Willett Legislative Success: Expanding MWBE Mentorship Opportunities

Willett Public Affairs is proud to have played a central role in passing S.6315 (Sen. James Sanders)/A.7235 (Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn) in the legislature this year (the bill passed on June 11). This legislation significantly expands opportunities for New York’s small, minority, and women-owned business enterprises (MWBEs) in the public construction sector.

S.6315/A.7235 extends the current MWBE mentor-protégé framework. For the first time, MWBE subcontractors working directly for a contractor, as opposed to a public agency, will be able to participate in agency-sponsored MWBE mentorship programs. This change fills a long-standing gap in the law, giving certain MWBE subcontractors access to mentorship, training, and capacity-building opportunities that can help them grow into larger, more competitive firms.

Willett worked with key legislative sponsors (special thanks to Senator Sanders and Assemblymember Bichotte Hermelyn), stakeholders, and other trade associations to pass this bill. Representing the Subcontractors Trade Association (STA), Willett helped amplify the voices of subcontractors who understood the day-to-day challenges of doing business in New York’s competitive construction environment. Together, we built consensus around the need for reform in this area, provided lawmakers with critical policy insights, and developed political and legislative strategies to shepherd this bill through the Senate and Assembly in 2025.

S.6315/A.7235 is awaiting delivery to the governor for final consideration and Willett is working diligently with STA to lobby for its final enactment into law.