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Lawmakers press for supplier‑diversity review after testimony on discrimination against Armenian Americans
Summary
Speakers used the inaugural hearing to highlight recent alleged discriminatory practices—citing a CFPB finding and a federal order against Citibank—and urged the legislature to examine state supplier‑diversity rules so Armenian‑owned firms can access contracts and economic opportunities.
Mayor Kasakhian and other speakers told the committee that instances of discrimination against Armenian Americans have economic and civic consequences that merit state attention. "Citibank intentionally and illegally discriminated against Armenian Americans for credit applications... Citibank was ordered to pay $25,900,000," Mayor Kasakhian said, citing a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau finding.
Panelists also criticized national commentary that they said racialized enforcement messaging, referencing a video by Dr. Mehmet Oz that the mayor said caused an Armenian‑owned bakery to lose customers. Several legislators and presenters urged a formal review of California's supplier‑diversity and procurement rules, arguing that Armenian‑owned businesses may fall outside existing minority‑owned classifications and therefore miss contracting opportunities.
Committee members sought concrete steps: directing the Department of General Services, the Public Utilities Commission, GO‑Biz and other agencies to assess supplier‑diversity definitions and identify changes to make Armenian‑owned firms eligible where appropriate. The mayor asked the legislature to "investigate the disparity, establish the record, and where evidence supports it act." No formal vote or regulatory change occurred at the hearing; members instead requested follow up and agency review.
