Sandra Cunningham

TRENTON – Two measures sponsored by Senators Ronald L. Rice and Sandra Bolden Cunningham which would examine and help to increase opportunities for minority and women-owned businesses have been unanimously approved by the full Senate.

One measure, S-95, would direct the New Jersey Schools Development Authority (SDA) to examine and compile biannual reports detailing the number of school construction contracts that have been awarded to minority and women-owned businesses. The reports would have to include information on the total value of the contracts, and the percentage of those contracts as they relate to the total number that have been awarded by the SDA over the six months prior to the issuance of the report. Reports would be submitted to the Governor and the Joint Budget Oversight Committee.

TRENTON – Two measures sponsored by Senators Ronald L. Rice and Sandra Bolden Cunningham which would examine and help to increase opportunities for minority and women-owned businesses were today approved by Senate committees.

One measure, S-95, which was unanimously approved by the Senate Education Committee, would direct the New Jersey Schools Development Authority (SDA) to examine and compile biannual reports detailing the number of school construction contracts that have been awarded to minority and women-owned businesses. The reports would have to include information on the total value of the contracts, and the percentage of those contracts as they relate to the total number that have been awarded by the SDA over the six months prior to the issuance of the report. Reports would be submitted to the Governor and the Joint Budget Oversight Committee.

“It is only fitting that we make sure minority and women-owned businesses have a seat at the table when it comes to awarding these school construction contracts,” said Senator Rice, D-Essex. “These communities contain a great deal of talent; talent that is often passed over when these contracts are being considered. By requiring the Schools Development Authority to maintain this list, we would help to ensure that all of the State’s qualified talent is given an opportunity to excel.”

“Through this bill, we are hoping to level the playing field when it comes to awarding school construction contracts here in New Jersey,” said Senator Cunningham, D-Hudson. “It’s not as if there is a lack of qualified minority and women-owned construction companies, but too often, these businesses are not given the opportunity to compete for these lucrative contracts. By requiring the issuance of these reports, and requiring them to be reviewed by the Joint Budget Oversight Committee and the Governor, we would be establishing a two-tiered system of oversight, to ensure that equal access to school construction contracts is granted.”

TRENTON – A new law sponsored by Senators Ronald L. Rice and Sandra B. Cunningham was signed recently creating economic parity for women and minorities by ensuring that they benefit from publicly funded construction contracts.

“This is about empowering people to help themselves,” said Sen. Rice (D-Essex). “Although everyone around the country is feeling the effects of the recession, women and minorities are typically more affected by poverty and plummeting unemployment rates. The best thing the state can do to help our communities in need is to increase access to training and job opportunities through a more equitable disbursement of public funds.”