Senate Fails to Override Veto of American Logger Promotion Bill

Bill would require timber harvesting in state contracts to be performed by American loggers

AUGUSTA – Earlier today, in a 18–17 vote the Senate failed to override the governor’s veto of a bill to support American loggers.

“For too long, American loggers have been underemployed as a result of contractors unethically, and at times illegally, hiring Canadian workers instead,” said Assistant Senate Majority Leader Troy Jackson, the sponsor of the bill. “This bill would have helped right that wrong.”

The measure would have prevented the state from contracting for timber harvesting on land under its management if the contractor employs foreign workers for logging.

“It’s important to let Maine loggers know they are supported,” Senator Jackson continued. “In a time when the Legislature is correctly focused on getting Mainers back to work and is examining measures to make sure our workforce can meet the needs of this economy, we have an entire sector of Maine workers who are here and are ready to go. Our laws should encourage hiring them.”

The bill, L.D. 491, “An Act Regarding Timber Harvesting on Land Managed by the Division of Parks and Public Lands,” is now dead.

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