Washington, D.C. — Gov. Tina Kotek held a signing ceremony on Thursday in celebration of a new law that mandates any state taxpayer-funded construction projects use American-made steel, iron, coating for steel and iron, and manufactured products. The state’s new Buy America requirements mirror federal provisions for federally funded construction projects.
Alliance for American Manufacturing President Scott Paul said:
“Oregon’s Buy America law is a victory for the state’s workers, manufacturers, and communities. Rather than shipping the state’s taxpayer dollars to offshore businesses, Oregon is reinvesting in the local economy and cultivating a domestic supply chain that reduces the state’s carbon footprint.
“This law aligns one of the West’s great manufacturing states with the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s domestic content preferences, ensuring that the infrastructure that will keep our nation running for decades to come is Made in America.”
“We’re grateful to Gov. Tina Kotek, House Speaker Dan Rayfield (D-Corvalis), Reps. Lucetta Elmer (R-McMinnville) and Dacia Grayber (D-SW Portland & E Beaverton) along with BlueGreen Alliance Oregon State Policy Manager Ranfis Villatoro, the United Steelworkers, and the Ironworkers for bringing this law to fruition.”
Oregon House Speaker Dan Rayfield (D-Corvallis) said:
“This legislation ensures Oregonians’ hard-earned tax dollars go to domestic manufacturers, maintaining family wage jobs and a greener, more sustainable supply chain.”
Rep. Lucetta Elmer (R-McMinnville) said:
“I am proud to have Chief Sponsored this legislation alongside Speaker Rayfield and Representative Grayber. As tensions remain high around the globe, it is vital that we prioritize American made products whenever possible. This commonsense legislation ensures we are investing in our local businesses while limiting our dependence on foreign markets.”
Rep. Dacia Grayber (D-SW Portland & E Beaverton) said:
“Buy America policy empowers and supports our strong domestic manufacturing ecosystem. We have Oregon companies producing steel and other products carbon neutrally, and this policy means we don’t have to choose between a green economy and investing in local manufacturing—we can have both. I’m excited about the opportunities this will bring to Oregon.”
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