CHICAGO – To discuss the operational challenges in supplier diversity, including procurement, the Business Enterprise Program (BEP) and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) policies, Senate Executive Committee Chair Mattie Hunter and Special Committee on Supplier Diversity Chair Ram Villivalam will lead a joint Senate committee hearing tomorrow afternoon.

“Women and people of color often face adversity in the realm government contracting,” Hunter said. “Every business deserves procurement policies that will help it succeed, regardless of who owns it. Minority business owners deserve an equal opportunity to flourish.”

“Fair and equitable procurement policies are key to expanding opportunities for women-, minority- and veteran-owned businesses,” said Villivalam. “Prioritizing equity and diversity in our suppliers will strengthen our economy, which is critically important to all Illinois taxpayers.”

To watch the virtual committee, visit https://ilga.gov/senateaudvid.asp and click "Watch Live Virtual Committee Video." The link will be available at 1 p.m.

Additional witnesses can submit written testimony online at www.ilga.gov.

WHO: Senate Executive Committee Chair Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago), Special Committee on Supplier Diversity Chair Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago), and members of the Commerce and Economic Development, Executive, State Government, and Supplier Diversity Committees

WHAT: A joint committee hearing on racial equity in government contracting and supplier diversity

WHERE: The virtual hearing can be viewed here: https://ilga.gov/senateaudvid.asp#. Blue Room Stream, a subscription-based service, will also stream the hearing.

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 16 at 1 p.m.