LD1525 - Buy American

(2016)

An Act To Encourage the Purchase of Products Made in Maine and in the United States and To Give Preference to Maine Businesses When Awarding Contracts

Sponsored by Sponsored by: Sen. Thomas Saviello (R – Franklin)

What is the bill?

The State of Maine spends millions of taxpayer dollars every year to buy things that we as a state need—including materials for the construction of roads, buildings, bridges, and public works projects. One key way the state can create jobs and support the U.S. economy would be to legislate that these goods be Made in America whenever possible. LD 1525 would have done just that by creating a state procurement preference for Made in the USA goods and materials. Buy American legislation would help create and keep jobs in the United States and support our struggling manufacturing sector. The bill had reasonable exemptions for availability, quality, and safety needs if the materials necessary were not available made in the USA, and a process for departments to request waivers. LD 1525 passed in the House but was defeated in the Senate and therefore did not become law.

What happened?

Defeated

Votes