Congressman Al Green (D) is calling on the city of Houston to appeal a federal court ruling that struck down the city's Minority, Women, and Small Business Enterprise (MWBE) program, arguing the initiative has helped expand contracting opportunities for historically underrepresented businesses.
Green Responds to Federal Court Decision
According to Rep. Green, the program was the result of years of advocacy aimed at increasing opportunities for qualified minority-owned businesses to compete for public contracts.
Rep. Al Green: "I trust that the city will appeal the court's decision declaring the inclusion program to be unconstitutional. This was a hard-won victory that many of us fought for to enable capable, competent, and qualified minorities to benefit from tax dollars to the same extent that majorities have enjoyed since the founding of the city."
In his statement, Green referenced the words of minister and gospel composer Charles Albert Tindley, saying the ruling reinforces the need to continue fighting for equal opportunity.
Rep. Green continued: "Harder yet may be the fight...And when I'm right, that God will help me fight."
Other Lawmakers Speak Out
Rep. Green was not the only lawmaker to speak out against the ruling. Rep. Christian Menefee (D) alslo argued that the decision threatens efforts to expand contracting opportunities for minority- and women-owned businesses.
Rep. Christian Menefee: "This ruling is yet another step by far-right activists... fighting to erase every tool minority and women business owners use to compete on a level playing field."
He also referenced previous U.S. Supreme Court decisions involving affirmative action and the Voting Rights Act, arguing they have contributed to challenges facing diversity initiatives.
The Bottom Line
Congressman Al Green is encouraging Houston officials to appeal the federal court ruling against the city's MWBE program, arguing the initiative has played an important role in expanding contracting opportunities for minority-owned businesses.
