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We believe that a bright and prosperous future for Maine depends on you, your family, friends and co-workers. Democracy is not a spectator sport. When you get involved, positive change can happen.

We also believe that when citizens have good information about Maine's economy, they will make better decisions when electing state legislators or voting on ballot issues such as bonds, initiatives and referenda. We're here to help.

We're the Alliance for Maine's Future! We believe in Maine and we believe in you.

Fast find:

• 2008 Maine Senate and State Representative general election contests
• Strategies to cut Maine's Tax Burden 
• Getting Maine to the Average Tax Burden (MPSRG powerpoint presentation) 
• Click here to contact your state legislators by e-mail
• We also suggest calling the state house to leave a message for your legislators:

Senate Message Line: 1-800-423-6900
House of Representatives Message Line: 1-800-423-2900

How did they vote?

• $468 million spending increase Roll Call Vote '07
• 'Tax Shift': House Roll Call Vote '07
• $70 million tax increase Roll Call Vote '08
• 'Motor Vehicle Fee Increase' Roll Call Vote '08
  

How to get involved

• Sign up for our e-newsletter
• Become a Promote the Vote Employer
• Click here to contribute $25, $50, $100 or more
• Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper

Welcome from our Board Chair

Maine is a beautiful, clean and safe state in which to live, work and raise a family. However, our Legislature has failed where the prosperity of our people and Maine business is concerned. When compared to nearly every other state in the nation, Maine is at or near the bottom of critical economic measures over which the Maine Legislature has a real, direct and lasting impact. So what has to be done?

Here are the benchmarks and outcomes we see as reasonable and achievable:

Taxation & Spending
The Maine Legislature must move Maine’s tax burden from the worst-in-the-nation to the national average. If your weekly paycheck were taxed at the national average, you would take home nearly two extra week’s pay. At 14% for state and local taxes, Maine is 22% higher than the national average of 11%. To reduce that tax burden, the Maine Legislature also has to say “no” to net new spending. (Data Source: Tax Foundation)

Health Care Costs

Maine's health care costs need to reach the national average for Maine businesses to be competitive. Maine’s cost of health care as a percent of gross state product is 26% higher than the national average. By that measure, we are now #2 for the cost of health care in the United States according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. Maine’s health insurance costs in the open market are more than twice that of New Hampshire for individuals and nearly twice the amount for families. Political choices by past Legislatures have contributed to the disparity but they can be corrected. (Data Source: MDF/Maine Economic Growth Council, Anthem.com)

 

Energy Costs

The cost of energy in Maine is the 3rd highest in the nation. Much of that cost is due to public policy decisions of the past 30 years. We need to change policies and strive for affordable energy independence by encouraging the development of renewable energy resources. Affordable, dependable energy will help attract capital intensive investments and the jobs that go with it.

 

Government Growth

Government jobs should not grow at a faster rate or have better benefits than those in the private sector. From 2004-2006, jobs in government, education and health care in Maine grew by 3,300 positions while our state lost a net of 500 jobs in the private sector. Maine businesses cannot afford to fund a disproportionately large and growing public sector. It simply is not sustainable. 

(Data Source: Federal Reserve Bank of Boston)

 

Commerce

In setting spending priorities, Maine Legislators need to support bonds and legislation that encourage commerce: building a skilled workforce, research & development, transportation, telecommunications and private investment. These are areas in which government can make a critical and effective difference across the entire state. It's simply a matter of setting priorities.

 

That's how we'll achieve lasting prosperity and participate with the majority of other states in an expanding economy.

 

Please, join us in our mission to help our great state. We look forward to your input, involvement. and financial support.

Rich Merk
Chairman of the Board
Alliance for Maine’s Future

Former Executive VP, Corporate GM
Hancock Lumber

This is site sponsored in part by Sheridan Corporation / Building Solutions for the Future