New Jersey Assembly Bill ACR156

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/22/22
• Refer: 9/22/22
• Report Pass: 1/12/23

Caption

Urges Governor, BPU, and certain Commissioners to increase female, minority, and veteran-owned small business participation in contracts awarded with certain federal funds.

Impact

The resolution explicitly calls for increased outreach, transparency, and monitoring of procurements to ensure that the participation rates of disadvantaged business enterprises align more closely with state demographics. Currently, participation rates for federally-funded transportation contracts to disadvantaged businesses are significantly below the state's potential, with a 13.23% participation rate reported for the Department of Transportation and 21.87% for New Jersey Transit. The goal is to create a more inclusive environment that allows these businesses to thrive in the competitive landscape of federal contracts.

Summary

ACR156 is a resolution that urges the Governor, Board of Public Utilities, and various state commissioners to promote the participation of female, minority, and veteran-owned small businesses in contracts funded by the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). This legislation recognizes the substantial federal investment of at least $13.5 billion in New Jersey, aimed at addressing critical infrastructure needs and enhancing economic opportunities for marginalized business communities. The bill emphasizes that equitable access to these funds is crucial for fostering broad-based economic development across the state.

Contention

While the resolution has garnered support for its equitable focus, there may still be contention surrounding the implementation of its measures. Critics may argue that merely urging state officials is insufficient, as actionable commitments and accountability measures are needed to ensure genuine participation of minority and women-owned businesses in state-funded projects. Questions may arise concerning the effectiveness of outreach and whether state departments can achieve the desired inclusivity without appropriate funding and resources dedicated to oversight.

Future_steps

Moving forward, the success of ACR156 will depend on the commitment of state leaders to adopt the proposed changes in procurement practices and to actively address the systemic barriers faced by underrepresented business owners. Additionally, continuous monitoring and reporting on participation rates will be critical in assessing the progress towards fulfilling the aspirations laid out in the resolution, thus ensuring that the benefits of the significant federal funding effectively reach those who are most in need.