I don't want to make this a whole "thing", but why is it a problem to buy something made in China if you're willing to send the cash abroad by supporting a luthier outside the US anyway?
If goal is to simply keep as much stimulus money as local as you can, I recommend a couple strategies:
1) Buy from a local US retailer:
www.mimsukes.com,
www.theukulelesite.com,
www.elderly.com,
www.ukerepublic.com and I'm sure I'm forgetting more than a few. These companies are small shops with big online presences. You won't go wrong with any of them.
2) Buy direct from a US luthier like
www.mainlandukuleles.com or
www.magicfluke.com, and (again) I'm sure there are lots more to choose from. Both of those companies have options in your price range.
There's going to be crossover too. For example, Elderly has Magic Flukes for sale right now.
Good luck and I hope you get a good one! Report back with what you choose with a "NUD" (New Ukulele Day) post.