Stories We’re Watching: Indiana to end Minority and Women-Owned Business Contract Program
Indiana is ending its Minority and Women Business Enterprises (M/WBE) contracting program, a decision that could have lasting implications for businesses across the state. In this week’s Stories We’re Watching, we explain what changed, why it happened, and why it matters to Southwest Indiana.
Indiana Gov. Mike Braun has announced the state will end the state’s Minority and Women Business Enterprises (M/WBE) program following a legal opinion from Attorney General Todd Rokita concluding the race- and sex-based contracting preferences are unconstitutional under the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution.
The change will apply to new state contracts, while existing contracts will continue under current agreements. The administration says it plans to replace the program with a merit-based contracting approach and develop a new initiative to support small businesses. The decision has drawn praise from supporters and concern from minority business advocates, who argue it could reduce opportunities for historically underrepresented businesses.
Why we’re watching: This policy shift could have significant implications for minority- and women-owned businesses across Indiana, including those in Southwest Indiana. Our Times will be reporting on what this means locally and how it may affect businesses in our community.
Read more at: The Indiana Lawyer
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