Vella Bill to Ensure Additional Veteran-Owned Small Business Support

ROCKFORD, Ill. – As part of his efforts to provide resources to veterans, state Rep. Dave Vella, D-Rockford, is sponsoring legislation directing the Department of Central Management Services (CMS) to provide additional opportunities to veterans looking to start their own small businesses.

“It is incumbent on us to give back to veterans for all of their hard work and sacrifices they have made to keep us safe,” said Vella. “Not only does assisting veterans in starting their own business help them, it is also an economic boon to the communities which the small business serves.”

Vella is the chief House sponsor of Senate Bill 687, which would direct CMS to increase recruitment and certification of veteran-owned businesses while also easing regulatory burdens on the businesses. In addition, the bill requires CMS to annually file a report on their efforts to recruit and certify more veteran-owned businesses.

Vella has worked to support veterans and small businesses since entering the General Assembly earlier this year. He introduced a bill that would waive county and municipal license fees for new businesses started by honorably discharged veterans. Vella also introduced legislation providing relief to small businesses by creating state and local tax credits for small businesses that create jobs in Illinois.

“As a small business owner, I know how much of a help it will be for veterans to receive assistance in navigating the bureaucracy that comes with starting a small business,” said Vella. “It is important that we do everything we can to assist our veterans, and I will continue to work in Springfield to support them.”