OLBC sends letter to Gov. Kasich on proposed MBE/EDGE Certification changes

December 30, 2013

Governor John Kasich

Riffe Center, 30th Floor

77 South High Street

Columbus, Ohio 43215

Dear Governor Kasich,

I write to you today in response to the proposed rule changes by the Department of Administrative Services/Equal Employment Opportunity Division (DAS/EOD) management that will affect the Minority Business Enterprise/Encouraging Diversity Growth and Equity (MBE/EDGE) program, and the Construction Compliance program.

As President of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus (OLBC), it has been brought to my attention that the DAS/EOD has sent out an email to request input for the proposed rule changes to the MBE/EDGE program.

We have been contacted by several MBE businesses who are appalled that such an email was sent out during the holiday season with a deadline for December 31st for responses. In addition, the OLBC has a right to participate in these rule changes because of the potential impact they may have on our constituents.

As a result, we are requesting the following:

1. Send out an email to extend the deadline for input from MBE’s to after the holidays
2. Do not send out an email concerning changes to Construction Compliance rules
3. Make no changes until a meeting is held between the OLBC and you in January

During the meeting we would like to receive an update on minority businesses and the MBE/EDGE program, and discuss the proposed MBE/EDGE and Construction Compliance rule changes. We are concerned that these changes may have a negative impact on our constituents and may violate the 1988 federal consent decree for the Construction Compliance program.                                                                                                                        

Due to the fact that this is a time sensitive matter, I would appreciate an expedited response. Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Rep. Alicia Reece, OLBC President