Senators Akshar, Serino and O'Mara host hearing on MWBE Program That Helps Small Businesses Land State Contracts

State Senator Fred Akshar, Co-chair of the New York State Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise program (MWBE) Working Group, will join several of his colleagues in Vestal on Monday to hear directly from various businesses and union groups on ways to improve the MWBE program.

Monday's hearing follows similar hearings this year held in Albany and Watertown, where dozens of businesses and organizations provided testimony on their experiences with the MWBE certification program, including their concerns over what they described as a lengthy certification process, participation thresholds, project delays and more.

At previous hearings, testimony cited that the program's current implementation has driven up project costs, caused project delays, and in some cases forced businesses to hire contractors from outside the area.

On Monday, over 20 local businesses owners, economic development leaders and labor representatives will be present to provide testimony.

Senator Akshar and his colleagues will review the testimony offered on Monday and consider potential legislative solutions to create a more effective and efficient program to enhance New York’s business climate.