Bill to help veterans' companies get state contracts

Missouri Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder signed a bill into law Tuesday morning in Cape Girardeau that will benefit certain service-disabled veteran business owners.

It was the second signing of the bill. The official signing occurred June 13, when Kinder signed the bill at the American Legion Kenady-Hanks Post in Dexter, Mo., as acting governor while Gov. Matt Blunt was out of the state. The ceremonial signing Tuesday was held because of Kinder's Cape Girardeau roots.

Sponsored by state Rep. Billy Pat Wright, R-Dexter, House Bill 1313 gives preference when awarding contracts to select disabled veterans who conduct business as Missouri companies. The quality of the company's work must be equal to or better than other companies and the quoted price must be the same or less.

The bill establishes a goal for Missouri government of awarding at least 3 percent of all its contracts to disabled veterans, as long as all requirements of HB 1313 are satisfied.

Bud Hager of Cape Girardeau was one of a handful of veterans in attendance for the bill signing. Hager said the bill will create a level playing field for veterans who own businesses.

"Anything the state can do to help the veterans who have been hurt in war should be followed through," said Hager, who fought in the Battle of the Bulge during World War II. "I know it has taken some time to work the details out, but we have been patient enough because we realized the importance of having a bill like this signed into law."

A sixth-generation resident of Cape Girardeau, Kinder signed the bill at VFW Post 3838 at 1049 N. Kingshighway. The structure holds countless fond memories for Kinder, whose father was a World War II veteran.

"This is home," Kinder said. "I've spoken at ceremonies in this building and had the honor to know so many veterans who still call this post home."

bblackwell@semissourian.com

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