Israel Stands With Lavine To Promote New Legislation

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Israel Stands With Lavine To Promote New Legislation

Friday, 13 April 2012 00:00

Israel points out that a veteran-owned business policy exists on the federal level and should apply on state level

On Thursday, April 5, New York State Assemblyman Charles Lavine announced new legislation he is introducing in the state assembly to require 3 percent of all state contracts be procured to veteran-owned businesses and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses. While a similar policy has existed on the federal level for more than 10 years and since 2004 for service disabled veterans, New York State does not have this requirement in place while other states do. The assemblyman was prompted to author this legislation after discussing the issue with Rep. Steve Israel, who has promoted tax credits for hiring veterans and incentives for veteran-owned businesses.

Congressman Steve Israel supported Assemblyman Charles Lavine on Thursday, April 5 when Lavine announced new legislation intended to support small business owners who have served in the military. “Protecting those who have so courageously protected us must be our utmost responsibility,” said Lavine. “Supporting this bill will not only promote economic prosperity for those who have defended our nation after their service, but it is also the right thing to do.”

“Our veterans valiantly served our country and many come home with the hopes of starting a small business. We should be supporting their goals and help these “vetrepreneurs” succeed,” said Israel. “I’m proud to support a dedicated percentage of federal contracting opportunities for veteran-owned businesses, and I’m now asking New York State to follow suit. I commend Assemblyman Lavine for leading the charge in the assembly.”

Lavine’s new legislation will require that 3 percent of all state contracts be procured to veteran-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses. These businesses are classified as such if they are 51 percent owned by a veteran and have annual gross sales of less than $75 million. Similar legislation was introduced in the state senate by Sens. David Carlucci, Suzi Oppenheimer, Kevin S. Parker and Andrea Stewart-Cousins.

Currently, federal law requires that 3 percent of the federal government’s procurement budget be directed to veteran-owned businesses. According to the National Veteran-Owned Business Association, this translates into a $15 billion economic opportunity for the nation’s service members. On the federal level, Executive Order 13360, which was signed in 2004, expanded opportunities for service-disabled veteran businesses in federal contracting and subcontracting.

News

Syosset's BDG Bids For Nassau Coliseum

Thursday, 23 May 2013 00:00

Syosset’s Blumenfeld Development Group (BDG), headed by Ed Blumenfeld, has proposed a $200 million design to demolish Nassau Coliseum and build a new arena and state-of-the-art exhibition center for the 21st century.

“The existing facility cannot be effectively retrofitted,” said Brad Blumenfeld, BDG Vice President, adding “Our team is committed to building a new, preeminent facility—other proposals only call for renovations to the existing arena.”

Tensions Spark At School Board Meeting

Thursday, 23 May 2013 00:00

During a Syosset school board meeting last week, tension arose between Superintendent of Schools Carole Hankin, Trustee Joshua Lafazan, and Fred Gang, a resident speaker on transparency and accusations made against the district.

During public comment, Gang expressed disapproval of the district’s proposed budget for 2013-14, and inquired about reports of the district’s use of software to target various community members with the objective of increasing voter turnouts — which is illegal under New York State election law as Gang pointed out.

Sports

Syosset Lacrosse Defeats MacArthur

Thursday, 23 May 2013 00:00

In the last of three quarter-final games at Hofstra University’s Shuart Stadium on Wednesday evening last week, the Syosset Braves boys’ lacrosse was victorious over the MacArthur Generals in a hard fought 5-4 victory that went into triple-overtime.

With both teams playing their hearts out for possession of the ball, it was Syosset freshman Mac Okeefe who found the hole necessary in MacArthur’s tight defense, and delivered the win for his team.

USTA Honors Syosset and Woodbury Tennis Players

Thursday, 23 May 2013 00:00

The U.S. Tennis Association’s Long Island Region recognized several area residents, including New York State’s top male and female high school singles players, for their tennis playing or volunteer achievements.

Syosset’s Josh Levine was a New York State and Nassau County Boys’ Singles Champ at Cold Spring Harbor High School. This was Levine’s second consecutive year winning the New York State championship. Peggy Gluck and Nadine Netter won the Women’s 60s Doubles Eastern, and Flo Levine was the Adult Volunteer of the Year.