When it comes to New Jersey government contracts, most business goes to white, male owners. Despite making up a significant pool of eligible businesses, women- and minority-owned firms are largely being shut out, according to a recently released report.
The study, which was conducted by Mason Tillman Associates, reviewed statewide data relating to goods and services, professional services and construction over a five-year period. They reviewed more than 1.2 million records and 240,000 contracts from over 60 contracting agencies, authorities, commissions, state colleges and universities. The contracts reviewed were awarded between July 1, 2015 and June 30, 2020.
John E. Harmon Sr., founder and CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, said, “Black people are being ignored here, we are not being heard.” Harmon said, “They were not surprised that the data showed what it showed, but they were taken back by the degree.”
“This is a systemic issue, it’s continuing to happen,” said Monica Martinez Milan, owner of Stumpy’s Hatchet House in Green Brook and a board member of the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey. “But bringing … a research document like this, will disrupt the system and see change happening soon.”
