Senator Snowe – You Go, Girl!
October 3, 2008
by Amy Siskind
|The New York Times reported yesterday that women-owned small business received only 3.4% of government contracts last year. This despite a mandate passed back in 2000 by Congress that women-owned small businesses receive 5% of government contracts each year — a modest goal, considering that women own almost half of the small businesses in this country. The maze of paperwork and processes has made it difficult if not impossible for many women business owners to navigate the system and get the contracts they are rightfully due. This is a travesty, and change in this area is a goal of The New Agenda.
Another interesting element of this story is who is fighting for the women-owned small business owners. Why, it’s the 16 women of the Senate – in a bipartisan effort: Sen. Snowe, a Republican, was among the 16 female senators to write to the Small Business Administration last week to urge a better remedy for the shortfall in contracting opportunities for women.
Our 16 women senators are working together, across party lines, to enforce the 5% rule — as well as to broaden the number of industries that participate. The mandate currently covers only 31 of the 140 industries industries eligible for government contracts.
This is an excellent illustration of the importance of electing women to our government (another goal of The New Agenda). When women are in positions of power, women’s issues are dealt with. This was also a conclusion of the U.N. study which looked at women in politics throughout the world. Sisters helping sisters.
glad to see Olympia Snowe get a mention. almost always under the press radar, but rock solid.
I am glad to see that Senator Olympia Snowe gets some recognition! I am a long time Democrat and I voted for Senator Snowe because she cares about people. She works very hard to do what is best for her constituents.She knows the problems we face because as an immigrant, she’s been there and has made a successful life for herself with hard work. She is not afraid to “get a little dirt on her hands.” You go Senator! We love you in Maine!
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