Legislators Introduce “Buy American – Buy Wisconsin” Package

MADISON – Today, Wisconsin legislators led by Senators Brad Pfaff and Chris Larson and Representatives Tip McGuire and Lisa Subeck introduced legislation that would help ensure the purchases that the State of Wisconsin makes are made in Wisconsin and in the United States.

• LRB-6235/1, the Buy American Act, requires that the State of Wisconsin purchase goods that are – to the greatest extent possible – made in the United States.
• LRB-6236/1 amends Wisconsin’s state constitution, which currently requires that stationary purchases be awarded to the lowest bidder. This legislation requires that Wisconsin purchase from the lowest bidder operating in the state, unless no Wisconsin-based companies bid.
• LRB-0097/1 sets a goal that at least 20% of all purchases made by the State of Wisconsin are from Wisconsin-based businesses.

“The purchases that our government is already making can and should be used to create good-paying jobs here in Wisconsin and in the United States,” said Representative Tip McGuire, “Buy American and Buy Wisconsin policies create a virtuous cycle that improves our local economies and supports our workers.”

“Supporting local, American-made products and the workers that create those goods is something I think we can all agree upon,” said Senator Brad Pfaff, “Our products are some of the best in the world. We should make sure our state government prioritizes products made here at home, strengthening our local workforce and supply chain.”

“State government has the responsibility to make sure that tax dollars are spent supporting Wisconsin communities,” said Representative Lisa Subeck, “There is no better way to do that than by using those tax dollars to support businesses and workers right here in Wisconsin.”

“The more we can reinvest in our neighbors the better. Public dollars should go toward the public good. When we invest more of our taxpayer dollars in Wisconsin, we support Wisconsin workers and families,” said Senator Chris Larson.

The Buy American package is also proudly supported by Wisconsin labor leaders:

“Putting American and Wisconsin workers first should be our top priority. This set of bills will encourage state and local procurement of American- and Wisconsin-made products, thereby driving growth in our manufacturing sector, creating family-supporting jobs at home, and strengthening our middle class. Now is the time for Wisconsin to pass these commonsense bills.”

–         Stephanie Bloomingdale, President of the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO

“Wisconsin’s workers are the backbone of our economy. Buy American and Buy Wisconsin policies are the right thing to do to grow our middle class and support the hard-working men and women of our state and our country.”

–         Hunter Scott, Business Representative, IAMAW District 10

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.