ABSTRACT
State, and even regional, policies can inhibit growth and development although the policies are never intended to do so but, at times, they can inadvertently have that effect. Although Intel tolerated these kinds of legislative policies, neither is it a good strategy if one wants to retain existing businesses. Moreover, such growth-constricting policies at the state, regional, and local levels create an image, in this case one of a state that is not pro-business and that will not support companies if they do locate there. Controls on the free-market economy often do have unintended consequences for the localities or states involved; not all of the consequences of such decisions are clearly anticipated. In 1990s, the State of Maine became concerned about the national chain retailers that were entering the state and driving out the local, so-called "mom-and-pop" stores. The legislature had enacted legislation that was designed to attract pensioners to retire in the Keystone State.
