Vella Legislation Supporting American Businesses Signed into Law

admin — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 15:39:41 +0000

ROCKFORD, Ill. – To help prioritize supporting American businesses, state Rep. Dave Vella, D-Rockford, passed legislation requiring Illinois state institutions to purchase Illinois state flags that are made in the United States.

“After a year in which many businesses were hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is essential that we are doing everything we can to give them support,” said Vella. “To help our economy recover from the pandemic, we must make sure we are supporting American businesses in every way we can.”

Currently, Illinois state institutions must purchase American flags that are made in America, but are not required to purchase Illinois state flags that are made in America. To ensure that tax dollars are being used to strengthen the American economy, Vella introduced House Bill 605, which requires Illinois institution to purchase American-made Illinois state flags. The bill was signed into law by Gov. Pritzker last week.

During his time in the General Assembly, Vella has worked to provide relief to local businesses. This session, he helped pass legislation allowing businesses to circumnavigate the State and Local Tax (SALT) cap, reducing their tax bills. He also has met with business owners across the district this summer to hear how he can help get them the support they need.

“As a small business owner, I know how important it is to provide support to local businesses, especially after an incredibly difficult year for so many businesses,” said Vella. “I would like to thank the Governor for signing this legislation directing additional dollars to American businesses. Moving forward, I will continue to work in Springfield and in my district to get businesses the resources they deserve.”

Rep. David A. Vella

(D-Loves Park)
68th District

Springfield Office:
242A-W Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-0455

District Office:
4007 N Mulford Rd
Loves Park, IL 61111
(815) 329-6741

Kifowit-Backed Bills Promoting Local Jobs Passes House

admin — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 22:21:28 +0000

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Two pieces of legislation sponsored by state Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego, 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.

“We have a duty to do everything we can to help promote Illinois and American businesses,” Kifowit said. “These two measures will help ensure that taxpayer dollars are going towards businesses based in Illinois and the United States, not overseas.”

Kifowit’s House Bill 137 mandates that state agencies must prioritize American made products when making any type of purchase of goods. Kifowit is also sponsoring a companion bill, House Bill 138, which mandates that state agencies must show preference to 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.

“I have been fighting in Springfield for the passage of commonsense measures that lift-up the middle class and create good paying jobs here in our community,” Kifowit said. “I will continue to look for commonsense ways we can protect taxpayer dollars and direct those funds towards creating local jobs.”

Kifowit 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. Kifowit’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.

Rep Stephanie Kifowit

(D-Aurora)
84th District

Visit Rep Kifowit’s website

Springfield Office:
200-1S Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-8028

District Office:
1677 Montgomery Rd.
Ste. 116
Aurora, IL 60504
(630) 585-1308
(630) 585-1357 FAX

promote Illinois and American businesses | Illinois House Democratic Caucus