Munoz wants more state contracts for veteran-owned businesses

SPRINGFIELD – More veteran-owned businesses would secure state contracts under a measure sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Tony Munoz (D-Chicago).

“Setting aside contracts for veteran-owned businesses ensures that we are spending state dollars on supporting our veterans as they work to establish lives after their service to our country,” Munoz said.

Senate Bill 1680 allows chief procurement officers to set aside a fair proportion of construction, supply or service contracts for veteran-owned businesses, and was approved by the Senate Executive Committee on Wednesday.

Currently, state agencies have a goal of awarding at least 3 percent of state contracts to veteran-owned businesses.

In order to be considered a veteran-owned or disabled veteran-owned business, it must be at least 51 percent owned by one or more veterans or service disabled veterans.

The proposal heads to the full Senate for consideration.