What started as an effort to give veterans-owned companies an advantage in getting contracts for state business has run aground again.  The problem this time is whether almost everybody should have an advantage.

The original idea was to give companies owned by veterans five extra points in the ratings used to pick contractors for the state.  Critics argued the proposal would relegate everybody else to a second-class status.

A new proposal would wipe out all points bonuses for special groups but give them to all Missouri businesses so they’d have an advantage over out-of-state companies wanting state business.

Some senators say that’s a good idea, but——

Senator Maria Chapelle-Nadal of Ferguson says some groups—mainly, women-and-minority-owned  businesses still need that advantage.

                                                 Chapelle-Nadal mp3

Chapelle-Nadal says she has some sympathy for the idea of giving all Missouri businesses an advantage over out-of-state companies, she’s “nervous” about eliminating the advantage now given to businesses owned by women and minorities.

The inability to resolve that issue has pushed the bill to the sidelines again with only a few days left in the legislative session. .