A Senate Resolution urging the State and local government entities to purchase locally made New Jersey products.

Whereas, New Jersey has a long and proud tradition of producing products subject to high safety, quality and environmental standards; and

Whereas, Products that are made and/or assembled in New Jersey include foods, clothing, manufactured goods and more; and

Whereas, The companies that produce New Jersey made products range from large corporations, to small "mom and pop" companies, to individuals, each one offering their own type of unique products and services; and

Whereas, Many of these businesses make their products from the natural resources available here, such as from the trees harvested from the forests, the animals raised on farms, or the crops grown in our fields; and

Whereas, Some of the agricultural food products and commodities grown or raised in New Jersey display the "Jersey Fresh," "Jersey Grown," "Jersey Grown Wood," or "Jersey Seafood," logo to indicate that the item has been inspected and meets standards equal to, or better than, U.S. No. 1 or U.S. Grade A standards; and

Whereas, Manufacturing jobs and agricultural production are important to New Jersey, helping to support both the State's economy and individual families, allowing generations of New Jerseyans to prosper in a manner that sustains the State's natural resources; and

Whereas, Each dollar generated from New Jersey products and services helps to support owners, workers, and their families; and

Whereas, Food products and commodities grown in New Jersey must compete with other food products and commodities for consumer attention; and

Whereas, Manufacturing has declined in New Jersey with the economic downturn, creating an increasingly difficult environment for every day New Jerseyans who are struggling to maintain or find jobs; and

Whereas, By purchasing locally made products, the State and local government entities can help support struggling New Jersey families and manufacturing and agricultural businesses, and stabilize the State's economy; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of New Jersey:

1. This House urges the State and local government entities to purchase locally made New Jersey products.

2. Duly authenticated copies of this resolution, signed by the President of the Senate and attested by the Secretary thereof, shall be transmitted to the Governor, the League of Municipalities, Association of Counties, and New Jersey School Boards Association.

STATEMENT

This resolution urges the State and local entities to purchase locally made New Jersey products. New Jersey has a long and proud tradition of producing products subject to high safety, quality and environmental standards. Many businesses make their products from the natural resources available here, such as, from the trees harvested from the forests, the animals raised on farms, or the crops grown here. Each dollar generated from New Jersey made products and services helps to support the owners, workers, and their families. These purchases help support struggling New Jersey families and manufacturing and agricultural businesses, and stabilize the State's economy, while providing the State and local entities with quality goods that have been produced in a conscientious manner.

To assist in marketing New Jersey products, the "Jersey Fresh," "Jersey Grown," "Jersey Grown Wood," and "Jersey Seafood" logos are an advertising and promotional program developed by the New Jersey Department of Agriculture to draw consumer attention to the availability of New Jersey products. The logo indicates that the contents have been inspected and meet standards equal to, or better than, U.S. No. 1 or U.S. Grade A standards.

This resolution calls on the State and local government entities to lead the way in purchasing New Jersey products.