S1601

TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senators Ronald L. Rice and Sandra Bolden Cunningham to require the New Jersey Schools Development Authority to compile information on building contracts awarded to minority and women contractors was approved by the Senate Education Committee today.

“With billions of taxpayer dollars going to school construction programs throughout New Jersey, it is important that women and minority-owned businesses get a fair share of the contracts awarded in this State,” said Senator Rice, D-Essex. “Each year we work hard to help businesses run by minorities and women to bid and win contracts on various State projects. Unfortunately, we need more oversight to ensure that an equitable amount of projects are given to these groups. By requiring the SDA to provide this information we will gain a better understanding of how they award contracts and if more needs to be done to help minorities and women bid on projects.”