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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2015 - 2016
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | February 1, 2015 10:59 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Mark B. Cohen |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | American-made Flags on School Grounds |
| I plan to reintroduce HB2033 of 2014 in the near future that would require public schools in Pennsylvania to purchase American-made flags for display on school grounds. My bill would also require that school districts give preference to the purchase of other American-made products provided they are similarly priced, and of similar value and usefulness. I am introducing this bill because I think it is important to support the development and expansion of industry in the state, and thus the economic well-being of the Commonwealth and its people. A similar initiative that I supported and amended, HB 530 of 2013, passed the House on November 21, 2013, by a vote of 198-0. This bill required the purchase of American-made flags by state agencies. My amendment expanded the scope of HB 530 to require that state agencies give preference to the purchase of other American-made products. The measure passed the house by unanimous vote and remained in the Senate State Government Committee until the end of the 2013-2014 Legislative Session. I feel very strongly about the importance of buying American-made products. I am glad that HB 530 passed the House, but I think that public schools – funded with taxpayer dollars – should also abide by the mandate to purchase American-made products where feasible. All products, whether it is paper, pens, chalk, or flags, should be purchased from companies producing these goods in the United States – preferably Pennsylvania! We need to stimulate our economy wherever possible and avoid the embarrassment of using items made from foreign countries in schools funded by taxpayer dollars. If you have any questions about this important legislation, please contact Kathy Seidl of my office at 78704117 or kseidl@pahouse.net. Thank you. Previous co-sponsors of HB 2033: BROWNLEE, CALTAGIRONE, CLYMER, DeLUCA, GILLEN, GINGRICH, KIRKLAND, KORTZ, MAHONEY, MULLERY, MURT, NEILSON, QUINN, READSHAW, SACCONE, STEVENSON, THOMAS AND WATSON. |
Introduced as HB490