HARRISBURG – To further support the men and women who served our country, the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee unanimously passed legislation today sponsored by Sen. Camera Bartolotta (R-46) that would create a logo promoting Pennsylvania’s veteran-owned businesses.
Senate Bill 438 would authorize the creation of special logos to promote veteran-owned businesses. To be eligible, a business must be registered with the Department of State and at least 51% of the ownership interest must be held by a veteran, reservist or member of the National Guard.
Half of registration and renewal fees would be used to cover the program’s administrative costs with the other half benefitting the Veterans’ Trust Fund, which issues grants to statewide charitable organizations assisting veterans and organizations that help veterans.
“It is not easy to transition from serving our great country to civilian life. The men and women who wish to run their own business while navigating life after military service are inspiring and deserve our support,” Bartolotta said. “In addition to supporting our veterans, this program would also support the creation of new jobs and business opportunities.”
To discourage the logo from being used fraudulently, the bill would also ensure that an individual who falsely claims to be a veteran for the purpose of obtaining this designation would face criminal penalties.
The bill now moves to the full Senate for consideration.
Watch Bartolotta’s remarks about Senate Bill 438 here.
CONTACT: Katrina Hanna, 717-787-1463