FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Nicole Reigelman House Democratic Communications Office Phone: 717-787-7895 Fax: 717-783-6839 Email: nreigelm@pahouse.net	State Rep. Mark Cohen D-Philadelphia www.pahouse.com/cohen

Cohen introduces plan to generate competition for state contracts

HARRISBURG, March 15 – State Rep. Mark Cohen, D-Phila., has introduced legislation to guarantee state contracts are awarded though a competitive bidding process.

Cohen’s bill (H.B. 831) would restrict the state from relying on settlement agreements to award work and supply contracts.

“State purchasing should be made through a competitive bidding process in most circumstances,” Cohen said. “Settlement agreements should only be used on rare occasions where there is an urgent need: when there is a threat to public health, welfare or safety.”

Cohen said despite budget office procedures limiting the use of agreements, the guidelines have largely been ignored and the use of settlement agreements has grown. His bill would prohibit supplies from being purchased or work begun on any project without having a bidding period, except in the case of emergency scenarios.

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