Happy New Year! I hope this message finds you in good health as we continue to be challenged by COVID-19.
On January 1st, it was my honor and pleasure to begin my term as the SFNE President. As one of my first tasks, I want to update you on the SFNE Buy American Legislative Campaign, which follows.
The Buy American Campaign kicked into high gear in early 2021. Since then, our Buy American Task Force has worked tirelessly on behalf of the New England steel fabrication industry.
For 2021, the initiative focused on a legislative solution that would allow Massachusetts fabricators to compete for taxpayer-funded construction projects instead of going to foreign companies.
One of the first steps in the process was to retain the services of Delaney and Associates to represent SFNE during the legislative campaign.
The SFNE Buy American Task Force also embarked on a fundraising campaign needed to finance the effort. We raised $76,200, and SFNE is grateful for the support received for this critical effort.
In addition to fundraising efforts, the Task Force also developed the building blocks of proof needed for legislators and public officials to understand and support SFNE’s Buy American efforts.
SFNE also updated the Multiplier Effect Analysis, demonstrating that for every $1.00 spent on domestic fabricated steel, $1.50 is generated in domestic economic activity. Many thanks for the research and expertise provided by Dr. Robert Cuomo from Cuomo Consulting Group for his work on updating the multiplier effect.
We addressed concerns regarding Federated Trade Agreements and the Commerce Clause. Special thanks are due to Attorney Mike Sams, from Kenney & Sams for his analysis. Our Task Force also documented that 80 – 90% of school construction projects have been awarded to foreign competition in the last ten years.
As work progressed, Massachusetts House and Senate Budget Amendments were filed; highlighting the pressing need for an American preference for steel fabrication and garnered significant sponsorship support.
Since then, the Task Force has also met with Governor Charlie Baker’s administration staff as well as House and Senate Leadership to promote our cause. Task Force Members have also testified before numerous legislative committees, worked to increase member-legislator outreach, and engaged in media campaigns..
This past fall, legislation was filed in Massachusetts to reduce publicly funded steel fabrication jobs awarded to foreign companies. Massachusetts Senate Bill S2546, filed by Senator Joan Lovely (D-Salem), would require cities and towns to give preference to U.S. manufacturers when buying steel, iron, and other materials for new buildings and renovations. This legislation currently has 24 sponsors and is awaiting action in the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.
Most recently, similar Buy American legislation was filed in New Hampshire. Senate Bill #438 was filed by Senator Tom Sherman (District 24). This bill would require publicly funded construction projects to give preference to U.S. manufacturers when buying steel, iron, and other materials for new buildings and renovations.
Several SFNE members from New Hampshire testified in person on Thursday, January 13th before the Senate Executive Departments and Administration Committee.
On behalf of the SFNE Buy American Task Force and the Board of Directors, we urge you to join our continued efforts in 2022. When SFNE asks you to make a call or send a letter to a legislator, please know this is critically important. We would also appreciate your financial support so we can continue making progress. You can mail a check to the address listed below or use this secure online form if you can donate.
SFNE has made significant progress, but we will remain focused on our goal to provide relief from unfair competition as we move into 2022. While much more work is ahead, SFNE remains optimistic for success.
Best,
Stephen
Stephen Capone
Capone Iron Corporation
