Amends chapter 261 of the laws of 1988, amending the state finance law and other laws relating to the New York state infrastructure trust fund, in relation to the minority and women-owned business enterprise program; establishes a blue ribbon commission to study such program, and establishes a mentor-protege training program; appropriates money therefor.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A10713
SPONSOR: Peoples-Stokes TITLE OF BILL: An act to amend chapter 261 of the laws of 1988,
amending the state finance law and other laws relating to the New York
state infrastructure trust fund, in relation to the effectiveness there-
of; establishing a blue ribbon commission to study the minority and
women-owned business enterprise program, and establishing a mentor-pro-
tege training program; and making an appropriation therefor; and provid-
ing for the repeal of certain provisions upon expiration thereof
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
The purpose of this bill is to extend article 15-A of the executive law
for five years, to establish a blue ribbon commission to study the
minority- and women-owned business enterprise program, and to establish
a fund for mentor-protege training and labor transition training
programs.
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 provides a five-year extension of Article 15-A of the execu-
tive law.
Section 2 creates the MWBE blue ribbon commission to examine, evaluate,
and make recommendations on the MWBE program. The subject areas to be
examined; membership composition; voting procedures; frequency of meet-
ings and public hearings; and other duties of and functions of commis-
sion are detailed.
Section 3 creates a fund to promote, establish, and support mentor-pro-
tege training programs and union transition training programs, and
establishes a framework for distribution of such funds.
Section 4 provides for a $25 million appropriation to the fund
Section 5 provides the effective date.
JUSTIFICATION:
Article 15-A of the Executive Law was recently extended for one year as
part of the enacted state budget. This is not long enough for continuity
and stability needed to ensure a robust MWBE program. A five year exten-
sion would accomplish this. Additionally, there are many different and
varied stakeholders who have voiced positions and suggestions about the
MWBE program. Establishing an MWBE blue ribbon commission will allow all
stakeholders tc have a voice and determine the best course of action to
ensure the MWBEs across the state continue to grow and gain access to
meaningful contracts. An essential component to seeing MWBEs grow and
build is a vital mentor-protege program, and labor transition training
programs. It is appropriate for the State to adequately fund these
vital initiatives.
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
This is a new bill.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
Provides for a twenty-five million dollar appropriation.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the thirtieth day after it shall have
become a law; provided, however, that section two of this act shall
expire and be deemed repealed two years after such date. Effective imme-
diately, the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation
necessary for the implementation of this act on its effective date are
authorized to be made and completed on or before such effective date.
