Tell Gov. Janet Mills to sign the Buy American, Build Maine Act.
Back in May, I wrote about the Buy American, Build Maine Act. It is straightforward, commonsense legislation that would make sure that when the state spends taxpayer dollars, it reinvests that money back into local workers and businesses, whenever possible.
At least 38 states already have similar laws on the books, according to the National Association of State Procurement Officials. The federal government also follows Buy American guidelines. Buy American has the support of Democrats like President Biden and Republicans like Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who recently signed legislation to strengthen it in the Lone Star State.
Now Maine lawmakers have approved legislation to ensure the Pine Tree State abides by Buy American preferences, too. Doing so will help level the playing field for Maine workers and businesses, who often have to faceoff with foreign companies for state-funded contracts. While Mainers can compete with anyone in the world in a fair matchup, right now the game is rigged, as foreign companies are often subsidized by their governments and don’t abide by the same labor and environmental standards.
The Buy American, Build Maine Act is now headed to Gov. Janet Mills. If you live in Maine, we hope you join us in telling her to sign the bill.
As state Sen. Troy Jackson, who sponsored the measure, put it:
“This proposal is simple. If there is work that needs to be done in this state and in this country, and taxpayers are footing the bill, then the people living, working and paying taxes in this state and country should have the opportunity to do the job. And if there are materials or parts needed to do the job, those materials should be American-made whenever possible… Other states and countries already look out for their workers and businesses. Mainers deserve for their government to look out for them.”
Click here to learn more about the Buy American, Build Maine Act, and please don’t forget to take action.