'Invest In Lorain County PPE Manufacturers,' Politician Says

AMHERST, OH — State Rep. Joe Miller thinks Ohio could do a better job supporting local companies — like those in Lorain County — by contracting its PPE needs in-state.

Miller sent a letter to the Ohio Department of Administrative Services questioning why Ohio was buying personal protective equipment (PPE) from a California company, rather than keeping the business within state boundaries.

“We should be investing our hard earned taxpayer dollars in Ohio businesses who employ our neighbors, rather than contracting PPE from a California company who outsourced to China. The decision to contract outside of Ohio when we have companies in Ohio and in Lorain County, is disappointing at best,” wrote Miller.

Miller specifically questioned the decision to award Liberty Paper a contract for 32 million surgical masks. Liberty Paper is a California company that imports many of its products from China.

"The millions of dollars already invested in PPE manufacturing in Ohio through the grant funding plus the return on payroll, taxes, and job creation should justify buying local. In addition, with PPE shortages becoming more dire than ever, Ohio has a direct interest in keeping Ohio PPE manufacturing running over the span of years," Miller said in his letter.