Gov. Blagojevich signs law for protection of U.S. jobs      

Allows state to consider the effects of outsourcing in awarding contracts

[FEB. 5, 2005]  SPRINGFIELD -- In an effort to curb the practice of outsourcing domestic jobs overseas, Gov. Rod Blagojevich on Friday signed Senate Bill 2375, requiring companies bidding for state business to certify whether the terms of the contract will be performed in the United States.

"Outsourcing is a concern across the nation, and by passing this law, the state of Illinois is taking an important step in ensuring that hardworking American companies are given the chance to win state contracts," Blagojevich said.

Senate Bill 2375, sponsored by Sen. Carol Ronen, D-Chicago, and Rep. Harry Osterman, D-Chicago, amends the current Illinois Procurement Code by requiring prospective vendors to file a disclosure statement identifying where services will be performed.

"For too many years, there has been an ever-broadening range of jobs moved overseas," Ronen said. "This law is important because it will require companies who wish to do business with the state to document the extent to which they are sending these jobs overseas. The state may then use that information to decide if it wishes to contract with them."

This law authorizes the state's chief procurement officer, before awarding a contract, to review the disclosure statement and estimate the economic effects on the state and its residents -- something previously not allowed under Illinois law. If vendors break their pledge to perform work in the United States and subsequently outsource the work, they will be deemed in breach of the contract. Exceptions are made if the chief procurement officer determines that circumstances required the shift or that canceling the contract is not in the state's best interest.

The legislation also requires that Central Management Services file a report with the General Assembly by Sept.1, 2007, on the status of outsourcing on the state's procurement contracts.

Senate Bill 2375 takes effect June 1.

[News release from the governor's office]