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Meng backs bill making state gov’t use flags made in America

By Joe Anuta

State Assemblywoman Grace Meng (D-Flushing) introduced legislation July 18 that would require all American flags used by the state government be home grown.

The bill, called the New York State All-American Flag Act, would stipulate that all flags used by any state agency be made in the country, instead of imported from abroad.

“It is just common sense. An American flag should be made in America. It is only appropriate that the world’s most famous symbol of freedom is manufactured in a country that is free, right here in the United States,” she said in a statement.

The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that $5.3 million worth of American flags were imported from other countries in 2006, according to Meng’s office.

Meng is currently running for Congress and her opponent, City Councilman Dan Halloran (R-Whitestone), called the bill “jingoistic” and wondered what Meng would do to create jobs if elected.