Will County Gazette

State Rep. Mark Batinick (R-Plainfield) has filed legislation that would boost state contract bidding for traditionally marginalized groups. 

According to a press release, House Bill 4816 would would allow Illinois universities and community colleges to add a 5% "plus factor" to contract bids from businesses owned by minorities, women, or people with disabilities.

"House Bill 4816 presents a real solution to make it easier for these Illinois businesses to qualify for contracts with the state," Batinick said, according to the press release. "By taking the 'carrot' versus the ‘stick’ approach, we can help the state increase its work with these important institutions that build our communities. I am eager to see this bill move through the General Assembly and look forward to a robust conversation about this legislation."

The 5% plus factor would multiply bid prices submitted by eligible bidders 0.95%, encouraging these educational institutions to adopt contract bids for minority or women-owned businesses, or businesses owned by individuals with disabilities.

"While we increased the goal for state contracts to businesses owned by minorities, women, and people with disabilities and increased the minimum amount of state contracts awarded to these businesses, the solution has not been working," Batinick said. "This legislation offers an alternative way that can help us achieve that goal."

According to the latest Census data, around 12% of businesses in Illinois are black-owned. 

The percentage of businesses in the U.S. owned by women increased from 4.6% in 1972 to 42% in 2019. According to a proclamation from Gov. J.B. Pritzker in 2020, businesses owned by women were growing twice as fast as the national average rate, despite receiving fewer loans than companies owned by men.