Hanson Highlights Effort to Support Veteran-Owned Businesses

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – With Veterans Day nearing, state Rep. Matt Hanson, D-Montgomery, is highlighting a measure he led to enable veteran and minority-owned businesses the first opportunity to purchase surplus state property before it is offered to the public at large.

“This is an opportunity to help our veteran business owners who have chosen to invest in Illinois and our communities,” Hanson said. “We appreciate all that they have done for our country, and we want to help them succeed.”

Hanson helped lead passage of Senate Bill 1935, which adds veteran and minority-owned business to the list of entities the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) must offer surplus personal property for purchase at an appraised value before sale to the public – joining local governments, school districts and charitable organizations. The measure does not apply to surplus state land.

Senate Bill 1935 received bipartisan support, passed without opposition and was later signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker in June.

“As we mark Veterans Day this year, I encourage residents who know a veteran to take a moment and thank them for their service,” Hanson said. “We are grateful for their sacrifice and commitment to our country, and it’s important that we support efforts that help them here at home.”

For more information, please contact RepHanson@gmail.com.