State Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-Rome, is asking SUNY colleges to buy products from manufacturers in New York state, particularly from Central New York.

Griffo, chair of the Senate Committee on Higher Education, and state Republican Sen. Kenneth LaValle of Long Island, have sent a letter to the presidents and chief business officers of State University of New York campuses encouraging them to contract with New York-based manufacturers and to place their products on the state’s college campuses.

Companies such as Liberty Tabletop, the last American flatware manufacturer, could benefit from these contracts, Griffo said in his announcement. “The company is located in Sherrill and is in close proximity to virtually all SUNY campuses,” the announcement from Griffo’s office said.

“SUNY schools are funded with New York tax dollars and are primarily attended by state residents,” Griffo said. “As such, state schools should take pride in the products that are manufactured right here in New York. Our local manufacturers should be supported because the more that we can support these hard-working employees, the more we can strengthen our local economies and sustain jobs throughout the state.”

Griffo’s office says he has previously brought this issue to the attention of Carl McCall, chairman of the SUNY Board of Trustees, and SUNY Chancellor Dr. Kristina Johnson.

Griffo represents the 47th Senate District, which includes a swath through the middle of St. Lawrence County, from Massena to Fine, including Potsdam, plus Lewis and Oneida counties.