There’s a reason Buffalo, New York is called an “All-America City.”

It’s because of our rich history in producing the materials that made America - from the auto industry to steel manufacturing to the green technologies of today.

Now, we have an opportunity in New York State to expand the manufacturing base that Buffalo is well known for and help to create good family-sustaining Middle Class jobs.

Governor Andrew Cuomo has placed in his Executive Budget groundbreaking Buy American Legislation, which would require all State Entities to purchase products made in the USA for all contracts and procurements over $100,000.

The proposal includes not only structural and component parts of public works projects, but rolling stock, building systems and other commodities.

Electricity, fuel, and various software products are excluded and there are exclusions for emergency contracting and lack of product availability.

However, the United Steelworkers and the Labor Movement believes that when Albany buys goods and services with our tax dollars they should be American-made wherever possible.

And an overwhelming majority of New Yorkers agree!

A January 2017 poll by the Siena Research Institute found 82% of New Yorkers support the governor’s approach - giving preference to American-made products in State Procurement.

The state spends billions of dollars every year on the procurement of a variety of goods and services and it makes sense to support companies that invest in American operations and create jobs for American Workers.

It makes no sense to send our tax dollars overseas when domestic companies and Workers are ready to do the work at a competitive price.

We should also invest in plants and manufacturing in New York State, including plants as diverse as BW Heat Treating, Eberl Iron Works, API Heat Transfer and Sumitomo Rubber. 

Western New York is ready to deliver to the rest of New York State. 

Enacting Buy American Legislation sends a strong statement about our commitment as a State to companies that manufacture and operate here and hire New York Workers.

We have the best skilled workers in the world ready to do the job and it’s time to invest in them - not send their jobs elsewhere.