Little on Team to Promote Minority- and Women-Owned Business

LITTLE ON GOVERNOR’S TEAM TO PROMOTE MINORITY- AND

WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESS PARTICIPATION

State Senator Betty Little will serve on a newly created team with the goal of increasing minority- and women-owned business participation in state procurement and contracting.  Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the team established through executive order earlier today.

“We’re seeing more of a focus this year on initiatives to promote economic activity and spur job growth,” said Senator Betty Little.  “I’m pleased to be part of this effort that specifically targets minority- and women-owned businesses to encourage entrepreneurship that is diverse and reflective of our overall population.”

According to the governor’s office, minority- and women-owned business participation in the state’s contracting and procurement process is currently just over 9 percent.  The goal is to identify obstacles and alter existing programs to increase participation to 20 percent.

The team comprises state agency heads, state legislators, and representatives of companies actively involved in supplier and workforce diversity contracting and inclusion practices.

Little and her Senate colleagues last month approved legislation that would provide a tax credit incentive for new jobs created similar to a measure adopted by Congress last year.  That would potentially benefit all employers, regardless of where they are located or size of the company.

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