Senator Jon Ossoff (Sen. Ossoff) recently made a significant announcement regarding the introduction of the Small Business Contracting Fairness Act on The Rashad Richey Morning Show this morning. Sen. Ossoff delved into the vital legislation known as the Small Business Contracting Fairness Act. Collaboratively introduced by the distinguished Congressman Hank Johnson, this bill holds paramount significance in establishing equitable opportunities for diverse communities to partake in a myriad of infrastructure and transportation projects.
Sen. Ossoff explained the purpose behind the Small Business Contracting Fairness Act, stating, "This legislation is about a central question in government, which is who gets to participate and who gets to compete for contracts." Sen. Ossoff further emphasized that the bill aims to level the playing field for black-owned and minority-owned businesses to compete for contracts, particularly those related to the bipartisan infrastructure law. Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of federal law provisions and how they directly impact the stewardship of public resources and the representation of entrepreneurs in various communities. With passion he emphasized "This stuff really matters. It matters because it affects who gets to participate in this effort to upgrade our nation's infrastructure and, therefore, who has a shot at valuable federal business."
Additionally, Senator Ossoff detailed the tangible benefits that the bipartisan infrastructure law would bring to communities across the nation. Sen. Ossoff described the extensive efforts to upgrade surface transportation, expand public transportation, eliminate lead pipes from drinking water systems, improve broadband internet access, and upgrade energy grids to reduce energy bills for families and businesses. However, Sen. Ossoff acknowledged that who gets to participate and compete for these infrastructure projects is a crucial concern. "There are provisions of federal law that put minority-owned businesses at a disadvantage in competing for those federal contracts, particularly in infrastructure and transportation projects relative to other projects," he explained.
In response to concerns about the legislation's reception in the face of arguments denying systemic racism, Sen. Ossoff firmly rejected such rhetoric. Sen. Ossoff acknowledged the obstacles created by those who dismiss the need for fair policies, categorizing it as political correctness or spinning it for partisan gain. Sen. Ossoff remains resolute in his dedication to promoting fair competition and economic opportunities for all, emphasizing the importance of these policies in shaping the distribution of wealth and job creation.
As the largest singular employer of Black people in America, the federal government plays a crucial role in creating economic opportunities and reducing disparities. Sen. Ossoff highlighted the two-year anniversary of the bipartisan infrastructure law and its impact on Georgia. "We announced that the state of Georgia would receive $1.8 billion in fiscal year 2024 for roads, bridges, and highway upgrades," he informed Dr. Richey with great pride. Additionally, he emphasized that these investments were not just about physical infrastructure but also about improving the quality of life for communities by addressing issues like lead poisoning and flooding.
Furthermore, Sen. Ossoff discussed his commitment to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), particularly his support for Spelman College. Sen. Ossoff acknowledged the significant resources that have been delivered to enhance the educational experience for students, including upgrades to information technology infrastructure. In addition, he also expressed his ongoing dedication to championing Georgia's HBCUs, stating, "Since Senator Warnock and I were elected in January 2021, we have delivered more than a quarter of a billion dollars in supplemental investments for Georgia's HBCUs alone."
To listen to the full interview, download the link above.
Dr. Rashad Richey, host of the award-winning ‘Rashad Richey Morning Show’ on News & Talk 1380 – WAOK/V-103FM (HD3) (Weekdays 7am -10am), and the ‘Dr. Rashad Richey Review’ on SiriusXM’s Urban View (Sundays at 1pm and 9pm), was voted 'Best Talk Radio Personality in Atlanta' by readers of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and named 'Most Trusted Voice in Atlanta' by the Atlanta Business Journal, making him the first African-American to receive these distinctions.
The intelligent and fearless television news anchor for the opinion news show, 'Indisputable with Dr. Rashad Richey’ on the TYT Network, which was named 'fastest growing TV news show in America', and Political Commentator for The People's Station V-103 FM, America's largest urban station, also serves as President of Rolling Out, the largest free-print urban publication in the country. This multimedia powerhouse with over 3-million combined subscribers/followers on Facebook Watch, YouTube, Podcasts, and Twitch combined, is a noted multidisciplinary academic scholar and university professor/lecturer and an Emmy-nominated television Political Analyst for CBS News Atlanta.
Believing in the power of knowledge and education, Dr. Richey holds several advanced degrees, making him one of the most academically credentialed individuals in American history according to America News Now. Completing doctoral research studies in federal policy reform from Clark Atlanta University, Dr. Richey also holds a PhD from the Business University of Costa Rica where his research and doctoral dissertation highlighted the nuances and intersectionality of politics, policy and religion.
Being a student of leadership, Dr. Richey completed studies in Executive Leadership at Cornell University and was accepted into a specialty executive law program at Harvard University in International Finance: Policy, Regulation, and Transactions. Understanding the connectivity of culture and science, Dr. Richey earned his Master of Science in Neuroscience from the University of Pacific, where his master’s thesis researched cognitive functionalities of brain entrainment. Dr. Richey also completed a Master of Science in Applied Physics and Quantum Mechanics from Universidad Empresarial, his master’s thesis was adapted into a book titled, ‘Ancient Egyptian Mastery of Quantum Physics, Vibratory Frequency, and Geometric Sciences: An Overview of Complex Scientific Applications in Ancient Cultures’, which quickly became the #1 Physics, #1 Science, #1 History, and #1 Egyptian Genre book on the Amazon platform.
Recently, Dr. Richey completed his Juris Doctor (law degree) from Renaissance University after transferring from Birmingham School of Law, where he attended for 2 years. He accepted the position as Director of Global Legal Operations for the multinational law firm, The International Law Group of Human & Civil Rights Attorneys P.C., also known as The Fairness Firm, with offices in the USA, Canada, France, Spain, and Cape Town Africa.
As host of The Rashad Richey Morning Show, Dr. Richey has interviewed everyone from Vice-President Kamala Harris to TI, and always brings relevant information, the best on-air debates, and most insightful interviews in media. Tune in every weekday morning from 7am-10am on News and Talk 1380-WAOK, V-103FM (HD3), www.WAOK.com, or on the Audacy App.