Jobs and Economic Development – We need to ensure that the redevelopment of the Brunswick Naval Air Station, which is now named Brunswick Landing: Maine’s Center for Innovation, is an opportunity to attract new business and jobs. Over the past legislative session we worked hard to ensure that Southern Maine Community College, in conjunction with UMO and Bowdoin, have the resources to provide the foundation for future jobs in Brunswick. We are also working closely with the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority (MRRA) to attract new economic activity, including our first-in-the-nation composite technology.
Clean Energy Economy – Maine has a unique and tremendous opportunity to lead the nation in clean energy and economic development. With 80 percent of our houses heated by oil and with the oldest housing stock in the nation, we can turn a weakness into an opportunity to create jobs that cannot be exported; we can transition responsibly from oil to clean Maine power. We have over 40 nuclear power plants worth of wind energy off the coast, and great potential in tidal power, solar hot water, biomass and geothermal energy. Instead of relying for oil on countries that don’t have our interests in mind, we can produce our own energy, create quality jobs, and lead the nation. I have worked on and will be introducing legislation that promotes clean energy on both a local and state level.
Tax Reform and Controlled Spending – We passed legislation that lowers the income tax from 8.5 to 6.5 percent, and to 6.85 percent for those who make over $250,000. As a result, 90 percent of Mainers will see a reduction of their income tax. This is the first comprehensive overhaul of the Maine tax code in 40 years. Hailed by the Wall Street Journal as the “Maine Miracle,” the new tax plan is designed to spur economic development, stabilize state revenues, and provide some direct tax relief. We pay for the tax reductions by increasing targeted sales taxes, which are aimed at out-of-state revenue, so Mainers see a $57 million reduction in their tax burden. Because most businesses in Maine file as sole proprietorships, this is also a huge boost to small business in Maine, which is the engine of our economy. This is an example of how responsible government can work for the people of Maine.
Environmental Stewardship – It’s clear that there is no longer a false choice between protecting the environment and promoting economic development. Maine and Brunswick’s quality of place in itself is a tremendous economic engine. Through the development of clean-energy programs, weatherization, public transportation, local produce, and innovative technologies, we can create a healthier, more prosperous, cleaner environment.
