Lawmakers have approved a bill that would require the state to buy American-made produces and give preference to Maine-made goods. U.S. manufacturers said the bill would level the playing field, especially Chinese-made goods being subsidized by their government. Thirty-eight states have procurement laws favoring in-state producers.
“It’s taxpayers’ money, so why wouldn’t we want to have that taxpayers’ dollars circulated right here in the state with people that do quality work and provide jobs for people here in the state. It seems like a no-brainer. I mean, the question is why not?” Jackson said.