Legislature examining minority contracting with state

JACKSON — A legislative study committee is taking a look at minority participation in public contracts in Mississippi.

The group is meeting Tuesday and Wednesday at the state Capitol. It’s scheduled to hear from several state agencies, including the Mississippi Development Authority, the state Department of Transportation and the state Department of Finance and Administration.

One of the co-chairmen, Democratic Sen. John Horhn of Jackson, says in a news release that the state needs to do more to stimulate diversity in purchasing practices at the state level.

The other co-chairman, Democrat Rep. Bobby Moak of Bogue Chitto, says policy makers need to “look at this effort with fresh eyes to see what’s practical and sustainable.”