Connecticut Senate Bill SB00452

Connecticut 2014 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/11/14
• Refer: 3/11/14

Caption

An Act Implementing The Initial Findings Of The Disparity Study Concerning The Minority Business Set-aside Program.

Impact

The bill would directly impact the procurement strategies of state agencies, requiring them to allocate at least twenty-five percent of total contract values to minority and women's business enterprises. Furthermore, it mandates that state agencies conduct informational workshops and training sessions that focus on the support and understanding of the set-aside programs. This focus on inclusion is expected to foster greater participation from these businesses in state contracting opportunities, ultimately contributing to local economic growth by empowering smaller entities within the community.

Summary

SB00452, titled 'An Act Implementing The Initial Findings Of The Disparity Study Concerning The Minority Business Set-aside Program', seeks to enhance opportunities for minority and women's business enterprises within state contracts. The bill aims to amend existing legislation to ensure that certain percentages of state contracts are reserved exclusively for these enterprises. This is intended to address economic disparities and create a more equitable environment for businesses owned by minorities and women, which historically have been underrepresented in state contracting processes. The bill includes provisions for accountability measures and regular assessments to track compliance and effectiveness.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB00452 involve concerns regarding the feasibility of implementing these set-aside requirements without risking service quality or budget overruns. Critics argue that while the intent to support minority and women-owned businesses is commendable, mandating statutory requirements may create challenges in fulfilling project timelines and may lead to a perception of inequity among larger, established businesses. Supporters counter that the bill is essential for rectifying long-standing inequities and unlocking potential in various sectors of the economy, providing a meaningful path toward greater diversity in state contracting.