Gov. Baldacci addresses energy issues and the recession at February’s Eggs & Issues

By:  Laura LeBrun, Communications and Marketing Manager

In his seventh and final appearance as governor, John Baldacci presented a strong message to attendees at February’s Eggs & Issues.  Speaking to a room of over 400 people, the Governor addressed the recession and what Maine can do to improve its economic future on February 10, 2010 at the Holiday Inn by the Bay. 

The Governor entered office seven years ago in a recession and will undoubtedly leave the position in a downturn.  However, he believes the work that has been done to cut state government, consolidate school administration and state agencies, and make steps toward green energy independence will benefit Maine businesses and families.

His central message was what we can do to bring Maine out of the recession and create new jobs.  Maine must make more efforts to increase energy independence, including harnessing natural resources and producing renewable energy.  We need to cut back on importing oil and depending on OPEC and look into wood, on-shore and off-shore wind power, solar and tidal power.  The governor also stated his willingness to look into nuclear energy.  A clean energy future could represent new investments and the creation of thousands of new jobs.

Weatherization and conservation are also key. The state's weatherization program, which makes older homes and buildings more energy efficient, could create new jobs and conserve valuable resources.

The Governor remains determined to reject any broad based tax increases to balance the state budget.   His promise was to say no to taxes and yes to opportunities.  Baldacci rejected the idea that his proposed supplemental budget will result in property tax increases.

Baldacci began his turn as governor with a state budget of $5.3 billion and will leave with a budget of $5.4 billion.  This is with 1,000 fewer state employees and providing $352 million more for public education aid for 20,000 fewer students.  He considers the consolidation of state agencies to make state government more efficient one of his biggest accomplishments.  State agencies still need to be re-evaluated, including creating more municipal districts for school administration and corrections

In his time in office, the state income tax was lowered from 8.5% to 6.5%, meaning Mainers who earn $250,000 or less per year pay fewer taxes. He also said more of the state's tax burden will be spread to tourists.

Chamber members weigh in on health reform with Sen. Snowe’s Chief Counsel

By:  Laura LeBrun, Communications and Marketing Manager

Chamber members gathered at the Portland Regional Chamber on Friday, February 26 to discuss the topic of health reform with Alex Hecht, Chief Counsel for Senator Olympia Snowe.  The discussion was a timely one, coming just days after a White House summit on the subject.  The question Mr. Hecht asked was a simple one, “Where do we go from here?”

He remarked that it is an uncertain time for small businesses.  There is no job creation and with insurance rates so unstable, it is impossible to gauge risk. Two carriers make up 85% of the market and premiums are up 34%.

Hecht also posed this question, is there a bipartisan will to go further?  Sen. Snowe’s thinking is that there needs to be more bipartisan cooperation and had hopes that the summit would breathe life into that thinking.  In Hecht’s opinion it did not.  A broader bipartisan group is needed to bring competition back into Maine with more affordable choices. 

During the discussion period, one topic that surfaced several times was the lack of affordable insurance coverage and high rates.  When asked why insurance rates have gotten so high, Hecht replied that Sen. Snowe wants to proceed cautiously.  She wants to be careful reacting to a private industry and fears that over regulation drives out smaller and midsize carriers.

Another hot button issue included Maine’s guaranteed access to insurance, but with no affordable options.  He is concerned that the summit is moving the federal government in this direction.  He worries that there will be no compromising and with a lack of moderates in the senate, a centrist conclusion will not be reached. 

The meeting was concluded with a re-statement of Mr. Hecht’s central message that the status quo is unacceptable, and with no bipartisan compromise moving forward will be extremely difficult.

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