Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (I, D, WF, WE – Sag Harbor) announced that he helped pass the New York Buy American Act to strengthen both the New York and national iron and steel manufacturing industries. The measure A.8427-A builds upon current law to ensure American-made steel and iron are utilized in state road and bridge projects to help ensure taxpayer money is being used to boost the economy and create good jobs.

“Manufacturing has long been emblematic of what we do best – create and innovate,” said Assemblyman Thiele. “Times change, but we will always need to build and repair roads and bridges. Therefore, when it comes to the companies we do business with, it’s only right that we partner with the American manufacturers of iron and steel that will invest in jobs and help grow our economy.”

Since the year 2000, American manufacturing jobs have declined greatly. To combat this trend, the New York Buy American Act supports state and national manufacturers, ensuring that taxpayer-funded projects reinvest in our economy to create more decent-paying jobs.

The bill requires that contracts for the construction or reconstruction of surface roads and bridges utilize American steel and iron unless certain conditions justify an exemption. Over $1 million in contracts have been awarded by the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Office of General Services (OGS), the Dormitory Authority (DASNY), the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), the Bridge Authority, the Thruway Authority and the State University of New York (SUNY) Construction Fund.

The measure also creates a workgroup with members appointed by the governor, Senate and Assembly tasked with evaluating the legislation’s impact on reciprocal trade access with other countries. Further, the workgroup will study the possible expansion of the act to include other American-made products, such as cement, concrete and aluminum, as well as report on the act’s impact on the capital plans of the DOT, MTA and Thruway Authority.

“We need to create good jobs that people can count on,” said Assemblyman Thiele. “A manufacturing job used to mean that you and your family had a ticket to the ‘American Dream.’ The New York Buy American Act helps reinvigorate our economy, so iron and steel manufacturers can hire more workers and help make that a reality again.”