Lawmakers are considering a new bill designed to simplify the process for minority-, LGBTQ-, and women-owned businesses to qualify for state certification.
State lawmakers are considering a new bill designed to simplify the process for minority-, LGBTQ-, and women-owned businesses to qualify for state certification and compete for public contracts.aims to level the playing field by presuming these groups are "socially disadvantaged" when applying for certification with the Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises.
The bill does not guarantee contracts, and businesses applying for state certification would still need to meet certain qualification criteria."This bill offers a simple and necessary fix, and it closes the gap, making it all a level playing field for all the minorities, including us, Middle Eastern and North African," Eddie Shahwan, who works at an engineering firm and supports HB 2684, said. However, opponents express concerns that the bill could create an unfair advantage and promote discrimination during the bidding process. "Bidding on state jobs, often you’re penalized 5-10% because of your sex or your race, that’s pure discrimination, there’s no question about it," Randy Barry, who opposes HB 2684, said. "It’s not much fun trying to win a contract when you’re starting at a disadvantage."Washington's GOP Chair, Rep. Jim Walsh , also voiced concerns, suggesting that the bill could increase costs for the program and taxpayers. "t's the classic concept in public policy that two wrongs make a right," Walsh said. "As the great Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has said, 'The best way to stop illegal discrimination is to stop illegal discrimination.' Let's just stop trying to tilt the scales back and forth to right historical wrongs." "As well-intended as a process as that might be, when we continue to try to justify and rationalize and respond to historical injustices, we just create a new generation of historical injustices," Walsh added.A committee hearing on the bill took place this morning, and it is scheduled for discussion during an executive session tomorrow morning.The Department of War announced Monday evening Scouting America may be on a path to get rid of DEI in the organization.Washington State Democrats in the House and Senate have introduced a pair of bills to tax the state's highest earners.Seven Super Bowl players with Washington state tiesLeader of violent WA home invasion crew admits to robberies, murder of young mother A leader of a violent home invasion robbery crew has pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy involving robbery, kidnapping, and murder.
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