Stuart Promotes Buy Local Efforts, Encourages Residents to Support Area Businesses

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Encouraging area residents to support local businesses, state Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, is launching an online petition that highlights efforts to spend tax dollars on local businesses instead of foreign companies.

“Too many of our tax dollars have been sent overseas, instead of supporting the hardworking men and women who call our state home,” Stuart said. “I support common sense proposals that work to put these dollars back in our community.”

Stuart’s petition, which can be found at https://goo.gl/djPCFK or on Stuart’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/RepKatieStuart, urges the state to prioritize the purchase of American-made and Illinois-made products through House Bill 137 and House Bill 138.

Additionally, Stuart is encouraging residents to submit nominations for her “Business of the Month” program. Small and mid-sized businesses that are recognized will receive a visit from Stuart and a certificate of recognition. To qualify, a business must be located in the 112th District, which includes Caseyville, Collinsville, Edwardsville, Granite City, O’Fallon, Fairview Heights, Glen Carbon and Maryville. To submit a nomination or to obtain a small “Buy Local” window sign, residents and business owners can email RepKatieStuart@gmail.com or call 365-6650.

“Local shops and companies employ our friends, our neighbors and our family members,” Stuart said. “These businesses that take root and invest in our community are critical to our area’s economic success. For me, it’s important that we support them and recognize those with an outstanding commitment to our community.”