Sep. 28, 2021
HARRISBURG – Reps. Carrie Lewis DelRosso (R-Allegheny/Westmoreland) and Jake Wheatley (D-Allegheny) have introduced legislation designed to encourage minority, women and veteran-owned small businesses to bid for and compete in state and local government bidding opportunities.
“Economic growth in Pennsylvania will be more successful with a level playing field.
House Bill 1887 offers opportunities for all small business owners,” said Lewis DelRosso. “Over the last year, we have been exposed to the unfortunate truths of fairness with small business owners especially at the local level. Our small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and this legislation will support their growth as they help to make each PA House district unique.”
House Bill 1887 addresses impediments of small, minority and veteran-owned small businesses and would require state agencies and state-affiliated agencies, including state-owned universities, to significantly increase contracting opportunities for disadvantaged businesses.
“Minority, women and veteran-owned small businesses historically have encountered discriminatory roadblocks that impede their ability to compete fairly for small business opportunities in Commonwealth Procurement.,” said Wheatley. “This legislation will make it so small, minority-owned businesses aren’t pushed to the bottom of the list when the Commonwealth seeks companies to complete any construction and/or design projects. This legislation will make sure all companies are considered by the Commonwealth, regardless of size or who the owner is.”
Common roadblocks based on societal biases include, but are not limited to, reduced access to capital, loans and lines of credit, as well as marketplace discrimination.
The bill now awaits consideration by the House State Government Committee.
Rep. Carrie Lewis DelRosso
33rd Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Michelle Swab
717-260-6325
mswab@pahousegop.com
RepCarrieLewisDelRosso.com /
Facebook.com/RepCarrieLewisDelRosso
Rep. Jake Wheatley
19th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: April Ashe
717-783-3783
aashe@pahousegop.com
PAHouse.com/Wheatley /
Facebook.com/RepWheatley