Legislation recently introduced in the state Senate would create a logo for Pennsylvania’s veteran-owned businesses.
Senate Bill 64 would amend Title 51 (Military Affairs) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to authorize the creation of a special logo to promote veteran-owned businesses.
A business must be registered with the Department of State and at least 51 percent of the ownership interest must be held by a veteran, reservist or member of the National Guard. Other criteria would be created and posted on the department’s website. Anyone who falsely claims to be a veteran to obtain the designation could be charged with a misdemeanor of the third degree.
“As a former small-business owner, I know firsthand that starting and sustaining a business is anything but simple,” Sen. Camera Bartolotta (R-Greene/Washington), who sponsored the bill, said. “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. We owe it to them to provide every possible opportunity for success.”
The logo will not include any language that may be construed as an endorsement by the state government.
The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.