House Committee Approves Flags from U.S. Act

COLUMBUS – This week the Ohio House Government Oversight Committee passed the Flags from U.S. Act, sponsored by State Representatives Nick Santucci (R-Howland Twp.) and Steve Demetriou (R-Bainbridge Twp.).

“Our flags fly in honor of those who have sacrificed to ensure that our liberty is protected,” Santucci said. “They serve as a constant reminder that we are all united as Ohioans and Americans above all else. We should never see a flag that says anything other than ‘Made in America.’”

The bill will 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 5% 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.

“This legislation will ensure that Ohio’s tax dollars stay in America,” Demetriou added. “We have read and watched the atrocities of the Chinese Communist Party over the past few years, this is why we must take action to protect our flags and tax dollars.”  

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.  

House Bill 87 now heads to the House floor for further consideration.