Maine State Capitol photo by Ramona du Houx

Four bond proposals that would make needed investments in Maine’s colleges and universities, research and development, land conservation, and waste water and drinking water treatment gained initial support in the Maine House late this afternoon. Additional votes on these proposals and other public investments in improving roads and bridges are expected tonight.

Democrats urged strong support for the total $95.6 million in bond proposals before the House and Senate.

“A jobs bond will give our economy a much needed shot in the arm,” said Rep. Emily Cain, the House Democratic leader. “The best way to improve our economy is by making more investments that will help small businesses, job training and public education.”

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Heralding the economic benefit of conserving Maine’s natural resources, citizens, fishermen, sportsmen, conservationists, and lawmakers from both sides of the aisle called on the Legislature to replenish the Land for Maine’s Future (LMF) program by supporting LD 852, a $5 million bond proposal designed to help fund working waterfronts, farmlands, and forests; wildlife habitat; and special recreation lands across the state. If passed, Maine voters will have the opportunity to vote on an LMF bond this November.

“Conserving Maine’s land and natural resources is an investment in today’s jobs and tomorrow’s prosperity for our children and grandchildren,” said Senator Roger Katz, a Republican from Augusta who sponsored the legislation. “Our natural resources are what set Maine apart – they are our biggest competitive advantage. Preserving and conserving them has got to be a top priority as we develop and grow. This is a value shared by families and businesses across the state.”

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95 million bond proposal will go to legislature in May photo of capitol by Ramona du Houx

“These public investments will create jobs now and grow good-paying jobs for the future,” said Rep. Peggy Rotundo of Lewiston, the lead House Democrat on the committee. “The state could afford to do even more to create jobs but there was little political will from our Republican colleagues to do so.”

The governor has said he won’t sign any bond proposals if he doesn’t get his proposed changes to the outstanding budget for the Department of Health and Human Services for 2013.

The five separate proposals include $51,000 million for transportation improvements; $7.9 million for water and wastewater treatment; $20 million for research and development grants; and $5 million for the land conservation.

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Democrats say they want a bond package to create jobs now. photo by Ramona du Houx

Democratic state lawmakers on the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee expressed strong support for a jobs bond package today following a briefing from fiscal experts on the state’s capacity to bond.

“A jobs bond will give our economy a much needed shot in the arm. We can’t continue delaying job creation,” said Sen. Dawn Hill, of York, who serves on the Appropriations committee. “In the last year, Maine people have seen a continued drain on our jobs and income. Responsible bonding is a sure-fire way to get people back to work immediately.”

Maine has lost more than 1,000 jobs since 2011 and was recently rated 50th for personal income growth according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.Fiscal experts from the Legislature’s Office of Fiscal and Program Review told lawmakers that the state had the capacity to make public investment in a bond package for voters to approve.

“Before I can accept any bond proposal we must address the shortfall in the 2013 budget. Our welfare programs have become unaffordable and structural changes must be considered to reduce out of control spending,” said Gov.Paul LePage in a prepared statement.

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“Passage of LD 1913 hurts the backbone of the Maine economy- Maine’s workers. LD 1913 harms severely injured workers in order to line the pockets of the insurance industry,” said Maine AFL-CIO President Don Berry.”LD 1913 will cap workers compensation benefits at ten years for the vast majority of severely injured workers, even if they cannot earn a living due to their injuries.”

The vote was along party-lines of 75 Republicans to 71 Democrats.

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This month, Travel & Leisure named the City of Portland the 5th hippest city in the US, first on the East Coast, and GoLocal Providence RI named Portland the 5th best city in New England. Citing the city’s coffee shops, microbrews and restaurant scene, Travel & Leisure readers selected Portland as a magnet for hipsters, giving high marks for the city’s independent boutiques, live music scene, eco-consciousness, and offbeat and tech-savvy locals. As a part of Travel & Leisure’s annual America’s Favorite Cities survey, readers ranked thirty-five metropolitan areas on a variety of culturally relevant features including coffee shops, microbrews, and restaurants.

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Maine State Capitol photo by Ramona du Houx

A TABOR-like measure that raids Maine’s rainy day fund to provide tax cuts to the wealthiest Maine people passed the Maine House of Representatives by a narrow party-line vote of 74-71.

Democrats fought against what they described as irresponsible and unfair proposal, which failed in the House in a vote late last month. A new version of the bill, which was amended last week in the Senate, passed the House late on April 5th.

“Maine has rejected TABOR measures like this one three times before by increasing margins,” said Rep. Seth Berry,of Bowdoinham. “Republicans have now voted against the will of the Maine people and that fact will not be lost in November.”

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Rep. Anne Graham, of Yarmouth, celebrated another victory for property tax payers on Tuesday, April 3, after the state Senate voted unanimously in support of her bill that would allow property tax abatements on homes that are uninhabitable. Earlier in the day all but four Republican members of the House who were present joined Democrats in supporting the bill.

“As I have said before, there is a simple reason for supporting this bill, no one should have to pay property taxes on a home that does not exist or is uninhabitable,” said Graham after the votes in the House and Senate. “The passage of this bill is proof that common sense bipartisanship can still prevail.”

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Captian Jim Sharp

Historian and Sea Captain, Jim Sharp has been added to the list of events taking place during the Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber’s 50th Annual Windjammer Days Festival bringing an even greater reference for attendees to understand the beauty and significance of the historic tall ships.

Jim will be present at the Boothbay Region Historical Society from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday June 26th 2012 to give an informative and entertaining talk about Maritime History.

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This month, Travel & Leisure named the City of Portland the 7th Greenest City in the US. Citing the city’s farm-to-table restaurants, microbrews and access to the outdoors, Travel & Leisure readers selected Portland as a green, clean, pedestrian friendly city with pristine parks and open spaces. As a part of Travel & Leisure’s annual America’s Favorite Cities survey, readers ranked thirty-five metropolitan areas on a variety of travel-friendly qualities and based upon these results identified the greenest cities.

“It’s nice to see the city get this well-deserved national attention,” remarked Mayor Michael Brennan. “From our farmers markets to miles of trails, the city has embraced policies that make it easier for our residents and businesses to live safe, healthy lives in a clean and supportive environment. This green quality of life doesn’t just make Portland a great place to live and work, but attracts new people and businesses looking for a community that shares their values.”

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