St. Louis County Councilwoman Hazel Erby is trying to pass legislation that would amend a 2012 bill (#289) that she says limits minority businesses from bidding on county government contracts. Her amendment is scheduled to be discussed at the council’s Tuesday, May 20 meeting.
Part of the bill states that bidders must “maintain their own Department of Labor-approved apprentice program.” Union contractors are often the only ones that meet this requirement. Restricting non-union contractors from bidding on county projects also restricts minority-owned general or prime contractors, Erby said.
Additionally, the bill forbids independent contractors from county construction worksites, specifically those who are self-employed. Most African-American truckers who own their own trucks operate as “independent contractors” and thus are forbidden from working on county worksites.
Tim Person, president of Person & Associates, said Erby’s amendment to Bill 289 will level the playing field for minority businesses.
“When you take into consideration that most of minority business owners live in St. Louis County, they are taxpayers, they should have a fair opportunity to participate in St. Louis County contracts,” Person said. “It’s been proven that without the inclusion programs, minorities and women don’t get a chance to participate. It’s so important that everybody has an opportunity.”
