Assemblymember Matthew Titone (D-Staten Island, 61st AD) and Senator Andrew Lanza (R-Staten Island, 24th SD) announced that they have introduced legislation requiring authorities, such as the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) or Port Authority, to conduct public hearings before purchasing supplies for capital projects costing over $100,000 from oversea vendors, such as China.
“The MTA recently decided to purchase approximately 15,000 tons of steel from China to rebuild the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. They should be obligated to listen to the concerns of American steel workers and ironworkers, residents who frequently use the bridge, and anyone else who has questions about their purchasing decisions,” Titone said.
“When public dollars are put to use, it is the responsibility of our State Authorities such as the MTA to ensure that the funds are used properly and are spent in a way that reinvests in our nation’s resources,” said Senator Lanza. “This is a first step in ensuring that the public can comment and work to prevent purchases such as this. Unfortunately Federal Law precludes us from mandating the complete prohibition of overseas purchases.”
Responding to the proposed legislation, MTA Board Member Allen P. Cappelli said, “Government and public authorities should be pressed to look for opportunities to support the American work force. Transparency will ensure that the costs and the benefits are properly balanced."
Staten Islander Priscilla Marco, a member and representative of the United Steelworkers added, “When I reached out to the Staten Island delegation about the MTA’s plans to buy Chinese steel, Assemblyman Titone immediately called me back to say he would address this issue through legislation. He gets a gold star.”
The legislation will seek to solicit public comments regarding funding proposals for capital projects and would require authorities to publicize, conduct, and take the information gathered from hearings into consideration before making purchases overseas. Titone concluded, “Amending the public authorities law with these changes will ensure concerns, including keeping our money and jobs in America, are heard and understood by administrators making purchasing decisions.”
- New York State of Health: Understanding the Affordable Care Act
- Assemblymember Matthew Titone: October 3rd Deadline to File Claim with 9/11 Compensation Fund
- Assemblyman Matthew Titone ensures direct-care services to New York’s most vulnerable are restored
- Assemblyman Titone: Titone and Lanza Have Introduced Legislation Requiring Public Hearings Before Oversea Purchases
- Effects of Federal Sequestration are Beginning to be Felt at Home