Public universities and colleges now fall under the state’s domestic procurement policies.
Politics and government in Texas are a little wild at the moment. Those calling the shots are not always calm and even keeled.
Despite it all, Lone Star State lawmakers are still capable of producing useful legislation. Last month the Texas legislature unanimously passed a bill to expand the state’s existing Buy America laws. Unanimously! And this weekend, Gov. Greg Abbott signed it. Now, Texas’ domestic procurement requirements will cover construction at public colleges and universities.
Is the procurement related to newly built dorms and university halls or athletics facilities a huge market? No, it’s not, but the expansion is a good idea: Public spending should encourage domestic economic activity, which is what domestic manufacturing creates. It also creates jobs, which is why Buy America rules are so popular.
Anyway: Good job Texas!