Both business and labor interests are supporting legislation that would give Maine companies a preference in any state contract for goods or services.
State Sen. Troy Jackson, a Democrat from Allagash who sponsored the bill, says he wants any tax dollars spent by the state to have maximum economic effect by staying in Maine.
“It’s all state contracts, construction, professional services, labor services. Maine companies would have preference,” he says.
The measure drew broad support from labor unions, including the Maine AFL-CIO, and businesses, such as Dragon Cement in Thomaston.
“Common sense is the best way to describe a policy that puts our tax dollars toward creating and maintaining jobs locally. The long-term trend of transitioning manufacturing jobs overseas is a lose-lose for Maine workers,” says Cynthia Phinney, president of the Maine AFL-CIO.
