In recognition of his active commitment toward veteran causes, the New Jersey State Veterans Chamber of Commerce has selected state Sen. Vin Gopal as the New Jersey Lawmaker of the Year.
Veterans chamber officials said Gopal (D-Ocean Twp.) has supported multiple bills intended to improve conditions for the state’s veteran community since he was elected in November 2017. He now serves as chair of the senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee, from where he lends further support to key areas of concern.
Of note, Gopal supports bill S1866, which proposes a 10% price preference for bids submitted by service-disabled veteran-owned businesses for state contracts. This means that, if a SDVOB bid for a state contract is within 10% of the lowest bidder, then the SDVOB would be awarded the contract.
If passed, this bill would provide a tremendous boost to the state’s disabled veteran business owners.
Oher bills supported by Gopal include extending the $250 veteran property tax deduction for veterans and their surviving spouses to cover residential units in continuing care communities. Under current law, the $250 deduction is applicable only to privately owned residential homes. He also lent his support to bill S3789, which proposes expanded veteran access to vocational education.
