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House of Representatives
Session of 2015 - 2016 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	September 2, 2015 03:13 PM
From:	Representative Ryan E. Mackenzie
To:	All House members
Subject:	Pennsylvania Start Ups for Soldiers (Business Fee Waiver for Veterans)

I am preparing to introduce legislation that would amend the Title 51 (Military Affairs) to provide a fee waiver for veteran and service-disabled veteran owned businesses, to be known as Pennsylvania Start Ups for Soldiers. Veterans experience a higher rate of unemployment than the general population. As of June 2015, the Department of Labor and Industry reported the unemployment rate for veterans to be 6.8 percent. (This is over 25 percent higher than the unemployment rate of the entire Pennsylvania population. The unemployment rate for all individuals was 5.4 percent in the same month.) These service men and women have learned great skills and leadership in the military, which would help them start and grow their own business. My legislation could provide additional assistance to them as they transition to the private sector and use their knowledge and skills from the military. My legislation will also give our veterans an extra incentive and encouragement to start their own business here in Pennsylvania. By waiving the fees associated with starting a business, we are doing a small thing to help our soldiers pursue great new ideas, launch new and innovative companies, and create jobs for themselves and other Pennsylvanians. Missouri passed a similar law in 2014 and beginning in August 2014 the fees have been waived for the veterans that are starting businesses in that state. I believe this legislation will make it easier for our veterans to start their own businesses here in Pennsylvania. I hope you can join me in co-sponsoring this legislation.

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