This week Governor John E. Baldacci with Maine families and volunteers including elected officials gathered at the home of Sally Dobres in Bangor to urge Maine people to vote NO on Question 1.

On Thursday the Governor appeared on the MSNBC Rachael Meddow Show and talked about why he supports No on Question 1.

“In the past, I opposed gay marriage while supporting the idea of civil unions. I came to believe that this is a question of fairness and of equal protection under the law, and that a civil union is not equal to civil marriage.

“The law guarantees that Maine citizens will be treated equally under Maine’s civil marriage laws, and that is the responsibility of government.

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Governor Baldacci at the State House in Maine

We talked about energy transmission interconnection lines, about the issues of renewable energies, education, healthcare, and rail expansion. We were given a presentation on the economy from the Federal Reserve director in the Atlanta district. It was very worthwhile.

We were able to weigh in on the national healthcare reform, with Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, which was a unique opportunity.

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IN THIS ISSUE:

• In an exclusive interview, Governor John E. Baldacci explains how Maine is open for business, with lower income taxes, incentives for businesses and a growing innovative economy. The governor also comments on President Obama as a leader and partner and similarities in healthcare programs.

• Maine INCOME TAXES CUT!

• Pine Tree Zones expand for the entire state, the program gives business tax incentives.

• Maine’s staggering potential in wind, waves, and tidal production.

• Bonds for MTAF awards go to innovative projects- which will grow Maine’s economy.

Also in this in issue 22:

• Weatherization for all – the Energy Efficiency Trust and Board.
• Building a foundation in Maine for universal health.
• the Maine Wind Industry Initiative.
• Editorial: Maine in the 21st economy: the state is open for business.
• UMaine’s first national wind-blade challenge.
• Maine, leading the nation in “firsts” in environmental laws.
• Companies honored for their environmental stewardship.
• An Act to Facilitate the Production of Liquid Biofuels.
• MaineHousing offers cash incentives to buy first homes.
• Rep. John Piotti, a problem-solving consensus builder.
• Maine’s community service shines.
• National Guard Health Report may become National standard.
All photography in this issue by Ramona du Houx unless indicated

Honoring Mainers who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country

Governor John Baldacci and the Maine Legislature are calling on President Obama and Congress to adopt recommendations to increase medical standards, review vaccination protocols and provide better preventive treatment for members of the Maine National Guard.

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The Governor joined Legislators, conservation groups and local officials to celebrate a major step forward in permanently protecting over 2,400 acres of recreational lake frontage between Milo and Millinocket, last spring.

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The Maine Public Utilities Commission announced that it has re-opened the program, Gov. Baldacci started, that provides cash rebates for the installation of qualifying solar energy systems on Maine homes and small businesses.

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On the same day Maine celebrated its volunteers with the Governor’s Community Service awards ceremony at the state house, President Barack Obama signed his wide ranging community service bill.

The Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, signed on April 21, 2009, will more than triple the number of AmeriCorps volunteers to over 250,000. The law is a resounding call to action for the American people.

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At a time when many states are increasing taxes to balance budgets, Maine lawmakers cut the budget by $500 million and decreased the income tax rate. The state’s fiscal responsibility under the Baldacci administration opened the door for these historic measures, which will help move Maine out of the recession.

The majority leader in the House, Rep. John Piotti, working closely with the Governor’s Office, Democratic leadership, and Sen. Perry, played a key role to make tax reform and relief a reality.

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Gov. John Baldacci hits a homerun for Maine with income tax reduced, the tax code restructured and tax incentives for business

“There was an editorial in the Wall Street journal today (June 23, 2009) that talked about Maine’s ‘Miracle.’ They were referring to what we’ve been able to do. First of all, for the first time in 30 years the biennial budget has been less than its predecessor. That’s not by an inch, it’s by a mile — it was $500 million dollars less. We started out with a $6.3 billion proposed biennial budget and finished with a $5.8 billion two year budget. We made substantial cuts without raising taxes, while continuing to provide to the most vulnerable in this society. We rolled up our sleeves and worked together to do the right thing for the state of Maine.

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