HLS 12RS-2256 ORIGINAL Page 1 of 2 Regular Session, 2012 HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 72 BY REPRESENTATIVE HENRY BURNS MILITARY AFFAIRS: Requests the Dept. of Veterans Affairs to study the necessity and feasibility of establishing a Veterans Business Enterprise Program A RESOLUTION1 To urge and request the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs to study the necessity and2 feasibility of establishing a Veterans Business Enterprise Program.3 WHEREAS, veterans of the United States Armed Forces have served the state of4 Louisiana and the United States, often at great risk, to preserve the American dream of5 freedom and prosperity; and 6 WHEREAS, more than three million men and women who have defended our7 nation's freedoms by serving in America's armed forces have made the choice to start their8 own small businesses after their military service; and9 WHEREAS, a Veterans Business Enterprise Program that will promote meaningful10 business opportunities, build productive partnerships, and create successful integration of11 veteran-owned businesses within the business infrastructure of state and local governments12 will be a tremendous benefit to the state of Louisiana; and13 WHEREAS, employment opportunities continue to be limited as a consequence of14 the economic downturn, and therefore, it is incumbent upon the state to dedicate the15 necessary resources to expand the number of veteran-owned businesses actively participating16 in state purchasing and procurement processes; and 17 WHEREAS, given the magnitude of the state's procurement and public contracting18 activity, state government is uniquely situated to create an environment where veteran-19 owned businesses have an opportunity to thrive and ultimately enhance the stability of20 Louisiana's economy.21 HLS 12RS-2256 ORIGINAL HR NO. 72 Page 2 of 2 THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the1 Legislature of Louisiana does hereby urge and request the Louisiana Department of2 Veterans Affairs to study the necessity and feasibility of establishing a Veterans Business3 Enterprise Program.4 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the5 secretary of the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs.6 DIGEST The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)] Henry Burns HR No. 72 Requests the La. Dept. of Veterans Affairs to study the necessity and feasibility of establishing a Veterans Business Enterprise Program in the state of La.