TRENTON – A measure sponsored by Senators Ronald L. Rice and Shirley K. Turner, which would set aside five percent of all funds generated from local and State public construction contracts of $1 million or more for women and minority construction and engineering contracts, was approved today by the full Senate by a vote of 27 to 13.
The funding formula was established through the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
“This bill would put New Jersey in compliance with two existing laws that already set aside funding for training and outreach programs to help minorities and women who are involved or are looking to get involved in construction and engineering,” said Senator Rice, D-Essex. “We are not imposing a new tax or creating a new appropriation, but rather making sure that already-set-aside funds are put toward helping women and minorities in construction and engineering, while also setting up a system of checks and balances to ensure that the funds are used as they should be.”