Ellington

 
The state Legislative Joint Study Committee on Minority Business Participation in Public Contracts, Professional Services and Public Works will meet at 2 p.m. at the Capitol today.

During the meeting, various agencies, including the Mississippi Development Authority, Mississippi Department of Transportation, the University of Mississippi Medical Center and private businesses, will address ways to increase minority business participation.
 
"We are aware that a number of things are working, but we also know that we need to do more to stimulate broader diversity in our purchasing practices at the state level," said committee co-chairman Sen. John Horhn, D-Jackson, in a statement. "I think it would be meaningful to create business opportunities in Mississippi around minorities and women, given their large numbers in the state."