Los Angeles--The Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce (GLAAACC) honored Assemblymember Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles) for her efforts to assist California’s small businesses that seek to obtain contracts with local and state governments.

At it annual Economic Awards Dinner in March, GLAAACC presented the Assemblymember with the Public Service Award. Bass authored a bill that was signed into law in 2005 which allows businesses to file a single application to become certified to do business in a city or county and the State of California. Prior to that, businesses had to file multiple certification forms, one to do business in a city or county and another with the Department of General Services (DGS) to do business with the State of California. DGS did not recognize a local government’s small business certification even when the certification program was similar to the State’s certification.

Assemblymember Bass’ bill went into effect as a law this past January.

“This is a common sense law that eliminated a cumbersome piece of red tape for small businesses,” said the Assemblymember. “It removes another hurdle for minority and small businesses to have a better opportunity to do business with all levels of the state government.”

Karen Bass was sworn into office in January 2005 as the first newly elected African American woman to the state legislature in more than 10 years. Bass was named by Speaker of the Assembly, Fabian Nũńez, to the executive leadership position of Majority Whip. She was also appointed as the chair of the Select Committee on Foster Care. Assemblymember Bass’ other appointments include the influential Appropriations, Business and Professions, Higher Education and Human Services committees. Assemblymember Bass is also a member of the California Legislative Women’s Caucus and serves as vice chair for the Legislative Black Caucus. Bass founded the South Los Angeles-based Community Coalition and has been a civic leader for more than 15 years.

As the Assemblymember for the 47th District, Karen Bass serves the cities and communities of Culver City, West Los Angeles, Westwood, Cheviot Hills, Leimert Park, Baldwin Hills, Windsor Hills Ladera Heights, the Crenshaw District, Little Ethiopia and portions of Korea Town and South Los Angeles.