Rauner looks to close gap in state contracts to minorities

CHICAGO — Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner is taking steps to ensure more minority and women-owned businesses receive state contracts.

A 2015 study found the businesses are underrepresented among those awarded state contracts.

Rauner signed an executive order on Wednesday. It requires the state's purchasing office to establish a mentor program to assist minority and women-owned businesses. The office also must review how it sets goals for the number of contracts awarded to those companies.

The state also will study and potentially establish so-called "sheltered markets," in which contracts are set aside specifically for underrepresented businesses.

Read more: http://thesouthern.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/rauner-looks-to-close-gap-in-state-contracts-to-minorities/article_c2dfb465-6772-5ed2-8e20-8c5e96bad190.html