Since 2000, the United States has lost more than a quarter of all domestic manufacturing jobs, a decline of nearly 5 million, many of which were union jobs. Union members typically earn higher wages and have better access to benefits like health insurance and retirement plans. This loss of union manufacturing jobs has hollowed out communities, including many across Pennsylvania, and robbed Americans of family-sustaining employment opportunities.
 
When a public entity, like the state or local government, spends money to procure goods, we must focus on investing in local communities and ensuring workers making the products are treated fairly and compensated well. As such, I will soon be introducing legislation that would create the Buy America, Buy Union Grant Program in the Department of Community and Economic Development. This program would provide grants to reimburse local government entities for a portion of the procurement cost for American- and union-made vehicles.
 
This grant program helps invest in and incentivize American manufacturing, keeping jobs in the US and keeping money in our communities. Please join me in cosponsoring this important legislation to help revive American manufacturing and support good-paying union jobs.