GOVERNOR VETOES “BUY AMERICAN” BILL

Bill prioritizes American manufacturing

AUGUSTA— Governor Paul LePage vetoed a bill that encouraged the purchasing of American-made products by the State of Maine.

“With American manufacturing still fighting to come back, we should make sure that when given a choice, we choose products made right here in America, by Americans,” said Senator Troy Jackson, the sponsor of the bill. “By supporting American-made, we are supporting the work of our friends, neighbors and family–and that is good economic policy. Apparently the governor doesn’t think we need to see the words ‘Made in the U.S.A.’ more often.”

The measure directs the State of Maine to buy American-made products where feasible. The bill also includes safeguards to give the state flexibility to ensure that it can still purchase all the items it needs, including those needed for safety, if a better product is made elsewhere.

At the public hearing in the Labor, Commerce, Research, and Economic Development Committee, the bill received support from a broad coalition of workers, businesses, and labor unions. Former State Representative Mark Bryant, now with the Alliance for American Manufacturing, made a strong case that establishing a preference for American-made goods “promotes growth, expands the tax base, and, by hiring workers, lowers the burden on social safety net programs.”

Jackson added, “With the Governor’s jobs’ record being the third worst in the nation, it’s unbelievable to me that he would give a break to foreign companies instead of supporting jobs and products made right here.”

The bill, LD 890, “An Act to Buy American-made Products,” passed 34-1 in the Senate. The Senate will take up the veto tomorrow, Tuesday July 9.

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