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CHARLESTON - Senator Kent Leonhardt, R-Monongalia, today voted in favor of a bill that will make it easier for veterans to open a business in West Virginia. The bill unanimously passed the Senate, and will now be referred to the House of Delegates for consideration.
The "Boots to Business" bill - Senate Bill 316 - was proposed by Secretary of State Natalie Tennant. It will waive the registration fee for a new business started by a veteran and the annual report filing fee for the first four years - a potential savings of up to $200. The Secretary of State's Office will absorb the cost of waiving the fees and it will not cost taxpayers any additional money.
Senator Leonhardt, who serves as Chairman of the Senate Military Committee, was a sponsor of the legislation.
"With West Virginia having one of the highest rates per capita of volunteers for military service, it is only fitting the government provide a business-friendly environment to welcome our veterans home," Senator Leonhardt said.
"The military is a great training ground for future business owners," Secretary Tennant said. "They are learning leadership, discipline, confidence and organizational skills - all of which are vital to running a successful business. We want to make sure the transition from boots to business as simple as possible for them."
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, veterans are 45 percent more likely to be self-employed than people with no military experience. The SBA also says at least 2.4 million businesses in this country are owned by veterans.
The bill has been endorsed by the West Virginia Veterans Coalition.
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