SENATE MILITARY AND VETERANS' AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 3264

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  OCTOBER 21, 2024

      The Senate Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Senate Bill No. 3264.

      As amended by the committee, this bill supplements the Fiscal Year 2025 Appropriations Act.  The bill appropriates $500,000 to the Department of Community Affairs for the New Jersey State Veterans Chamber of Commerce.

      The New Jersey State Veterans Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization that is focused on improving the economic environment for veterans and military spouses.  Membership is open to all veteran-owned businesses with a mission focused on education, veteran business advocacy, networking, as well as procurement and supplier diversity events.  Their goal is to make New Jersey’s economy fairer to veteran-owned and service-connected disabled veteran-owned businesses and facilitate veteran job creation.

      The New Jersey Veterans Chamber of Commerce is reliant on State funds for operational and programmatic costs.  Through the provision of these funds, the New Jersey State Veterans Chamber of Commerce will be able to carry out imperative programs to New Jersey veterans, such as supporting veteran economic development, as well as outreach and skills development.  These programs improve the quality of life for veterans statewide, whilst also allowing them to participate in the State’s economy.

      In FY 2023, the State funded the New Jersey State Veterans Chamber of Commerce through a $500,000 appropriation. 

      This supplemental appropriation will continue the State’s support of veterans, veteran-owned businesses, and their role in the Statewide economy.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS:

      The committee amended the bill to apply the supplemental appropriation to the annual appropriations act of the current fiscal year.