In a visit to the state Capitol Friday, U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal joined the chorus of lawmakers expressing their concern that apparel being worn by the U.S. Olympic Team was made in China, instead of the United States.
“Nothing is more important symbolically and practically than the use of American made equipment and apparel by our Olympians,” Blumenthal said.
However, his statement comes with the acknowledgement that Ralph Lauren has already agreed to outfit the 2014 Olympians in uniforms made in the United States.
“The equipment and apparel used by members of the United States Olympic team should be made in America to the every extent possible,” Blumenthal said.
His statement comes just one day after a bill he supported that would offer tax credits to manufacturing companies moving back to the United States from overseas failed to win enough support in the Senate for a debate.
“There is a profoundly significant larger point which is that we can provide incentives, whether contracts or tax credits, or other kinds of monetary attractions that have real driving force to bring jobs back,” Blumenthal said.
Earlier this week Blumenthal appeared in Waterbury , with manufacturers and labor leaders and touted his support of the Bring Jobs Home Act , which would give certain businesses a 20 percent tax credit for costs related to bringing outsourced jobs back to the United States.
The bill failed to reach the 60 votes it needed for a full debate. It failed by a vote of 56-42.
“For years I have said American manufacturers and other companies should not be permitted to deduct the expenses of moving facilities and plants, in effect jobs, overseas,” Blumenthal said.
“We are rewarding companies for shipping jobs overseas through our taxes, which is the height of insanity.”
Support authentic, locally owned and operated public service journalism!
After the press conference Blumenthal admitted that keeping a strictly American-made standard is difficult. He pointed out how there are items for sale in the gift shop at the U.S. Capitol, which are made in China.
These days even the smallest items seem to be manufactured overseas. According to Blumenthal finding a small metal American flag pin made in the United States can be challenging.
More Labor News

States With The Largest Unionized Workforces
Where does Connecticut stand in the list of states with the most unionized employees?
Keep reading
Business Leaders Make Push To Veto Captive Audience Bill
Connecticut business leaders are leaning on Gov. Ned Lamont to veto a bill that would restrict what employers can say in the workplace. The bill, which has been a priority of labor unions for years, is being described by business owners as an unconstitutional attempt to restrict workplace communications and an infringement on employer free…
Keep reading
ANALYSIS | It’s A Wrap: The Winners and Losers of the 2022 Session
It was a short legislative session, but the House and the Senate were able to move a lot of business this year, including the passage of a $24-billion budget with around $600 million in tax cuts.
Keep reading
‘Captive Audience’ Bill Headed To Governor’s Desk
Legislation prohibiting Connecticut employers from holding “captive audience” meetings to discourage workers from organizing received final approval in the House late Friday despite Republican arguments it was preempted by federal law. The bill passed in a 88 to 56 vote, generally along party lines. Eight Democrats joined all but one Republican in voting against it.…
Keep reading
Health Care Workers Call for New Hires
After a record number of health care workers are expected to retire this year, health care staff called on Gov. Ned Lamont to commit to filling 1,000 vacant positions by August 1 of this year. A record 1,137 state workers who notified the state that they will retire this year comes at a moment of…
Keep reading
Senate Joins House And Votes To Give Raises, Bonuses To State Employees
The Senate gave final approval by a 22-13 vote on a plan to give unionized state workers a set of raises and bonuses. The plan, negotiated by Gov. Ned Lamont’s administration and a coalition of public sector labor unions, provides three years of 2.5% raises and step increases as well as a total of $3,500…
Keep reading