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Baldrige Not-for-Profit Legislation Clears House Committee

Rep. Brad Miller (D-NC) introduces Baldrige not-for-profit bill in the House Science Committee. Looking on are Rep. Bart Gordon (D-TN), left, and committee chairman Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY).

Washington, D.C., Feb. 4, 2004--  Legislation to establish a not-for-profit category for the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award cleared the House Science Committee today.  The measure was received with bipartisan enthusiasm.  Principal sponsors are Rep. Brad Miller (D-NC), Rep. Melissa Hart (R-PA), and Rep. Dennis Moore (D-KS). 

In his remarks during the committee markup, Rep. Miller stated, "The Baldrige Awards have been remarkably effective in focusing on criteria for excellence and the best practices in achieving excellence.  Government agencies, religious organizations, trade and professional associations and other nonprofit organizations will benefit greatly from competing for Baldrige Awards."

Rep. Hart added, "In the spirit of recognizing and inspiring organizations to higher quality standards, we should include nonprofits in the prestigious Baldrige Award."

Science Committee Chairman Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY) commented that the move would enhance quality management among nonprofits by "injecting the spirit of friendly competition into the community."  He added that he expects to see some impressive award recipients in this new category in the years to come.

Rep. Melissa Hart (R-PA) makes the case for Baldrige expansion before the House Science Committee.

ASQ President Ken Case issued the following statement on this development: "This is a great day for the not-for-profit sector in America.  Now that the Baldrige expansion provisions have been reported out of the House Science Committee, I feel confident that the bill will soon pass in the U.S. House and Senate.  Then this sector will at last be able to enjoy the many benefits offered by the Baldrige Award program.  Many organizations have worked to make this happen.  We're grateful to Chairman  Boehlert and Chairman Ehlers for moving the bill through the committee and to Reps. Miller and Hart for introducing the legislation."

Designated H.R. 3389, the legislation would amend the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to permit the expansion.

ASQ representatives also are working to have similar legislation introduced in the United States Senate.  Once that is accomplished, the focus will shift to Appropriations committees to secure funding for the expansion.