LANSING – State Representative Kate Ebli (D-Monroe) today voted for a plan passed by the Michigan House to allow small businesses to participate in the state's bulk-purchasing program. The move would cut costs and create jobs for Michigan workers.
"It's vital that we work together to help our state's small businesses grow," Ebli said. "Small businesses – and the dedicated men and women who work in them – form the backbone of our economy. Helping small business owners cut costs by giving them access to the state's bulk purchasing power will protect jobs and help create new ones."
The plan allows small businesses 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, which tend to operate on extremely tight budgets.
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.
"Through this program, small businesses will be able to achieve significant savings," Ebli said. "Giving small businesses access to this key state program is another way that my colleagues in the House and I are working to create jobs and support working families."