Jul. 08, 2021

HARRISBURG – Establishing relationships with his or her contemporaries is one of the priorities for a state legislator, as state Reps. Jim Rigby (R-Johnstown) and Jim Struzzi (R-Indiana) quickly found out. 

“It’s important to make connections, especially with your immediate neighbors,” Struzzi said. “From there, you discover there are problems that are common throughout the Commonwealth, which is how House Bill 1712 came to fruition.” 

Struzzi and Rigby are teaming up to offer legislation that would help disadvantaged communities by bringing geographic equity and diversity to the procurement process in Pennsylvania. 

“Local economies both rural and urban have been hit hard, especially during the COVID-19 epidemic,” added Rigby. “What we’re suggesting is a way to level the playing field and create a more competitive balance for local governments when it comes to acquiring goods and services they need from commercial businesses.”

House Bill 1712 would ensure that balance by requiring businesses located in Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Zones receive a minimum of 40% participation in state procurement contracts. The program helps small businesses in urban and rural communities gain preferential access to federal procurement opportunities. 

“This legislation needs enacted so Pennsylvania mirrors the federal program at the state level and lends a hand to lift up those communities and businesses that are in economic distress and create more equity in procurement across the state,” said Struzzi. “All of Indiana County is currently designated as a HUB zone so this legislation will directly benefit the people, businesses and communities I represent.”  
 
The legislation would also ensure geographic diversity in state procurement matters and bring into the equation poor communities both urban and rural. 

“House Bill 1712 would impact both a city like Johnstown and a relatively smaller community like Indiana by improving the quality of life for residents,” Rigby commented.

Here is a link to a map of HUB Zones in Pennsylvania.


Representative Jim Rigby
71st Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Scott B. Little
717.260.6137 (office), 717.497.5967 (cell)
Slittle@pahousegop.com
RepJimRigby.com / Facebook.com/RepJimRigby


Representative Jim Struzzi
62nd Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Scott Little
717.260.6137 (office), 717.497.5937 (cell)
Slittle@pahousegop.com
RepStruzzi.com / Facebook.com/RepStruzzi



 
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