Governor Baldacci announcing the budget plan

Before the recession, state government had surpluses. The nonpartisan Center on Budget and Policy Priorities said that midyear budget shortfalls have opened up in 39 states, totaling $34 billion. In Arizona, lawmakers considered mortgaging capitol buildings. Drastic financial remedies are no longer limited to California where state agencies issued IOUs to pay bills earlier this year. Maine is not alone, and the federal government is aware of every state’s legal obligation to balance their budgets.

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Governor John Baldacci of Maine speaks candidly about the future of the state and working with President Obama. He talks about upcoming budgets, energy policies, and how Maine can progress in the 21st century economy. Baldacci says that green energy technologies and innovative projects will create jobs, and cutting bureaucracy by merging agencies will help improve services for the people of Maine.

Q: Do you think President-elect Obama is capable of bringing the change he promised for America?

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