Sparks Bill Requires American and Oklahoma Flags be Made in the U.S.A.

“These Symbols of Pride Should be Made in America”

OKLAHOMA CITY- State Senator John Sparks, a Democrat from Norman, said today a bill he filed will require state agencies and public school districts to purchase American and Oklahoma flags manufactured solely in the United States. Senate Bill 2070 passed the General Government Committee and will go to the full Senate for a vote.

“I can’t think of a more Patriotic statement,” Sparks said. “Across the world, the ‘Stars and Stripes’ is the living symbol of democracy and liberty and the across Oklahoma, our emblematic state flag represents the spirit of pride of our citizens. We should honor what that means to the people of America and the people of Oklahoma. The most earnest measure of respect we can give these flags is that they be made in the United Sates by an American worker. Very simply put, these symbols of pride should be made in America.”

Sparks said this bill is especially significant as it is supportive of Oklahomans currently wearing the American military uniform overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“We must honor those men and women in the armed forces and the National Guard who are defending the ideals and values the flags represent,” Sparks said.

If approved, SB 2070 would require any state agency or public school in Oklahoma purchasing a state or American flag have it certified as “American Made” by November. Sparks said similar measures have been well received in other states, including Minnesota, Tennessee and Arizona.

The Flag Manufacturers Association of America is supportive of the sentiment behind the Sparks bill and to that end has a “Made in the USA” certification program to ensure flag consumers purchase homegrown products. The U.S. Census bureau estimates that $5.3 million worth of U.S. flags were imported from other countries in 2006, mostly from China.