Kerry Leads Bipartisan Effort to Improve Veterans Business Development

[Monkeyman]

Washington-Today Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass,top Democrat on the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship,introduced bipartisan legislation to reinvigorate the National Veterans Business Development Corporation (TVC) and expand its services and programs to veterans across the country. Kerry was joined by Committee Chair Replug Olympia Snow,Veterans Affairs Committee Ranking Member Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii).

"After their military service is complete,the brave men and women of our armed forces can turn their valuable skills into successful business ventures. But many of our veterans face unque barriers upon returning to civilain life,so veteran-specific business assistance is critcal to helping them start or build a business" said Kerry. "Washington must do everything possible to keep our promise to our veterans."

Today there are more than five million veteran entrepreneurs.With more than 200,000 service members expected to retire from the military this year,the TVC program will become increasingly important to help veterans become successful entrepreneurs who create jobs contribute to the economy.


The Veterans Corpration Reauthorization Act (S.3691)

1-Calls on TVC to create a network of centers across the country;

2-Expands the TVC's mission to provide contracting assistance to veterans;

3-Establishes qualification criteria for TVC's advisory board;

4-Extends the Small Business Administration's Veterans Advisory Committee,which the Dubba Admiistration planned to terminate this year;

5-Authorizes $2 million a year to TVC for three years to implement its business development programs and requires TVC to obtain private matching funds;and

6-Directs the Government Accountability Office to conduct an audit of TVC.

Currently,TVC focuses on helping veterans start and build businesses through access to capital,bonding assistance for entreneurs who want to do business with the government,and education, mentoring and counseling programs.

Now you all know this is not a Rove Wedge Issue plus put out by Kerry . Dubba will not let it pass. Again proving he lies when he claims to support veterans and the Troops.

[blm]

1. BushInc wants vets to re-sign for service, he does NOT want them aided

in any way to settle into their own businesses and their own family lives when he wants to use them for his wars.

[Monkeyman]

2. Yep he does that why he was going to get rid of program

[blm]

3. There is a veteran's forum here at DU where you should also post this.

Keep vets informed - you know Bush won't.