(TRENTON) The Assembly Commerce and Economic Development committee today approved legislation sponsored by 7th District Assemblymen Jack Conners and Herb Conaway, MD, that urges all federal, state, local, quasi-public, and private entities to purchase American made products for any projects funded by the federal stimulus package, or American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
The Assemblymen drafted the measure because of their belief that, during this crucial time for the American economy, projects funded by taxpayers under the ARRA should utilize American-made products.
“This resolution is a way in which we in New Jersey can express our support for the American worker by urging anyone benefitting from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to buy American-made,” said Conners (D-Camden).
The resolution explains that, in putting the billions of dollars in stimulus funding into action, using American-made products will help employ the very workers that pay the taxes for the stimulus package spending in the first place.
“Using stimulus funds to buy American-made will produce a dual benefit, by supporting domestic companies and workers while implementing the infrastructure rebuilding, green energy efforts, and other projects that will create even more jobs,” said Conaway (D-Burlington), who testified before the Commerce and Economic Development Committee today. Also testifying in support of the bill was John Shinn, the President of the Burlington County Central Labor Union.
The resolution was approved unanimously. It now heads to the Assembly Speaker, who will decide if and when to post for a vote of the full Assembly.