Connecticut Senate Bill SB00472

Connecticut 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/12/10
• Refer: 3/12/10

Caption

An Act Concerning State Agency Permissive In-state Contracting Preferences And A Pilot Program For Janitorial Employees.

Impact

The bill modifies existing regulations regarding state procurement by establishing preferential treatment for local bidders. This means that out-of-state contractors might face heightened competition from local businesses that can effectively lower their bids by factoring in potential tax deductions. Advocates for the bill emphasize the importance of supporting local economies and creating job opportunities for vulnerable populations, thus potentially influencing the dynamics of state contracts away from a purely cost-driven model. However, there are concerns that these preferences could limit opportunities for competent contractors not based in Connecticut.

Summary

SB00472, also known as 'An Act Concerning State Agency Permissive In-state Contracting Preferences and A Pilot Program For Janitorial Employees,' is designed to create in-state contracting preferences for state agencies. The bill allows contractors to adjust their bids by deducting estimated state income taxes based on the projected salaries of employees assigned to the project. This adjustment is aimed at making state contracts more competitive for in-state bidders, which proponents argue will stimulate local economic growth and job creation. Additionally, it seeks to expand employment opportunities for persons with disabilities and disadvantages through a designated pilot program for janitorial services.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB00472 include debates over fairness in the bidding process and the potential for unintended consequences in contractor selection. Opponents argue that while supporting local businesses is commendable, these preferences might result in a reduction in the quality of services if out-of-state competition is unfairly limited. Furthermore, there are questions about how effectively the proposed pilot program can achieve its goal of providing quality employment for individuals with disabilities, particularly regarding oversight and the operational capacity of potential contractor partners.