NJ Governor Vetoes So-Called ‘Buy American’ Legislation

Yesterday New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) vetoed Senate Bill 1811, a so called “Buy American” bill, saying in his veto message that he will not build an economic wall around New Jersey.  Sponsored by the state Senate’s president, Sen. Stephen Sweeney (D), this bill required state agencies, political subdivisions and school districts to source American-made products purchased through public bidding.  The legislation would have caused more harm than good by further complicating the state government’s procurement process by creating an expansive waiver process in order for public officials to secure products and services from U.S.-based businesses that are also competing in the global marketplace, resulting in fewer options and increased costs for taxpayers in the state.

The Information Technology Alliance for Public Sector (ITAPS), a division of ITI, led the outreach effort to advocate for a common-sense exception for the information and communications technology (ICT) industry and its later refinement.  ITAPS argued that New Jersey would lose access to many innovative ICT products and solutions if the IT sector were not carved out of this bill.

Gov. Christie’s veto message recognized that over 225,000 New Jersey jobs are attributed to foreign-headquartered companies that drive billions of dollars into New Jersey’s economy.  Rather than helping Americans, the legislation would have increased the price of doing business.  His message further stated that “our economy requires policies based on sound economics, and an understanding of global investment in the twenty-first century” and emphasized welcoming the best new ideas from around the globe.  “It is American exceptionalism that continues to drive investors, and investments, to our shores.”  

Public Policy Tags: Public Sector

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