State Delegate Will Move Forward With Leveling
the Playing Field for Minorities and Woman
On Wednesday, January 4th 2012, to start the New Year off in an inclusive way the state’s number one General Assembly advocate for minority and women owned business challenged the powerful, state Board of Public Works. Delegate Barbara A. Robinson, 40th district single-handedly addressed the three member board with standing room only and said, “there should be an even playing field, when you put a MBE against a nonprofit, it’s not an even playing field.”
Despite her objections, Chimes Inc., a preference provider that helps people with employment opportunities and people with disabilities was still approved for a $63.8 million contract, janitorial contract at BWI without spending the required 25%, a sub goal with other true MBE’s.
Comptroller Peter Franchot, a member of the state Board of Public Works said, “I think, from what I’m hearing, (preference providers) predates the MBE practice, the best way to address this is in the legislative process, which begins this week.”
