HARRISBURG – Veterans, reservists and members of the National Guard who own their own business could have a valuable new marketing tool under a bill approved by the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee this week.
Senate Bill 455, sponsored by Senator Camera Bartolotta (R-46), would authorize the creation of special logos to promote veteran-owned businesses. The proposal mirrors a successful program currently being utilized in the state of Wisconsin.
Bartolotta said the bill would help create new opportunities for members of Pennsylvania communities to support the brave men and women who have served in the military at a time when that support is desperately needed.
“There is an eagerness in our communities to support the businesses our heroes create when they return to civilian life,” Bartolotta said. “Nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit of our veterans and servicemembers not only shows our thanks, but also helps the economy by supporting new jobs and business opportunities at a time when they are needed most.”
The bill also includes protections against using the logo fraudulently to ensure that an individual who falsely holds him or herself out to be a veteran for the purpose of obtaining this designation would be held accountable.
The bill was sent to the full Senate for consideration.
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