Four reports, one request
Geiger, a Lewiston promotional products company that publishes the Famers' Almanac, recently laid off ten people because of what Peter Geiger, the company's executive vice president, said was a projected slowdown of orders prompted by an expected national recession and a need to maximize efficiency, according to the Sun Journal in Lewiston.
[Rumford area] Superintendent Jim Hodgkin wasn't about to reveal the "dream list" of requests for the fiscal 2009 budget at Monday's SAD 43 board meeting.
He did say, though, that if everything sought was granted, it could mean an increase of $700,000 to $800,000 over last year's $14.8 million budget.
That's not going to happen.
[SAD 43] enrollment stands at 1,516. But, Hodgkin said, this year's graduating class of 148 seniors will be replaced by only 105 freshmen in the fall. Most classes in subsequent years are also smaller. The student population at the high school is 580.
#3: Taxes are off the table in the Bangor Daily News (2/25/08):
"I expect the news Monday to be grim," said House Minority Leader Josh Tardy, R-Newport. "That does not change the Republican position that taxes are off the table."
Tardy said he could see a need for discussion about Rainy Day Funds. But, he added, "the issue has not been revenue. It's spending."
#4: Taxes are on the table in the Kennebec Journal (2/25/08)
[Sen. Joseph Brannigan of Portland] said that legislators should draw on state reserves, or raise taxes and fees, to make sure the state's most vulnerable residents are looked after.
One Request
It's hard to miss the point that the private sector nearly always makes the tough decisions to keep their businesses healthy. However, the public sector too often waits and wishes despite seeing the freight train coming straight at them.
The Governor has said he wants to engage legislators in a conversation about Maine's priorities. You need to inform that conversation. Tell your legislators what you want them to do and tell them that you'll be watching and keeping score - otherwise, expect a tax increase, higher fees creative accounting and a return to the undisputed position of having the highest tax burden in the nation and an economy that may not participate in the eventual recovery from the anticipated recession.
To contact your legislators or the Governor now, go to:
That's what we mean by Prosperity through voter action. We believe in Maine and we believe in you. Please, pass this along to your friends, family, co-workers, vendors and customers and ask them to do the same. Thanks!
Tony Payne
Executive Director
P.S. If you want to contribute to the Alliance, click here.
We'd really appreciate it!
