Virginia lawmakers recently passed a bill requiring state agencies to privilege bids for government contracts made by small businesses, especially those owned by women, minorities, and disabled veterans. In Orwellian fashion, the bill includes a clause prohibiting discrimination against bidders on the basis of “sex,” “race,” or “status as a service disabled veteran.” On Saturday, the Virginia General Assembly sent House Bill (H.B.) 61 to Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s desk. The bill, which passed along party lines earlier this month, establishes the Small SWaM Business Procurement Enhancement Program to increase the percentage of discretionary spending not just to small businesses…

Ripple, the payments-focused blockchain company closely associated with the XRP Ledger (XRP) network, is expanding its digital asset services in Brazil while preparing to apply for a license with the country’s central bank, a move that would place it under the nation’s new crypto framework.The company said Tuesday it is rolling out a broader set of services that bundle cross-border payments, digital asset custody, brokerage and treasury tools. It said the combined offering targets banks and fintechs that want to move money across borders, hold crypto and manage liquidity in one system.It said it also plans to apply for a…

AI & Crypto

Read More

Politics

Don't Miss!