State Senators Vernon Sykes (D-Akron) and Kirk Schuring (R-Canton) announced the introduction of the Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Reciprocity Bill, which will create certification reciprocity for all state certified MBEs with all political subdivisions within the state.
“Senate Bill 105 aligns strongly with the priorities of the newly established Senate Committee on Small Business and Economic Development to eliminate barriers and identify opportunities to promote small businesses in Ohio,” Sykes said. The legislation eliminates unnecessary hurdles and costly duplication.”
Senate Bill 105 would require that MBEs certified by the state through the current process in the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) would have that certification recognized statewide. Currently, MBEs competing for public contracts or participating in MBE programs in Ohio are often required to receive MBE certifications from the state, as well as from multiple local governments.
The goal of this legislation is to cut red tape and increase MBEs’ access to local opportunities. A statewide certification process will save MBEs time, paperwork and fees, and will make it easier for MBEs to participate in local programs and apply for contracts around the state. Doing so will also improve Ohio’s overall business climate.
MBE programs are designed to assist minority-owned and other historically economically disadvantaged businesses compete for and obtain public contracts. The MBE Reciprocity legislation was proposed by the Greater Akron Chamber and promoted by the Secretary of State’s office.
