Maine Can Do Better

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Lizzy Reinholt
TELEPHONE: 207.399.8569
EMAIL:  lizzy@engagemaine.org

Press Statement of Maine Can Do Better Leaders Responding to Governor Baldacci's Supplemental Budget Proposal

December 18, 2009

AUGUSTA, MAINE - Maine is at a crossroads. Are we going to continue to assume we have to always make do with less, or are we going to build an exciting and prosperous future for ourselves and our children?

The fact is, Maine people have spoken.  In roundly rejecting TABOR, they agreed we cannot cut or cap our way to prosperity.  Maine people are wiser than that.  They know our economic recovery depends on supporting, not dismantling, the public structures that serve the common good, like education, safe roads, and our emergency response systems.  These are the same structures that build strong communities, productive workers, healthy families, and an economic climate where we all can thrive.

We believe today's budget proposal only looks at half the story.  When we don't consider revenues, and the relative costs and benefits that go with them, it's like trying to fix the budget with one hand tied behind our back.  We need a balanced approach to cuts and revenue that works in tandem with federal efforts to create jobs, stimulate the economy, and prepare us for future growth and prosperity.

We urge lawmakers to build a budget based on reason, not rhetoric. In order to arrive at the best solutions to the challenges before us, we must not let a vocal minority who are fueled by flawed economic assumptions, censor a full and honest conversation about how to best achieve our public priorities.  Maine people deserve more credit than that.

The people of Maine are known for their willingness to come together in challenging times and find creative solutions that work for everyone.  Our budget needs to move beyond one-dimensional solutions that simply dig a deeper hole from which to recover.  Instead, we need to take a balanced approach that creates opportunities to improve the lives of Maine families and build a vibrant economic future.

Maine can do better.

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Launched in February 2008, Maine Can Do Better represents more than 150 partner organizations throughout the state. These organizations are unified by the idea that sustaining vital public structures is essential to Maine's economic prosperity. When we responsibly invest in community basics, like public safety, health, housing, education, and natural resources, we all prosper.