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Senate committee gives due pass to resolution urging end to DBE program after contractor testimony
Summary
The Senate Industry and Business Committee voted 5-0 to give a due-pass recommendation to Senate Concurrent Resolution 4021, which urges Congress and the governor to end the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program. Contractors and trade groups told the committee the program raises costs and forces use of higher-priced DBE quotes.
The North Dakota Senate Industry and Business Committee voted 5-0 to give a due-pass recommendation to Senate Concurrent Resolution 4021, a measure urging the U.S. Congress and the governor to end the federal Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program.
Senator Gerhardt, sponsor of SCR 4021 and representing District 34 in Mandan, told the committee he brought the resolution after “I've experienced over my 20 years working in the construction industry” and because he believes the program leads to waste and forces contractors to use higher-priced quotes. He asked committee members to give the resolution a due pass.
The resolution and testimony centered on how North Dakota's DBE implementation affects bids for federally funded projects. Carrie Burke, representing the Associated General Contractors of North Dakota, said the program has shifted…
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