Bill Encourages US-Made Flags For Veterans' Graves

LANSING (AP) — Local governments in Michigan could soon be restricted from buying American flags made outside the U.S. for veterans’ graves.

The state Senate on Tuesday is expected to give final approval to legislation requiring counties, cities, townships and villages to buy American-made U.S. flags if they are competitively priced and of comparable quality to U.S. flags made in foreign countries.

Michigan now requires local governments to furnish a U.S. flag and holder for graves of local veterans upon the request of a veterans’ organization or five voters.

The bill requires local governments to post on their website that they bought foreign-made flags and flag holders because competitively priced and comparable-quality products made in the U.S. weren’t available.

Local governments not in compliance could have to pay up to $500 in fines.