Mussman Backs Bills Requiring Illinois to Buy Local

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Michelle Mussman, D-Schaumburg, recently supported two pieces of legislation that will require Illinois state agencies to buy locally, which not only keeps more tax dollars circulating here at home, but also invests in keeping local jobs within our state borders.

“Small and medium-sized businesses are the drivers of local economic activity and stability,” said Mussman. “When we shop at mom-and-pop stores here in the community, we’re supporting our neighbors who live in our town, go to our churches or synagogues, donate to our local animal shelters, and coach our Little League teams. The bills I supported ensure that the state of Illinois is putting its money where its mouth is by supporting our local businesses and communities.”

Mussman backed House Bill 137, which mandates that state agencies must purchase American made products when making any type of purchase of goods. Mussman also supported 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.

House Bills 137 and 138 passed the House last month.

“Illinois should be using tax-payer dollars to invest in local entrepreneurs who employ more people directly per dollar of revenue than large corporations and are the customers of local printers, accountants, wholesalers, and farms,” said Mussman. “Instead of outsourcing our hard-earned tax dollars overseas or out of state, let’s help our community invest that money right here at home. By lifting Illinois’ economy from the bottom up, we can develop a solid foundation of small, locally owned and operated businesses.”