24
Apr
2015
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - State Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, is sponsoring legislation that requires Illinois to purchase vehicles for its fleet that were assembled in the United States and Canada that passed the Illinois House this week.
"Illinois has a responsibility to spend our tax dollars in ways that will continue to benefit people here at home," Smiddy said. "This bill is designed to help the automotive industry return to its former strength and keep our tax dollars from helping companies overseas."
Smiddy introduced House Bill 3438 to ensure every vehicle the state buys or leases is assembled in the United States or Canada. The proposal is similar to a bill Smiddy passed in the House during the last legislative session which never received a vote in the Senate. The measure would not require the state to discard or discontinue the use of any vehicle that is currently in use. Smiddy's legislation simply requires that all future purchases of vehicles are assembled in the United States and Canada. The bill is a product of an agreement between Smiddy, the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) and the United Automobile Workers (UAW).
"Thousands of hardworking Illinois and Canadian automotive workers labor each day to bring us quality automobiles that can become valuable additions to the state's fleet of vehicles, and Illinois should lead the way in supporting businesses that keep jobs from moving overseas and supporting this skilled workforce," Smiddy said.
House Bill 3438 passed the House with bipartisan support and now awaits assignment in the Senate.
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