"Buy Oregon First", a campaign that will require the state to give preference to Oregon-based companies when considering bids for government services, has added more than 400 members to its Facebook page in just a few short weeks since it was launched by Joe Munger, President of United Steelworkers Local 8378.

Munger, a "non-affiliated progressive", has found solid bi-partisan support for his proposal, which was introduced as SB872 by State Senator, Brian Boquist, a Dallas Republican who represents much of Yamhill and Polk Counties.

The bill is now headed for the Senate Commerce and Workforce Development Committee. If it is signed into law, companies that are not based in Oregon will have 5% added when bidding for government contracts by the state of Oregon.

"This proposal will help ensure that Oregonians are first in line to reap the benefits of state contracts, and will keep more of our tax dollars here in Oregon," said Sal Peralta, Secretary of the Independent Party of Oregon, an early supporter of the measure.

For more information about the Buy Oregon First campaign, visit their Facebook cause page.