Jobs, Trade and Democracy Act- L.D. 1815

After months of grassroots organizing and lobbying by Maine Fair Trade Campaign members and affiliate organizations, Governor John Baldacci signed the Maine Jobs, Trade and Democracy Act into law on Monday May 10, 2004. The legislation received full funding from the Appropriations Committee.

 The legislation creates a 22 member commission which monitors the impacts of trade agreements on Maine’s economy and democracy. The commission began its work in August 2004 and holds two hearings a year to take testimony from the public on the impact of trade agreements.   The Citizen Trade Policy Commission meets monthly and the meetings are open to the public.

This legislative success is a tremendous grassroots victory for the people of Maine. Hundreds of people made phone calls, lobbied their legislators, wrote letters, testified, came to Augusta, and organized in their communities. All of this work made the difference. We could not have passed this legislation and won full funding without everyone’s effort.

Read the Jobs, Trade, and Democracy Act here

Visit the Citizen Trade Policy Commission website to learn more