Hoffman Leading “Buy Illinois” and “Buy American” Initiatives

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – To create jobs and stimulate the sale of goods manufactured in Illinois and America, state Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, is leading efforts to require the state of Illinois to prioritize the purchase of Illinois and American-made products.

“When we buy goods made in Illinois or America, not only are we getting well-made products, we’re also creating jobs and spurring the local economy,” Hoffman said. “It’s past time for the state to take the lead and give a serious boost to the mom-and-pop manufacturing firms that are vital to the state’s and nation’s economy. Our taxpayer dollars should be used to create jobs for us.”

Hoffman is the chief sponsor of a legislative package that works to ensure the state is buying Illinois or American-made products. The proposal includes safeguards that permit the purchase of items made outside of Illinois if the cost would be burdensome to Illinois taxpayers; however American made products would take precedence over any goods made overseas.

Jason Bakk, Plant Manager from Koppers Inc, an American based manufacturing firm with multiple Illinois plants, testified in support of Hoffman’s proposals.

“We’ve seen a reduction in our carbon materials and chemicals business in the United States over the last 10 years, as our customer and supplier base has moved more and more operations overseas,” said Jason Bakk, Plant Manager from Koppers Inc. “These changes have affected jobs in our industry as well as of our customers and suppliers.”

Hoffman’s measures aim to help Illinois and U.S. manufacturing firms like Koppers by prioritizing goods made in Illinois and America, creating jobs along the way.

“My proposal invests in products made by the hard-working people of Illinois,” Hoffman said. “These measures will put folks back to work, as more local jobs are created through investment in our communities. I urge my colleagues and the governor to support these proposals and vote for Illinois and U.S. jobs.”

Hoffman’s legislative package is comprised of amendments to House Bill 137 and House Bill 138. Both bills passed out of the State Government Administration this week and are awaiting further consideration in the House.