DEMOCRATS PRAISE ROBUST JOBS BONDS AND URGE ONGOING INVESTMENT

Dem leaders encouraged by collaboration on bond proposal and seek further action in January

AUGUSTA—Earlier today, Democratic leaders praised a $149.5 million jobs bond agreed upon by Legislative leaders and the Governor.

“For the past two and half years, the Governor has failed to release voter-approved bonds, held back hundreds of millions of dollars in private and public investments and delayed projects and jobs for the last two construction seasons. This is the first time the Governor has been open to bonding as an investment in our state’s infrastructure and jobs’ future,” said Senate President Justin Alfond of Portland. “I am encouraged that today is a new day and that Republican leaders and the Governor joined us in putting together an investment package for the workers of our state.”

The jobs bond proposal includes $100 million for investment in roads, bridges, ports and working waterfronts; $35.5 million for upgrades to higher education facilities, including science, nursing, and GIS (geographic information system) lab improvements; and $14 million for armory maintenance and renovations.

“This bond proposal is a win for the people of Maine,” said Speaker Mark Eves of North Berwick. “It will put people back to work in the near term and strengthen our economy for the long term through targeted investments in our workforce and higher education institutions.”

During bond negotiations last week, Democratic leadership advocated for investments in research and development (R&D), land conservation, and water projects but Republican leaders and the Governor rejected inclusion of these investments in the current bond proposal. However, Democrats did secure a commitment from the Governor and Republicans to take up an R&D bond in January.

Maine continues to lag behind much of the nation in its investment in R&D. Research shows that for every $1 invested by the state in R&D, there’s a $10 return to the state’s economy.

“Investments like these move our state forward,” said President Alfond. “It sends the signal that Maine is serious about making investments in our people and our places.”

The Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee will be meeting on Thursday at 1 p.m. to review and vote on the proposed bonds package.

Per request of the Governor, the Legislature is scheduled to convene on August 29th to vote on the bond proposal. If passed, the bond proposal will appear on the November ballot for voter approval.

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