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History
- Referred to finance
- Referred to finance
Companion bill
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Creates minority and women-owned business enterprise regional advocates
In Senate Committee · Finance · Sponsor Michele Titus
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
BILL NUMBER:S5285
Title of bill
An act to amend the executive law, in relation to creating regional minority and women-owned business enterprise advocate
Purpose or general idea of bill
The purpose of this legislation is to aid in the assistance of obtaining technical, managerial, financial and other business assistance for certified businesses and applicants.
Summary of specific provisions
Amends the Executive Law to provide for definitions; adds new sections 311-a & b to establish within the Empire State Development Corporation an Office of Minority Women Business Enterprise (MWBE) Statewide and Regional Advocate; establishes for powers and duties to include investigating complaints concerning certification delays and toll-free- telephone service.
Amends the Economic Development Law to set forth reporting requirements and advise the Commissioner on recommendations for the selection of Statewide Advocate for Minority and Women Business Enterprises as set forth by section 311-a of the Executive Law.
Justification
Since 2002, the Assembly has held hearings across the State in order to review the effectiveness of the State's Laws (Article 15-A of the Executive Law) and to obtain feedback from MWBE owners. Hearings were held in Buffalo, Syracuse, Utica, Albany and New York City.
One notable theme echoed at all the hearings was the difficulty in obtaining technical, managerial, financial and educational support. Other difficulties were improving and updating the existing database to include links to others state agencies so that MWBE's can market themselves effectively and seek contract opportunities.
Allowing advocates to act as a liaison for MBE's will provide a voice and aid in resolving concerns regarding certification delays, investigating complaints, along with assisting in the certification process. Advocates will also play an important role in developing educational outreach programs and creating awareness of competitive grant programs.
It is essential for MWBE'S to be able to get assistance from the state to move them into a competitive position with non-minority and women- owned business enterprises. This legislation provides a vehicle to see that that goal is met.
Prior legislative history
A5054 (2011-2012) Passed Assembly; Delivered Senate 5/30/12 A5458 (2009-2010) Referred to Rules 6/29/10 A6939 (2007-2008) Referred to Finance 3/26/08 A9839 (2005-2006) Referred to Finance 3/28/06
Fiscal implications for state and local governments
To be determined.
Effective date
180 days following enactment.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.