Sanders Introduces New Legislation to Assist Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises

(Albany, NY) – State Senator James Sanders Jr. (D-Rochdale Village) today introduced a bill (S5924A) that will increase opportunities for Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises and spur the creation of sustainable small businesses and jobs. Assemblymember Rodneyese Bichotte (D-Brooklyn) will carry the bill (A8044A) in the Assembly.
 
The legislation expands the State's General Municipal Law and thus creates additional procurement opportunities for M/WBE by the following:

•Increases the City's M/WBE discretionary spending of small-purchase threshold from $100,000 up to $200,000.
•Allows M/WBE status to be a factor in "best value" awards.
•Establishes capacity building programs for the benefit of State or Local M/WBE Certified firms doing business in New York City.
•Permits pre-qualified lists for purchase contracts in addition to public works contracts.

The bill will amend the New York City Charter to authorize the City’s Procurement Policy Board to provide by rule the above enhancement.  

 “We can battle the tale of two cities by ensuring opportunity equality and an even playing field, and that is what this bill insists upon,” Senator Sanders said. “Working with those committed to social justice and economic opportunity such as Assemblymember Bichotte has been invigorating.”
 
Prior to his election to the senate, Sanders served in the City Council and oversaw the Economic Development Corporation and the Department of Small Business Services and commissioned a major study that became the basis upon which New York City re-instituted policies of affirmative action and enhanced opportunities for Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises.