ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – In an effort to highlight the importance of buying locally-made products, state Rep. Mike Halpin, D-Rock Island, is sponsoring legislation that will require state agencies to purchase vehicles made in the United States or Canada.

“At a time in which manufacturing and jobs are constantly being moved overseas, Illinois needs to make a statement that supporting workers and businesses here in the United States takes precedence,” Halpin said. “With a wide variety of high-quality vehicles made locally, there should be no reason our state should be purchasing cars made abroad.”

House Bill 795 will require all state agencies to ensure any car they buy or lease was assembled in the United States or Canada. The state may continue to operate currently owned foreign vehicles that were obtained through police confiscation. Supported by the United Auto Workers and the AFL-CIO, Halpin hopes this legislation will increase the vehicles bought domestically, and will send the message to residents and big businesses alike that Illinois supports local workers.

“This bill is a common-sense piece of legislation that will reaffirm our commitment to supporting highly skilled automotive workers and businesses in North America,” said Halpin. “Illinois has an obligation to prioritize the working people of our state and country that depend on these good-paying jobs.”

For more information, please contact Halpin’s full-time constituent service office at 309-558-3612 or at rephalpin@gmail.com.