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Motion Expressing the Sense of Council of Allegheny County , urging the General Assembly and Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to establish and adopt a “Buy American” procurement policy to stimulate the economy of the Commonwealth and promote the general welfare of its people, as well as the economy and general welfare of the people of the United States.
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WHEREAS, goods produced in the United States are sometimes at a competitive disadvantage, especially in relation to goods produced in foreign countries that subsidize their industries and that have significantly lower wage standards than the United States; and
WHEREAS, in June 2008, Philip L. Rones, Deputy Commissioner, U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, reported to the Joint Economic Committee of Congress that thus far this year, nationwide monthly manufacturing job losses have averaged 41,000, about twice the average monthly decline of 2007 and three times that of 2006; and
WHEREAS, in Pennsylvania, manufacturing employment continues to decline due to increased competition stemming from reduced overseas production costs; and
WHEREAS, such a policy would act to prevent the erosion of the Commonwealth's and this Country's manufacturing base and to prevent the continuing loss of jobs to overseas manufacturers; and
WHEREAS, buying American made products will strengthen the U.S. economy and help narrow the country's growing trade deficit; and
WHEREAS, in 2000, Allegheny County enacted a “Buy American” policy which is part of the Administrative Code, and is included in the Division of Purchasing and Supplies, Purchasing Manual, giving preference to American made or American-manufactured products; and
WHEREAS, it has been Allegheny County's experience that such a policy does not create any hardships in the process of procuring supplies, materials, equipment, etc.; and
WHEREAS, a “Buy American” procurement policy would enhance the Commonwealth's long-standing policy to aid and support the development and expansion of industry in the Commonwealth in order to foster the economic well-being of the Commonwealth and its people;
NOW THEREFORE, IT IS MOVED, that, Allegheny County Council urges the General Assembly and Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to establish and adopt a “Buy American” procurement policy mandating preferences for the purchase of domestically produced goods in direct procurements by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in order to stimulate and improve the economic well-being of the Commonwealth and its people, as well as the citizens of the United States of America.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the Allegheny County Council that a copy of this motion be transmitted by the Chief Clerk of Council to all Pennsylvania State Legislators and Senators, and to the Office of Governor Ed Rendell.