Senate Passes Bartolotta’s Bill Promoting Veteran-Owned Businesses

HARRISBURG - With bipartisan support, the Senate today passed legislation sponsored by Sen. Camera Bartolotta (R-46) to support veterans' entrepreneurial efforts by creating a logo that highlights Pennsylvania's veteran-owned businesses.

Senate Bill 64 would authorize the creation of a special logo to promote veteran-owned businesses. To be eligible, a business must be registered with the Department of State and at least 51% of the ownership interest must be held by a veteran, reservist or member of the National Guard.

"As a former small-business owner, I know firsthand that starting and sustaining a business is anything but simple. I was fortunate to face those hurdles without also carrying the weight of post-traumatic stress or the challenge of transitioning back to civilian life after military service. Our veterans do both," Bartolotta said. "We owe it to them to provide every possible opportunity for success."

To discourage the logo from being used fraudulently, anyone who falsely claims to be a veteran to obtain this designation would face a misdemeanor of the third degree.

The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.

CONTACT: Brian Tirpak, 724-225-4380