BILL NUMBER: S7837
SPONSOR: RYAN C
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the economic development law and the state finance law,
in relation to establishing the buy American, buy union grant program
and the buy American, buy union grant fund
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
To promote domestic manufacturing and union labor by establishing a
state grant program that incentivizes local governments to procure
union-made vehicles manufactured in the United States.
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1: Adds a new Article 23 to the Economic Development Law, estab-
lishing the Buy American, Buy Union Grant Program within the Department
of Economic Development. The program will provide reimbursement grants
to political subdivisions for up to 20% of the cost of consumer or
commercial vehicles that are union-made in the U.S. Defines key terms
including "union-made," "vehicle," "political subdivision," and others.
Establishes an application process with required documentation (vehicle
description, union certification, procurement evidence). Grants will be
awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until program funds are
exhausted.
Section 2: Adds a new § 98-e to the State Finance Law to create the Buy
American, Buy Union Grant Fund, administered jointly by the State Comp-
troller and Commissioner of Taxation and Finance. Funds may come from
state appropriations, federal funds, private donations, or other
contributions. Unspent funds roll over annually and remain dedicated to
the program.
Section 3: Sets an effective date of 60 days after becoming law, with
immediate authority for the Department to implement necessary regu-
lations.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
At a time when supply chains are vulnerable and working families are
under economic strain, New York State has a unique opportunity to
support both domestic manufacturing and union labor. This legislation
ensures that state dollars spent on vehicles go toward products made in
the United States by union workers under fair labor standards. By incen-
tivizing political subdivisions to choose union-made vehicles, this
program strengthens local economies through job creation and retention,
rewards ethical labor practices in procurement decisions, and reduces
reliance on foreign supply chains that may not uphold the same labor
protections. Municipalities are often under budget pressure when replac-
ing vehicles. A modest state grant-up to 20%-can make the difference in
choosing a union-made product, thus aligning public spending with New
York's values.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
TBD
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect 60 days after becoming law.