AUGUSTA — Maine lawmakers have advanced a bill that seeks to encourage companies to keep call centers in Maine by penalizing them if they relocate them overseas.
In a 77-67 vote on Tuesday, the Democratic-led House approved an amended version that would soften the penalties proposed in the original bill. The Senate endorsed the bill Monday.
The approved measure would require some companies to notify the state if they’re relocating more than 30 percent of their call center operations overseas. Those employers wouldn’t be able to get state grants, loans or tax benefits for two years.
Supporters of the bill say it will protect Maine jobs. But Republicans say that the measure is a job killer that will discourage companies from coming to Maine.
It faces final votes in both chambers.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
-
Local & State
Maine’s fairs, and some festivals, plan to return this summer and fall
-
Maine Voices
Maine Voices: I’ve spent my working life fighting other people’s racism. Now I must confront mine.
-
Books
‘Hummingbird Salamander’ is a gripping eco-thriller full of cinematic set pieces
-
Arts & Entertainment
Deep Water: ‘savannah blues,’ by Leslie Moore
-
Columns
Jim Fossel: Hypocrisy abounds in response to Georgia voting law
Success. Please wait for the page to reload. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page.
Enter your email and password to access comments.
Hi {SUB NAME}, to comment on stories you must . This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login.
Already have one? .
Invalid username/password.
Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration.
Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login to participate in the conversation. Here’s why.
Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.