Massachusetts members begin work to pass citizens' trade commission bill

The Boston Cambridge Alliance and North Bridge Alliance for Democracy will be working this spring to build a coalition of activists and groups to advocate for a bill creating a state commission to study the impact of federal trade pacts on state laws and policies.

The bill was first proposed in 2002 in wake of federal judgments against Massachusetts in cases brought by private corporations who claimed that international trade agreements overruled state laws. Its most recent version brings the structure and representation on the committee closer to that of existing committees in Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire.

Massachusetts supporters are urged to contact Barbara at bclancy122@earthlink.net and find out how to get involved. Info on the bill will be posted at www.newenglandalliance.org.