Santucci Protects Ohio Flag, Tax Dollars with Legislation

COLUMBUS – State Representatives Nick Santucci (R- Howland Twp.) legislation requiring U.S. and Ohio flags that fly over public building be made in the United States has passed the House recently. 

The bill will also prohibit state agencies and political subdivisions from using public funds to purchase a U.S. or Ohio flag that was not made in the United States. 

Currently, only 6% of American flags are produced outside of the United States. Of the imported flags, 94% are made in China. Ohio flags are manufactured through the Ohio Penal Industries by inmates at the Ohio Reformatory for Women. 

“It is only appropriate that American flags be made in America,” Santucci said. “This legislation will ensure government entities are using tax dollars to only purchase made in America flags.”

State law already requires state agencies to purchase Ohio flags through OPI, but no law currently provides guidance for the purchase of flags by political subdivisions.  

The legislation will now head to the Senate for further consideration.