New legislation would help Georgia’s black-owned small transportation companies access funding opportunities under the bipartisan infrastructure bill
Washington, D.C. – US Senator Jon Ossoff is working to improve opportunities for small, women- and minority-owned transportation companies in Georgia.
Today Senator Ossoff and Congressman Hank Johnson (D-GA-04) introduced the Small Business Contracting Fairness Act to level the playing field for minority-owned small transportation companies and secure competitive financing for projects covered by the bipartisan Infrastructure Act be made possible.
The bill would strengthen the US Department of Transportation’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program to help more women and minority-owned small businesses compete for contracts and competitive financing opportunities.
“Georgia’s small businesses are playing a critical role in modernizing America’s infrastructure. My legislation will help empower women and minority-owned small businesses in Georgia to secure infrastructure contracts.” Senator Ossoff said.
“With the recent passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act providing USDOT with billions of new dollars, it is more important than ever to ensure our DBEs are eligible to bid for these large-scale construction contracts,” paid Rep. Johnson, a senior member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. “To address past and ongoing discrimination in federal procurement, we need to pass this law. I appreciate Senator Ossoff taking the mantle in the Senate.”
Several key business groups are supporting Sen. Ossoff and Rep. Johnson’s new bill, including Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), MCP Enterprise BPO Services, Atlanta Black Chambers, Inc, Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GHCC), Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council, Urban League of Greater Atlanta, Women First National Legislative Committee.
“Hartsfield-Jackson has maintained its status as the world’s busiest and most efficient airport thanks in part to the work of minority-owned companies and women who shape this facility,” said Balram “B” Bheodari, general manager of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. “We welcome this legislation, which will expand those opportunities across the transportation industry.”
Senator Ossoff continues to advocate for small businesses across Georgia. Last month Senator Ossoff urged Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen to speed up the flow of funds to Georgia’s small businesses.
Last year, Sen. Ossoff also secured more than $2 million for an Atlanta-based small business recovery program aimed at creating jobs and strengthening the local economy.
Click here to read the Small Business Contracting Fairness Act.
# # #
