Local lawmakers passed a bill Tuesday aimed at enhancing participation of minority-owned and small businesses among tow truck companies used by the Prince George’s County Police, marking another attempt by the County Council to deliver on a promise to increase opportunities for local minority businesses.
The new rules recommend that 51 percent of department money budgeted for towing annually be spent with minority-owned and small businesses in Prince George’s County, and require that at least 29 percent of towing funds be spent with these vendors. The need to specify amounts was due to a lack of diversity among tow truck vendors servicing the county, said Krystal Oriadha (D-District 7), the lead sponsor of the bill.
Lawmakers said many small or minority-owned tow truck operators have been overlooked as contracts with existing companies were extended, leaving little opportunity for competition. Some members of the all-Democratic body said a sizable portion of tow truck companies in the county are operated or staffed by convicted felons, and the bill aims to keep the pathway for reentry and opportunity open in a wealthy, majority-Black county.
Some companies were prohibited from bidding on contracts with the county because felons were part of the payroll, Oriadha said Tuesday.
Click here to read the rest of the article written by Lateshia Beachum over at The Washington Post
