Weekly Radio Address: Senator Haskell says we need a comprehensive bond package to strengthen our economy

Weekly Radio Address: Senator Anne Haskell

Investment is key to growth in any business–whether it be in the private sector, nonprofit, or state government. Democrats have long held that bonding is one important tool to growth. Bonding has been effective in supporting vibrant businesses and communities.  Bonding provides crucial investments in our current programs like higher education building needs, repairing and rebuilding our roads and bridges, and keeping our water and natural resources clean and maintained to the standard Maine is known for. But we also know that as with any business development, we need to have an eye towards our future–and that means investing in things that aren’t quite so tangible–like workforce needs–the very things that allow us as a state to grow and strengthen.

Good morning. This is State Senator Anne Haskell.

Lately, there’s been a lot of talk about the need to invest in our roads and bridges and transportation centers. Certainly, anyone who is transporting goods across our road in Maine can attest to that need. But we also need to invest in our people.

Earlier this week the state’s budget writing committee, the Appropriations Committee, heard testimony from economic, business, and policy experts about the benefits of bonding.  And, as one expert testified, “It’s good to build buildings, but it’s the people in them that make the difference.”

I couldn’t agree more.

Most of us agree on the need for strong bond proposals to invest in our state. And most of us agree investing in our infrastructure to fix our crumbling roads and bridges is a good start and a part of the mix.

A safe and strong transportation network is the foundation of a growing economy, and our transportation network needs work. The American Society for Civil Engineers has given our infrastructure a C-, noting the decline of our roads and bridges, and the lack of investment in our infrastructure.

Among our New England neighbors, Maine has the largest number of highway miles, but the lowest level of funding per mile.

Is it any wonder Maine drivers spend nearly $300 more every year repairing their vehicles because of poor roads?

There is little virtue in investing in roads and bridges unless we also invest in the people and businesses who se these roads and bridges.

Entrepreneur and visionary Walt Disney said, “You can design and create and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality.”

That’s why we need to invest in our people, as well as our infrastructure.

We can start with education.

Education is the foundation of a strong workforce, and we now have a tremendous opportunity to shore up that foundation.
Bonding will allow our University of Maine system and Maine Maritime Academy to upgrade existing facilities that are no longer relevant or competitive. These upgraded facilities will house new science labs, nursing simulators and more opportunities for students concentrating in STEM, science, technology, engineering, and math.

Investing in state-of-the-art classrooms and cutting-edge laboratories will give
our students the best opportunity to succeed in the workforce.

And a bond for our community colleges is a triple win for Maine. We can renovate existing spaces and build new facilities to help meet the demand for skilled workers—and by the way, much of that renovation work can be done by the very graduates of our community colleges–the plumbers, welders, carpenters, and electricians.

We can enroll additional students in high-demand, high-wage programs, like nursing and tool and dye, and we can provide qualified graduates in developing industries.

To make this happen, we need a strong, comprehensive bond package that includes investment in infrastructure and education. These investments in higher education cannot be pushed aside. We must keep Maine competitive with the rest of the country.

Bonds are an investment, which by its very definition is a plan for the future. We’re not only looking for a quick fix.

We’re also looking for long-term development.

We’re looking to the future.

We’re looking for a comprehensive bond package to strengthen our economy for today but also for years to come.

And we need a willing partner. Today, we are pleased that Republicans have joined us in these goals to strengthen our state, grow our economy, and make Maine a competitive place to do business.

So, make no mistake: the Legislature is committed to developing a strong bond package to make needed investments in infrastructure and education.

As lawmakers, we have a responsibility to work swiftly, thoughtfully, and collaboratively to get things done for the people of Maine. Bonds are no exception.

We will convene in a few short weeks to debate these bond proposals. And we look forward to putting together investments that you, the people of Maine, can support–ones that you know can and will move our state forward.

Thank you for listening. This is State Senator Anne Haskell of Portland. Have a great weekend.

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