Assemblyman Cusick Co-Sponsored Legislation, “New York Buy American Act”, Signed by Governor Cuomo

Today, legislation known as the “New York Buy American Act” (A.8427-A), introduced by Majority Leader Joseph Morelle (D-Irondequoit) and co-sponsored by Assemblyman Michael Cusick (D-Staten Island), was signed into law by Governor Cuomo.

The bill would set out to provide that all New York State construction contracts valued over one million dollars would contain a provision that the iron, steel and concrete used must be made in the United States. There is also an additional stipulation that enacts provisions relating to a working group between NYS and Canada.

Cusick had proposed a similar bill (A.4386) in 2015 that would have established a "Made in America Rating System" (MARS) which would require the use of American made iron, steel and manufactured products in certain government contracts and prioritize the selection of such products through the system.

“It is vital that our tax dollars are spent sensibly, which means prioritizing those manufacturing and construction jobs for our local workers around the state,” said Assemblyman Cusick. “Buying American means bringing more jobs into New York by reinvesting into local businesses, who will in turn will properly support their workers and ultimately bring a healthier balance into our local economy.”