LANSING – State Representative Terry Brown (D-Pigeon) voted today for a plan that will allow small businesses to participate in the state's bulk-purchasing program, a move that will cut their costs and help create good-paying jobs for our workers.
"It makes sense to support our small businesses by letting them tap in to the state's bulk purchasing power to cut their costs," Brown said. "Since small businesses tend to operate on extremely tight budgets, being able to use this cost-cutting program can make a big difference for them. Owners can use their savings to expand their companies and hire more workers."
The plan, which now goes to the Senate, allows small business owners to participate in the cooperative bulk purchasing program administered through the Department of Management and Budget (DMB). Using the program will reduce the costs of purchasing goods and services for small businesses.
Small businesses are defined as ones that are independently owned and operated, employ fewer than 30 employees, and have gross annual sales of less than $1 million. Neither small businesses nor vendors will be required to participate in the program. Businesses would pay a small fee to participate.
Currently, access to the state's cooperative bulk-purchasing program is limited to certain governmental bodies and nonprofit hospitals.
"I am proud to support the small businesses throughout the Thumb that enrich our communities and provide a living for so many working families," Brown said. "Allowing small businesses to cut costs by using the state's buying power will strengthen them and, in turn, strengthen our economy."