Legislation to stop outsourcing receives bipartisan and labor support.

• Position: Ohio

Vendors who fail to certify that their work will be performed in the United States will not get state or local government contracts under legislation introduced by State Rep. James Trakas (R-Independence). The bill would also prohibit state subsidies for companies that "have a history or business plan" involving outsourcing and would create penalties for noncompliance. The legislation is supported by both the Ohio Civil Service Employees Association (OCSEA) and Ohio AFLCIO.

"A recent study estimates the outsourcing of state and local government technology contracts alone will grow from $10 billion in 2003 to $23 billion in 2008. Another study estimates that 10 percent of all computer services and software jobs will move overseas by the end of the year. Any work that is digital is ripe for export," according to OCSEA President Ron Alexander.

Similar outsourcing legislation has reportedly been introduced in more than 30 states, and has become part of the presidential election debate. Massachusetts...