She said the the New York State Buy American Act takes into account trade the trade relationships with Canada to help ensure the North Country economy is protected.
“The United States and our North Country economies were built on manufacturing, and while times have changed the need for these industries has not. We must ensure that American manufacturers – especially in New York – can continue to thrive and create good-paying jobs,” she said.
The bill requires that certain state agency contracts use American-made iron and steel on road surface and bridge works when the project exceeds $1 million. The bill ensures tha taxpayers money is reinvested here at home.
The bill is cognizant of valuable trade ties with Canada, a large and beneficial factor in the North Country economy, Assemblywoman Jenne stressed.
Changes to the original bill were made, including establishing a workgroup with members appointed by the governor, Senate and Assembly to analyze and determine the impact the act will have on reciprocal international trade agreements.
“While reinforcing American industries is a great step toward a prosperous future, remembering the mutually beneficial ties we have across the border is just as important. This measure boosts manufacturing here while protecting our important trade relationships with our friends and neighbors to the north.”
The North Country has seen the loss of several hundred manufacturing jobs over the past few decades, and American manufacturing jobs have declined by 5 million since the year 2000.
The New York Buy American Act requires that contracts over $1 million awarded by the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Office of General Services (OGS), the Dormitory Authority (DASNY), the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), the Bridge Authority, the Thruway Authority and the State University of New York (SUNY) Construction Fund, for the construction or reconstruction of surface roads and bridges, utilize American steel and iron unless certain conditions justify an exemption.
By supporting state and national manufacturers, the bill ensures that taxpayer-funded projects reinvest in our economy to create more decent- paying jobs.
The workgroup will also study the possible expansion of the act to include other American-made products such as cement, concrete and aluminum, as well as report on the act’s impact on the capital plans of the DOT, MTA and Thruway Authority.
'This legislation is a good step in offering protections to manufacturers in this country so our state dollars are supporting manufacturing jobs here in the North Country, New York State and around the United States," Assemblywoman Jenne said.
"It is clearly critical for the health of our economy and our national security to ensure we continue to have these important manufacturing jobs in New York State while taking into account the unique relationships and partnerships we have with Canadian businesses and manufacturers," Assemblywoman Jenne said.
Ronald P. McDougall, president of the Jefferson-Lewis-St. Lawrence Counties Central Trades and Labor Council, AFL-CIO, praised the state Assembly for passing the legislation.
"It is certainly a start that is very important to our economy. We have a major union employer in the community where I serve as mayor, and this could be a real good thing for Cives Steel, a major employer in Gouverneur. It also offers an opportunity for other positive ramifications," Mr. McDougall said.
Ronald P. McDougall, president of the Jefferson-Lewis-St. Lawrence Counties Central Trades and Labor Council, AFL-CIO, praised the state Assembly for passing the legislation.
"It is certainly a start that is very important to our economy. We have a major union employer in the community where I serve as mayor, and this could be a real good thing for Cives Steel, a major employer in Gouverneur. It also offers an opportunity for other positive ramifications," Mr. McDougall said.