Quinn Signs New Illinois Law to Help Minority-Owned Businesses

Gov. Pat Quinn says a new law helping minority-owned business compete for state work will broaden participation in public works projects.

The Democrat signed a law Wednesday that allows businesses owned by women who are also racial minorities to be certified as both "female-owned" and "minority-owned."

Sponsors of the legislation say it will increase the pool of vendors in both categories and increase the chances the firms have of participating in state contracts.

The bill was sponsored by Chicago Democratic Sen. Mattie Hunter and Democratic Rep. Robyn Gabel of Evanston.

Gabel says the law will provide fair consideration and a more competitive bidding process that will lower costs for the state.

The law takes effect immediately.