ENROLLED Page 1 of 2 Regular Session, 2012 HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 72 BY REPRESENTATIVE HENRY BURNS A RESOLUTION To urge and request the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs to study the necessity and feasibility of establishing a Veterans Business Enterprise Program. WHEREAS, veterans of the United States Armed Forces have served the state of Louisiana and the United States, often at great risk, to preserve the American dream of freedom and prosperity; and WHEREAS, more than three million men and women who have defended our nation's freedoms by serving in America's armed forces have made the choice to start their own small businesses after their military service; and WHEREAS, a Veterans Business Enterprise Program that will promote meaningful business opportunities, build productive partnerships, and create successful integration of veteran-owned businesses within the business infrastructure of state and local governments will be a tremendous benefit to the state of Louisiana; and WHEREAS, employment opportunities continue to be limited as a consequence of the economic downturn, and therefore, it is incumbent upon the state to dedicate the necessary resources to expand the number of veteran-owned businesses actively participating in state purchasing and procurement processes; and WHEREAS, given the magnitude of the state's procurement and public contracting activity, state government is uniquely situated to create an environment where veteran- owned businesses have an opportunity to thrive and ultimately enhance the stability of Louisiana's economy. ENROLLEDHR NO. 72 Page 2 of 2 THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby urge and request the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs to study the necessity and feasibility of establishing a Veterans Business Enterprise Program. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the secretary of the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs. SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATI VES