Hartford – State Senator L. Scott Frantz (R-36) testified before the General Assembly’s Veterans’ Affairs Committee in support of Senate Bill 384, An Act Creating a Set-Aside Program for Disabled Veteran Contractors on Tuesday, Feb. 19.
“After working with Dean Chamberlain, a constituent and veteran, I introduced this bill to recognize the sacrifices that that disabled veterans have made on our behalf,” said Senator Frantz. “In previous legislative sessions, this proposal has gained significant and bipartisan support by members of this committee, and I am hoping that we can get this passed into law this year.”
The bill would establish a program requiring state and quasi-public agencies that contract for more than $10,000 in goods and services each fiscal year to set aside at least three percent of all such contracts for competitive bidding exclusively by qualified disabled veteran contractors.
“Throughout our state, veterans live, work and raise families after sacrificing their time and livelihood on behalf of our country,” continued Senator Frantz. “After returning home from the battlefield, veterans readjust to civilian life and deserve to have an opportunity to operate successful business ventures. In my judgment, we have a responsibility to recognize this sacrifice and give back to those disabled veterans who return home and seek to apply their skills to the business world.”
Senator Frantz was joined at the public hearing by constituent and veteran Dean Chamberlain who also testified in support of the proposed legislation. Mr. Chamberlain served for five years in the U.S. Army, holding various leadership positions in the U.S. 4th Infantry Division before his service was cut short due to a disabling injury suffered in the line of duty. He currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Mischler Financial Group, Inc., which is the oldest and largest FINRA member firm certified as a Service Disabled Veterans Business Enterprise (SDVBE).
