Bothered by what he calls a lack of participation of minority and women-owned businesses doing business with the state, one state senator is on a mission to change that.
“We are aware that a number of things are working, but we also know that we need to do more to stimulate broader diversity in our purchasing practices at the state level,” said Sen. John Horhn (D-Hinds), co-chairman of The Legislative Joint Study Committee on Minority Business Participation in Public Contracts, Professional Services and Public Works in Mississippi.
Horhn told The Mississippi Link the make up of the people receiving contracts, services and overall government assistance should reflect the makeup of this state. “I think it would be meaningful to create business opportunities in Mississippi around minorities and women, given their large numbers in this state, Horhn said. “We would not even hold these hearings if we did not think that more could or should be done. We anticipate submitting a detailed report to the full Legislature by Dec. 1.”
The committee conducted two hearings this week (Oct. 19-20) at the State Capitol and heard from state agencies including The Mississippi Development Authority, Mississippi Department of Transportation, Department of Finance & Administration, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services, the Jackson International Airport, as well as a number of private companies.
The goal of the committee was to explore ways to increase the level of participation from small, minority, and disadvantaged enterprises that want to do business with the State of Mississippi.
More than 100 people attended the hearings to gain a better understanding of how to expand their reach of doing business with the state. “I made sure this was on my calendar, because as a small businessowner we are not always afforded opportunities as the ‘big boys,’ said Geilia Taylor-Henry, owner of Brilliant Minds Marketing Group, a public relations and marketing firm based in Madison.
Horhn’s co-chairman, Rep. Bobby Moak added, “We want to look at this effort with fresh eyes to see what’s practical and sustainable.”
Joining Horhn and Moak on the committee were Senators Terry Burton and Willie Simmons and Representatives Tyrone Ellis and Omeria Scott.
Horhn said after the full Legislature receives the report, a number of things could happen. “We could see some legislation passed, we could see new government oversight committees formed…but whatever happens we expect some action,” he said.
Several committees in both chambers of the legislature could take action on the findings presented in the report including Appropriations, Ways and Means and the Senate Finance Committee.
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