican Veterans Package.  The overall package, consisting of several other pieces of legislation, was generated at the conclusion of the House Republicans Veterans Affairs Taskforce hearings held last year throughout the state.

“In Illinois we rightfully provide hiring preferences for veterans applying for employment with the state.  It makes good sense to take that idea one step further and support our veterans in the private sector seeking to do business with Illinois,” Wait said.

The legislation now advances to the Senate for consideration.