Pennsylvania AFL-CIO Urges State Senate to Pass House Bill 530 Buy American Legislation

HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 26, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Just one week after the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO held a Press Conference in support of legislation to keep it made in America and made in Pennsylvania, the members of the State House of Representatives unanimously passed Buy American legislation House Bill 530 (198-0) giving preference to American made products in their procurement policies.

The bill included an amendment to the original legislation which required state agencies purchasing American and Commonwealth flags, to purchase flags made in America only. The amendment, introduced by Rep. Mark Cohen, which was later adopted, requires Commonwealth agencies and the general assembly, when making purchases, to give preference to American-made products.

"This is a very important boost to American manufacturers as well as Pennsylvania manufacturers and the working people employed in the manufacturing sector. We are pleased that our press conference impressed upon the State House members of both parties of the importance of expanding buy American policies. Giving preference to Pennsylvania and American made products will help ensure that taxpayer dollars support good jobs for our families and communities and not be used to undermine our valued manufacturing sector," Pennsylvania AFL-CIO President Rick Bloomingdale said.

"Now that we will be making the much needed additional investments in our transportation infrastructure, it is critical that the materials that are used to build and rebuild the highways and mass transit systems are made in America and made in Pennsylvania. It is important that every dollar that is spent goes to supporting American and Pennsylvania manufacturers and the workers they employ," Secretary-Treasurer Frank Snyder remarked.

"We encourage the State Senate to pass this legislation, to put Pennsylvania and America back to work," Bloomingdale emphasized.

SOURCE Pennsylvania AFL-CIO