JEFFERSON CITY - Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal, D-University City, today thanked Gov. Nixon for including a $1 million appropriation in his proposed budget to fund a disparity study. A disparity study will help determine what barriers exist due to discriminatory business practices that prevent minority- and women-owned businesses from participating in state contracts.
“If Missouri is going to invest taxpayer dollars towards improving our infrastructure, now is the appropriate time to ensure minority- and women-owned businesses in our state are allowed to compete for state contracts on a level playing field,” Sen. Chappelle-Nadal said. “Right now, we know that not all contractors in the state are getting a fair shake. And since the last disparity study in Missouri was completed in 1998, it is time to ensure that every business entity has the ability to succeed financially. This new data will help us determine whether minority- and women-owned businesses receive equal access to state contracts. As a member of the Missouri Legislative Black Caucus, the disparity study has been a longtime priority.”
Gov. Nixon included the funding for a new disparity study in his State of the State Address to a Joint Session of the Missouri General Assembly Monday evening.
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