Democrats challenge governor to stop divisive ideology, lead on the economy

AUGUSTA – One day before Maine’s “State of the State” address, Democratic state lawmakers challenged the governor to put aside his divisive ideology and propose real solutions to strengthen Maine’s economy. 

 

“Democrats challenge the governor to put aside his extreme ideology, stop the negativity,  and propose real solutions to improve our economy,” said Rep. Emily Cain, D-Orono, the House Democratic Leader. “Too much time has been spent on distractions, on needless fighting, on baseless attacks, and on extreme policies that don’t create jobs, that don’t help working families and don’t strengthen our economy.”

 

In the last year, Maine has lost 4,400 jobs, according the Department of Labor. Unemployment levels have remained flat.

 

Cain added, “When our economy needed a shot in the arm, the governor and Republicans in the majority prioritized tax cuts for the rich; held public investment hostage; stalled our work on proven energy efficiency programs; tried to limit voting rights; made health care more expensive for many Mainers; and ignored critical workforce training initiatives that would help get more Maine people back to work.”

 

Democrats warned the governor’s budget cuts would also harm Maine’s economy.

Top Democratic leaders called for the governor and his allies to refocus on job retention, creation and the economy. Democrats endorsed policies that will help put more money in the pockets of working families and build a foundation for economic prosperity.

 

“If we want to put Maine people back to work and build a stronger economic future, we must work together to lower energy costs and invest in our roads and bridges, research and development, and our classrooms,” said Senator Barry Hobbins, D-Saco, the Senate Democratic Leader and former chair and veteran member of the Legislature’s Energy and Utilities Committee.

 

Maine has ranked among the top states for job creation from energy efficiency.  According to a recent Brookings Institution survey, Maine has surpassed the national average in job creation in the clean energy sector. The state has created 12,212 jobs from the clean energy sector, including energy efficiency programs.

 

“Initiatives and programs that put more money in the pockets of Maine people and business should not be threatened, instead we should help them thrive,” said Hobbins. “Democrats challenge the governor to put ideology aside and deliver an energy proposal that builds on the success of our energy efficiency and conservation programs.”

During the press conference, Democrats also called on the governor to change his tone and promote Maine’s strengths.
“Democrats challenge Governor LePage to better market our state — to attract businesses, investors, and young talent,” said Rep. Terry Hayes, D-Buckfield, the Assistant House Democratic Leader.  “The governor and his allies take every opportunity to degrade our state and the people who live here.”

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce gave Maine a top ranking for its policies to expand broadband across the state.
Ernst & Young, a leading investment analysis firm, ranked the state as a leader for new businesses.
Hayes added, “We need to develop our strengths and build upon our assets. Talking our state down with angry words and name-calling is not productive.”

According to Making Maine Work, a survey of Maine business leaders conducted by the Maine Chamber of Commerce, lowering health care and energy costs are the top concerns of new business leaders.

 

“Day after day, we have seen the governor and Republicans miss opportunities to create more jobs, attract new business, and strengthen the skills and training for our workforce,” said Sen. Justin Alfond, the Assistant Senate Democratic Leader. “ We can wait no longer. We all want action on a strong economic plan for today and vision for Maine’s future.”

Republicans refused to make needed public investments in our roads and bridges, research and development and rejected proposals that would have put more money in the pockets of working people.

Alfond added, “Democrats are calling for an end to the distractions. Let’s get Mainers back to work and move our economy forward. Every day that we come to work in Augusta, that must be our top priority. We cannot let another missed opportunity pass us by.”