ELECTION RESULTS & MAINE HERITAGE POLICY UPCOMING EVENTS

From the Maine Heritage Policy Center:

Congratulations to our nominees

The Maine Heritage Policy Center congratulates Democrat Senate President Elizabeth "Libby" Mitchell and Republican Mayor Paul LePage for winning their parties' nominations for governor.

We look forward to Ms. Mitchell, Mr. LePage, and the three unenrolled candidates; Eliot Cutler, Kevin Scott and Shawn Moody; running exciting campaigns that focus on the issues important to Maine people.

The next governor faces significant challenges. Our nearly $12 billion public debt, budget shortfalls, declining student enrollment, stagnant job growth, and budget busting entitlement programs are holding Maine back from becoming the Opportunity State we know it can be. Each of these challenges must be addressed to get back on track to economic recovery and long term financial security for Maine families.

Although MHPC does not endorse any candidates, we will continue to promote our research and ideas for change. We hope to work with all the candidates running to promote responsible, free market reforms that will make a difference for Maine.

Mainers repeal tax shift plan

YES On 1 prevails!
Maine voters overwhelmingly rejected the so-called tax reform plan that would have reduced income taxes for some while dramatically expanding the sales tax and meals and lodging tax for all Maine taxpayers.

The Maine Heritage Policy Center endorsed the repeal of the tax-shift plan at a press conference last month after chief economist Scott Moody and David Crocker, Director of the Center for Constitutional Government, found that the legislation would not only create a net tax increase for most Mainers, but also included unconstitutional provisions that would likely have caused the legislation to be struck down in court.

Maine's towering debt rises

The Maine Heritage Policy Center had been the earliest and most active opponent of the four borrowing questions on last night's ballot. With an $11.5 billion public debt nightmare for which Maine families are already on the hook, we felt adding an additional $108 million to our public debt was just too much for Maine families to afford.

Last night, Maine voters decided the investments were worth the higher debt. Bond supporters mounted a costly campaign, particularly in support of Question 2. With limited resources available, MHPC mounted its own modest outreach campaign, but unfortunately, we did not have the resources to effectively compete.

Despite last night's vote, the next governor and Legislature must take bold steps to reduce Maine's towering public debt. Unless our public debt is brought under control through spending cuts and fundamental reforms of government programs, our debt will continue to grow.



EVENT REMINDERS On June 17, learn how MHPC is defending your constitutional rights.


MHPC's Center for Constitutional Government hit the ground running with a lawsuit filed against the taxpayer-funded Maine Municipal Association for interfering, and giving nearly $2,000,000 in cash and resources to electioneer and influence the outcome of political campaigns.

On June 17 in Portland and Brewer, David Crocker, director of the Center for Constitutional Government, will present: Dismantling the Administrative State the Constitutional Way.

David will discuss the latest details behind the Maine Municipal Association lawsuit. He will also discuss the growth of an over-reaching government stripping away our liberties, why it's unconstitutional and what we can do to stop it. Attendees will also receive a free copy of the Maine and United States Constitutions.


"Dismantling the Administrative State the Constitutional Way"
David Crocker, Director
Center for Constitutional Government

Thursday, June 17

Portland
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
DiMillo's Floating Restaurant (25 Long Wharf, Portland)
$15.00 - Lunch and Constitution Included

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Brewer

6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Jeff's Catering (15 Littlefield Way, Brewer)
$5.00 - Light Refreshments and Constitution Included