Legislative leadership applauds the Governor’s proposed investments in Maine

Commitment to renewable energy and job creation will be key this year

March 10th, 2009

AUGUSTA—Democratic leaders in the Maine Legislature are encouraged by the priorities outlined by Governor John Baldacci in his annual State of the State address on Tuesday night. The proposals in the Governor’s speech compliment the work the Legislature has been doing to get Maine’s economy growing again. The Governor provided a blueprint for the Legislature to work from and legislators from both bodies will be working with the administration to create jobs and grow the economy.

“The Governor’s bold focus on energy issues is in line with the priorities the Legislature has laid out this session,” said Speaker of the House Hannah Pingree. “These are very difficult economic times, but the Governor was right to be optimistic about our ability to put people back to work building a green energy infrastructure and positioning our state for long-term economic prosperity.”

“The Governor hit the nail on the head by focusing his speech on health care, energy and job creation,” said Senate President Elizabeth Mitchell. “Perhaps more important than any single policy proposal, he adeptly outlined a way forward for Maine that capitalizes on our strengths and will result in a stronger economy and a better quality of life for Maine families.”

The Legislature has formed the “Joint Select Committee on Maine’s Energy Future,” to craft a bold, sweeping new energy policy for Maine. The Committee’s Senate Chairman, Senator Phil Bartlett was happy to hear about the focus on energy investments.

“I am encouraged by the Governor’s optimistic message,” said Senate Majority Leader Phil Bartlett. “I applaud his focus on job creation and our long-term energy needs, and share his commitment to making health care affordable. By funding conservation, research and development, transportation, and renewable energy we will move our state forward.”

Members of the Legislature are also very enthusiastic about the prospect of making strong, long term investments in Maine that create lasting growth in the state’s economy.

“It’s important that we take a big picture view of how we get Maine’s economy back on track,” said House Majority Leader John Piotti. “I applaud the Governor for taking a very positive step in proposing such a bold bond package, and I think he took another positive step tonight. Much of our future economic recovery will depend on the steps we take today, and I think that long term investments in energy, education and health care will pay dividends down the road.”

Contact:

Tim Feeley, 749-7578 (Pingree)
David Loughran, 287-1558 (Mitchell, Bartlett)
Kyle Leighton, 287-1433 (Piotti)