IL SR0140

Recognizes the decline of the U.S. steel industry from 650,000 workers in the 1940s-1950s to approximately 140,000 workers today, with Illinois employing over 9,000 steel workers and supporting approximately 64,000 related jobs.

Notes that China dominates global steel production at 49% of 1.7 billion metric tons in 2017 while the U.S. ranks fifth with 5%, and the U.S. imported 36 million metric tons while producing only 10.1 million metric tons in 2017.

Cites the Chicago Transit Authority's $1.3 billion contract award to Chinese CRRC Corporation as an example of public funds supporting foreign companies over American manufacturers.

Urges Illinois to implement a "Buy America" policy giving preference to American companies and a "Buy Illinois" policy giving further preference to Illinois-based companies for publicly funded infrastructure projects.

Supports using taxpayer dollars to create jobs and strengthen the American steel industry and manufacturing base against unfair foreign competition.