Members of the Illinois House passed legislation today that would require state agencies to buy American products, even if they’re not the cheapest.
Democratic Representative Jay Hoffman of Swansea is sponsoring the proposal. He says it aligns with President Donald Trump’s focus on American manufacturing.
“I could just reference your president’s executive order regarding ‘Buy American.’ This is saying our state taxpayer dollars should put our people to work and we should use the buying power of our state to create jobs and economic opportunity.”
Republicans voted against the measure. They say it doesn’t make sense given the state’s financial crisis.
The proposal still has to get through the Senate, which is also controlled by Democrats.
Governor Bruce Rauner’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
