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Sponsor Testimony on House Bill 284 — Representative Erika White, House Development Committee

Summary

Sponsor testimony on House Bill 284 by Representative Erika White to the House Development Committee, dated June 4th, 2025, and addressed to Chair Hoops, Vice Chair Lorenz and Ranking Member Abdullahi. The testimony describes House Bill 284 as bi-partisan legislation that will require that state-funded projects be constructed using American-made iron and steel. It describes the manufacturing history of Toledo, including production of the Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator and a Cleveland Cliffs direct reduction plant. It urges support for the bill.

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“Sponsor Testimony on House Bill 284 — Representative Erika White, House Development Committee.” Archived at Pandemic Darlings, https://pandemicdarlings.com/source-documents/2025-06-04-development-testimony-testimony-9610-85e9d2c9ff/, SHA-256 e1e98b062011492b5927fb09e90ee943d279fef4bb1f8bb7bb8c537955aa7144.

Full text

                              Representative Erika White
                             Sponsor Testimony: House Bill 284
                              House Development Committee
                                      June 4th, 2025

Thank you, Chair Hoops, Vice Chair Lorenz, Ranking Member Abdullahi, and distinguished
members of the House Development Committee, for the opportunity to present to provide
sponsor testimony on House Bill 284, bi-partisan legislation that will uplift businesses and
promote American made infrastructure. This legislation will require that state-funded projects
be constructed using American-made iron and steel.
This legislation is a win for Ohio and the American economy at large. The bill invests in the
state’s economy. My district, Ohio’s 41st district, covers a portion of Toledo. Toledo has had a
long history of being a manufacturing epicenter for America. In the mid 1800’s, Toledo was
dubbed the name “glass city” because of the innovations in glass making that took place. One of
these innovations included the production of flat glass. This was perfect as the automobile
industry began to take off shortly after.
In the years to come, there was an increased need of automobiles, specifically Jeeps. The
manufacturing of Jeeps has changed hands numerous times, but it is currently owned by
Stellantis. As a result, the Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator are still manufactured at the Toledo
Assembly Complex. This complex includes the original plant where the Jeep was manufactured
in the 1940s. In addition to auto manufacturing, Toledo is home to a Cleveland Cliffs location.
Cleveland Cliffs participates in steel making, tooling and stamping, and other services.
In Toledo specifically, Cliffs has a direct reduction plant. The plat produces hot-briquetted iron,
or HBI, which is an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional iron methods. The facility
has a low-cost production process, and the iron can be used for various furnaces, and is also sold
to third parties.
Many of our districts have a longstanding manufacturing history that mirrors Toledo’s. It is
important that we create legislation that is reflective of the history of the districts we all
represent. As a union member, and a champion for working class people, I will always be in
favor of supporting local industries, re-investing in our communities, and creating more job
opportunities.
As stated, before by my joint sponsor Rep Hiner, House Bill 284 is more than just the selection
of materials; House Bill 284 represents a significant investment in Ohio’s economic future and
Ohio workers. It is a commitment to our skilled labor force…the working folks of Ohio, and a
guarantee that the infrastructural foundations of our communities will be robust and enduring
for generations to come. Made in American holds value in Ohio!
I respectfully urge you to support oh House Bill 284 as a significant piece of legislation that will
have lasting benefits for our state and am happy to answer questions. Thank you for your time
and consideration.

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