WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) continued his long-standing support for small businesses in Maine and around the country by announcing his co-sponsorship of legislation that would encourage women’s business ownership and give women-owned small businesses (WOSBs) more opportunities to win federal contracts. The Women’s Small Business Procurement Parity Act (S.2481), introduced by Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), would provide tools available under other contracting programs to help federal agencies meet the goal of awarding 5 percent of all federal contracts to WOSBs.

“Small businesses are the engines that drive America forward,” Senator King said.  “I’m proud to join with several of my colleagues in support of expanded opportunities for women-owned small businesses, and I will continue to be an advocate for all of America’s hard-working business owners.”

Senator Shaheen introduced the bill in June along with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash). The bill is deficit neutral, and similar legislation has already passed the House of Representatives.

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