Frankfort, Ky. – Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes today unveiled House Bill 367, legislation that will help veterans start and grow businesses in Kentucky. She appeared before the House Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Safety to discuss the measure.
“As Secretary of State, I have worked hard to recognize the service and sacrifice of our veterans,” said Grimes. “More than 330,000 Kentucky men and woman have fought for us, and I’ve been committed to fighting for them. The ‘Boots to Business’ initiative is a way to honor their service and help veterans begin writing a new chapter in their lives.”
House Bill 367, sponsored by Reps. Jody Richards would waive initial registration fees for new veteran-owned entities and waive annual report filing fees for the first four years those businesses operate.
“When the Secretary came to me with the idea for this legislation, I immediately agreed to shepherd it through the House,” said Richards. “We owe a great debt to our veterans, and this is the perfect opportunity for the Commonwealth can say, ‘Thank you.’”
Retired Army Capt. Josh Kinsel owns K&S Customz, a motorcycle engine repair business, in Louisville. He joined Grimes in presenting before the committee and praised her for advocating for the legislation.
“As a veteran, it feels good to know that someone is there supporting us. Support for the military – active-duty or veterans – is not what it used to be,” said Kinsel. “Having Sec. Grimes present a bill like this helps not only with the monetary value, but with emotional value. I think I can speak for the majority of veterans that the thing that makes us happy is the fact that Sec. Grimes is continuing to help veterans.”
Brig. Gen. Benjamin Adams, chief of the joint staff of the Kentucky National Guard, said the bill is pro-veteran and would help service members better transition into society, especially for those leaving the military.
“With nearly 8,000 Soldiers and Airmen in the Kentucky Guard, we appreciate any assistance our Service Members receive to provide them and their families a better future,” said Adams. “Sec. Grimes’ legislation is the kind which makes that job easier. We are appreciative of her support of our guardsmen and women and our veterans.”
House Bill 367 also includes several provisions to update laws governing nonprofits and notaries. Nonprofit and notary taskforces convened by Grimes suggested the updates.
The legislation won the approval of the Veterans committee and will now be considered by the full House.
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