Whitman orders study of economic inequity, helps defend affirmative action plan

Thursday, April 6, 2000 | 4:53 a.m.

Whitman ordered the review of past racial discrimination in the state's business community in part to provide evidence for supporting an affirmative action plan.

"There is no better opportunity than the one at hand to diversify and intensify economic opportunities and prosperity as an insurance policy against national and regional economic woes," Whitman said in a statement.

The governor also directed state agencies and authorities to find ways to develop new economic programs.

Whitman wants the 22-member commission to update and expand current studies used in the state's procurement programs for businesses owned by minorities and women.

A federal judge in February struck down what is called a "set-aside" requiring casinos to reserve at least 15 percent of their contracts for companies headed by women or minorities.

A lawsuit to fight the rule was brought by an association of area contractors who did not qualify for the set-aside, including construction contractors claiming their low bids were rejected. The judge found the set-aside to be unconstitutional because it created an "unequal playing field."

The governor later said a study would provide the evidence that administration lawyers need to defend in court New Jersey's affirmative action business programs at Atlantic City casinos and elsewhere in state and perhaps local government.

Whitman said the key to defending such programs is evidence that