Working To Attain Statewide
5% Minority Hiring Goal
MADISON – Senator Spencer Coggs was disappointed to read the press report in the Appleton Post-Crescent detailing the failure of the State of Wisconsin to consistently meet the minority hiring goals set by 1985 Act 387.
The law, which Senator Coggs co-authored while in the Assembly, set a goal of 5% in minority hiring goals for state projects. The article stated that the goal hasn’t been reached since it was created in 1985, with the average yearly percentage at 3%. Senator Coggs will be meeting with top state officials to discuss rectifying the situation.
“I am disappointed, but not terribly surprised that the state never reached 5%. Previous Republican administrations never felt the need to strive to actually reach the goal. It is upsetting that with 1000 certified minority contractors in the state, less than $30 million out of $1 billion was made available annually for minority contractors,” said Coggs.
The Post-Crescent article details that the state has not met their obligation under Act 387 to the tune of over $390 million dollars since the law was enacted. The yearly average for state spending on contracts that minority owned businesses would qualify for is over $1 billion dollars.
“The goal of the bill was to provide a guide for state government to follow in awarding contracts for state services. It was felt that 5% would be a realistic goal to meet, especially in light of the large amount of money the state spends on these types of contracts. Apparently, the message wasn’t received by the last two Governors,” said Coggs.
Coggs notes that the current administration at the Department of Transportation has made a great effort to include minority contractors in the Marquette Interchange Reconstruction project. They have created the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Goal Setting Committee to set high, but realistic goals for the Marquette Interchange. As a member of that committee, Senator Coggs has worked with Secretary Frank Busalacchi and Deputy Secretary Ruben Anthony to help formulate the guidelines. The goals for the Marquette Construction will be much higher than the states 5% goal, assures Coggs.
“While the state’s overall record to date on minority contracting goals has been dismal, I see a lot of forward progress coming from the Department of Transportation. I am hopeful that it is the sign of a new era in state government. I will continue to work with the administration and minority businesses to ensure that in the future, the statewide 5% goal will become the minimum goal, not a challenge to attain,” summarized Coggs.
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