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Hochul signs Buy American Salt Act into law to support jobs, state economy

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Fri, Dec 23rd 2022 12:15 pm

Legislation allows public agencies & authorities in New York to purchase salt used for deicing from mines in US

√ Supports good-paying jobs at New York salt mines in upstate communities

Gov. Kathy Hochul has signed the Buy American Salt Act (S.9441/A.7919-A) to allow New York public agencies and authorities that use rock salt or sodium chloride to purchase salt mined in the U.S.

"With the Buy American Salt Act, we are helping State and local governments purchase salt that comes from mines based in the United States – some right here in New York," Hochul said. "This is an important step to support good-paying jobs in our upstate communities while growing New York's economy."

Hochul’s team said, “The Buy American Salt Act (S.9441/A.7919-A) allows local governments to purchase rock salt mined in the United States. New York has at least two salt mines that provide rock salt for road deicing and offer good-paying jobs. Additionally, salt mined or harvested in New York state adds an estimated $3 in tax revenue for every ton of salt produced. By allowing local governments to support U.S. salt mines, this new law will help grow New York's economy while protecting jobs in upstate communities.”

New York State Sen. Tim Kennedy said, "As we build back post-pandemic, it's imperative that New York prioritize efforts to reenergize our economy. I'm proud to sponsor this bill, which was one of many small business-focused policies that the Democratic conference advanced immediately upon returning to session earlier this year. Now, with Gov. Hochul's signature, we as a state are continuing to demonstrate a collaborative commitment to job growth, advancing new streams of revenue, and creating sustainable opportunities for New York businesses to thrive."

New York State Sen. Patrick M. Gallivan said, "This law rightfully prioritizes the purchase of rock salt mined and harvested in Western New York and New York state as much as possible. It will help support hundreds of our fellow residents who work in this industry and provide important economic benefits to local communities."

President of the New York State AFL-CIO Mario Cilento said, "This new law gives state and local governments the option to go above the lowest bid to do business with American companies that adhere to responsible labor and environmental standards. By signing it into law, Gov. Hochul will help keep solid middle-class jobs in our communities and keep our hard-earned tax dollars right here in New York state.”

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