Bill would give some vets preference for contracts
A proposal would give businesses owned by disabled veterans some preference in bidding for state contracts.
The bill, authored by Rep. Jerry Newton, DFL-Coon Rapids, would give such businesses a preference of as much as 6 percent in the amount bid for state and certain metropolitan agency contracts.
That means those businesses could bid up to 6 percent higher and still be considered the low bidder.
Supporters say they want to reward disabled veterans and compensate them for their losses, but those contracting policies can also provide long-term benefits to the state.
The bill was referred to the Finance Committee Wednesday. A similar bill, authored by Republican Rep. Dan Severson, of Sauk Rapids, would extend such preferences to all veteran-owned businesses.
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Information from: Finance and Commerce, http://www.finance-commerce.com
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