Governor's veto bad for Maine workers

In another matter, LePage vetoed a bill barring the Department of Conservation from permitting timber harvesting on land under its jurisdiction by people employed under the federal H2 bonded labor program. The program is used by employers who anticipate a shortage of domestic labor for up to a year.

In his message to the Legislature, LePage said the bill runs afoul of the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution, which guarantees due process and equal protection under the law.

“This veto has nothing to do with the policy outlined in the bill,’’ LePage wrote.

The Democratic sponsor of the bill said he was disappointed with LePage’s action.

“It’s unfortunate that a governor who says he’s all about jobs is actually more interested in giving jobs to Canadians, rather than Maine workers,’’ said state Senator Troy Jackson of Allagash. “The governor’s veto encourages government to use foreign workers to work on our lands and harvest a Maine product. This is not good for jobs. It’s not good for people. And, it’s certainly not good for the Maine economy.’’