Moylan-Sponsored Measures Promoting American Jobs Passes House

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A legislative package sponsored by state Rep. Marty Moylan, D-Des Plaines, to keep more of our tax dollars here in Illinois and invest in local jobs by requiring Illinois state agencies to buy locally passed the House Wednesday.

“Taxpayer dollars should not be going to businesses overseas when there are plenty of good businesses here in Illinois and the United States,” Moylan said. “We should be helping create jobs here in our own country, not overseas.”

Moylan’s House Bill 137 mandates that state agencies must purchase American made products when making any type of purchase of goods. Moylan is also sponsoring a companion bill, House Bill 138, which mandates that state agencies must purchase Illinois manufactured goods when making any type of purchase of goods, if possible. If no plausible source is found, they are then required to purchase products made in America. The bills state that the products must be made up of more than 50 percent American or Illinoisan components. Certain restrictions are included, for items such as pharmaceutical drugs or when the price or quality does not meet the standards sought.

“My measure is one of several initiatives I’m supporting in Springfield to help create jobs and boost our economy,” Moylan said. “This is another way we can help lift up the middle class and make a brighter future for our state and country.”

Moylan is also sponsoring legislation to require the Department of Natural Resources and the Historic Preservation Agency to only sell products that are made in the United States. The most prominent location would be the Illinois State Museum. Moylan’s House Bill 2764 is another way to help highlight some of the businesses that manufacture goods throughout the state and country.

House Bill 137 and 138 both passed out of the House Wednesday and now move to the Senate for further consideration. House Bill 2764 awaits further consideration on the House floor.