Proposal Affecting the Women’s Procurement Program

February 15, 2008

There
are times when it is important for us as AWC members, as well as women,
to raise our voices in protest to policies that could be put in place
in Washington, DC.  I believe that this is such a time.  As you may
know AWC is a coalition partner with WIPP (Women Impacting Public
Policy).  WIPP is a strong voice for women in business and women
business owners in Washington, DC.  The Small Business Administration
(SBA) is proposing a new rule for the Women’s Procurement Program,
which will adversely affect women who own their own business and in the
long run could affect women in business.  I would encourage you to let
your voice be heard on this matter.  You can find out more about the
Women’s Procurement Program that the SBA is proposing by going to www.wipp.org.   

Also below is a paragraph from WIPP giving you an update and specific directions for writing a letter to the SBA:

Dear WIPP Members and Friends:

Our
hard work is paying off!  The momentum decrying the SBA’s proposed new
rule for the Women’s Procurement Program has grown exponentially.  In
the past five weeks, WIPP members have written op-eds, been interviewed
and quoted by local and national media, and participated in online
podcasts.  Senators and Representatives in Washington have heard our
call and, as a result, held Congressional hearings and briefings,
circulated ‘Dear Colleague’ letters, and sent SBA Administrator Steve
Preston letters lambasting the SBA’s proposed new rule.

We
have worked hard and seen results but there is still one more task.  It
is vital that we each, individually, demand that the SBA withdraw the
rule.  Submit your comments to the SBA directly; the official comment
period ends February 25.  Do not miss this chance to have your
business’ voice go on the record.

We have posted a sample letter to the SBA on our website.  Please click here and follow the simple instructions; or if you prefer, go directly to the SBA comment section and write your own comments.  Please forward Anna Lubiner at alubiner@wipp.org your comments to the SBA.

Do not miss this important opportunity to stand up and be heard.   The deadline for comments is February 25th, so act now!

Thank you,

Sheryl Liddle

AWC National Board Chair