The Maine Wire: “EqualityMaine plans gay re-education for rural Maine” plus 3 more

EqualityMaine plans gay re-education for rural Maine Posted: 23 Jul 2013 11:55 AM PDT Winning 2012’s ballot initiative to legalize same-sex marriage is not enough for pro-gay activists with EqualityMaine. The group is now focusing its advocacy on rural Maine, where voters largely voted against same-sex marriage, in an effort to educate blue collar Mainers about homosexual and transgender issues. As MaineToday Media’s Michael Shepherd reports: After winning same-sex [...]

Right Views: Eves and Alfond make dubious claims about the 126th Posted: 23 Jul 2013 11:30 AM PDT Senate President Justin Alfond (D-Portland) and House Speaker Mark W. Eves (D-North Berwick) held a meeting of minds and produced a predictably gushing review of the 126th Legislature. Their recent Bangor Daily News opinion editorial is, for the most part, recycled Democrat talking points and back-patting, but there are a few dubious claims worth highlighting. “We [...]

Breitbart: Obamaphone company launches ad campaign Posted: 23 Jul 2013 08:20 AM PDT Courtesy of Breitbart News’ Matthew Boyle: Popular opposition to the “Lifeline” program, colloquially known since last year as the “Obamaphone” program, appears to be growing. Tracfone Wireless, the company that most benefits from the government subsidy, is now advertising on inside-the-beltway news websites in an effort to save it. “Obamaphone? Obamaphone?” a flashing banner ad [...]

Six-year MaineHousing board member resigns over conflict of interest Posted: 23 Jul 2013 08:05 AM PDT A long-time Maine State Housing Authority (MSHA) board member resigned in June following the federal government’s belated determination that he has a conflict of interest. The board resignation raises several questions about how the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) handles conflicts, including whether political affiliations affect treatment. Donald H. Gean has served [...]

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Brewer and Portland Luncheons - "Exposing The Left's Playbook On Health Care Policy"‏

 

The Maine Heritage Policy Center

 

invites you to attend

 

"Exposing The Left's Playbook

On Health Care Policy" 

 

with

The Honorable Jonathan McKane

Former Representative from District 51, Maine

 

 

Former Republican lawmaker Jonathan McKane of New Castle will discuss the policy and politics of health care and health insurance reform in Maine. McKane, who served at the front lines of every health care policy battle in the last eight years, will provide a firsthand look into Maine's health care debates and the challenge of improving the health insurance market despite the Affordable Care Act.

 

From the positive accomplishments of the 125th Legislature to current attacks against Republican-led reforms to the onging effort to defend those policies, McKane will offer an insider's perspective on the policy negotiations that impact health insurance and health care for Maine's businesses and families.

 

Brewer

● 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. ●

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Schooners Seafood & Steakhouse

5 South Main Street

 

Click Here To Register

 

Portland

● 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. ●

Thursday, April 18, 2013

DiMillo's On the Water

25 Long Wharf

 

Click Here To Register

 

MHPC Member: $20 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuity.  Non-Member: $25

 

For additional information, please contact Ms. Kate Clark 

by phone at 207-321-2550 or by e-mail at kclark@mainepolicy.org

‏

MHPC: Space is Limited! Special Luncheon Event with Governor LePage, March 18, 2013‏

Please join The Maine Heritage Policy Center for a luncheon event with the Honorable Paul R. LePage.  

 

Governor LePage’s vision for Maine includes bold action to move the state forward.   LePage offers a record revealing a determined dedication to lowering taxes and controlling spending, promoting customized learning, and allowing more competition and transparency in the health insurance and health care markets – all with a goal of creating an environment where Maine people and businesses can thrive.  Governor LePage will discuss his agenda for the next two years and how you can participate in advancing a free market platform in Maine.  

Luncheon Ticket $45 MHPC Member | $55 Non-Member

 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

MHPC study asks “Where Have Maine’s ‘Rich’ Gone?”

MHPC study asks “Where Have Maine’s ‘Rich’ Gone?”   Top income tax rate has already pummeled the “rich”

PORTLAND – Legislators calling for the repeal of Governor LePage’s tax cuts for the “rich” ignore the reality that Maine’s previous top income tax rate of 8.5 percent has already pummeled high-income taxpayers, forcing them out of state or into nonproductive tax shelters. Consequently, Maine’s economy suffers from underinvestment, a lack of jobs and lower state revenue.     An MHPC study released today,“Where Have Maine’s ‘Rich’ Gone?”, shows that Maine has fewer high-income taxpayers earning more than $200,000 or earning more than $1 million when compared to the national average or neighboring New Hampshire (which has no individual income tax). Despite nearly identical populations, New Hampshire’s millionaires significantly outnumber Maine’s (984 vs. 513) and have more income ($4.1 billion vs. $1.3 billion). Between 2001 and 2010, income for Mainers earning over $1 million grew by only 5.1 percent. The national average grew by 12.3 percent and surged in New Hampshire by a whopping 55 percent. Starting at nearly identical levels in 2001 ($2.5 million in Maine and $2.7 million in N.H.), the average millionaire in New Hampshire now has nearly double the income by 2010 ($2.6 million in Maine vs. $4.1 million in N.H.). Maine’s high-income taxpayers are more likely to be a hard-working business owner that only appears to be “rich” on paper due to pass-through business income. The number of Maine’s high-income taxpayers who own businesses through partnerships and S-corporations (78.2 percent of taxpayers earning over $1 million) is higher than the national average (74.2 percent). Since these are “pass-through” business entities, taxes are paid through the individual income tax returns of the owners, making them appear "rich."   “Rather than raising the tax burden on high-income taxpayers, Maine’s policymakers should instead find ways to encourage them back into the state or into productive activities,” said J. Scott Moody, CEO of MHPC and author of the report.   If Maine had the same number of taxpayers earning more than $200,000 as the national average, Maine’s economy would have been up to $4.8 billion larger in 2010 and would have had higher state individual income tax of up to $410 million (taxed at 8.5 percent). Much of this would have been business income, meaning even greater investment, job creation and revenue.   “Unfortunately, Maine’s policymakers over the past few decades have decided to chase an ever-shrinking pie of high-income dollars with ever higher tax rates,” Moody said. “This has created a vicious cycle where Maine’s high-income taxpayers are now fewer in numbers and poorer in income when compared to the national average or neighboring New Hampshire.   "Governor LePage’s reduction of the top individual income tax rate from 8.5 percent to 7.95 percent was an important step in reversing this vicious cycle and helping to grow the economic pie for all Mainers,” he said.   Download a copy of “Where Have Maine’s ‘Rich’ Gone?” here.

 

 

CONTACT:

Peter A. Steele, Communications Director

207.321.2550

psteele@mainepolicy.org

MEDIA ADVISORY: Press Conference on "Where Have Maine's Rich Gone?"‏

PRESS CONFERENCE

 

The Maine Heritage Policy Center

invites the media to a press conference with 

 

J. Scott Moody

CEO, The Maine Heritage Policy Center

 

and

 

Carol Weston

State Director, Americans for Prosperity—Maine

 

Where Have Maine's "Rich" Gone?

 

J. Scott Moody, CEO of The Maine Heritage Policy Center, will release his latest study,

"Where Have Maine's 'Rich' Gone?", in which he explains just who Maine's "rich" really

are and why the state has a shrinking number of high-income taxpayers.

 

Carol Weston, state director of Americans for Prosperity-Maine, will also speak at the event.

 

 

                      WHEN:            Wednesday, January 30, 2013

                         

                             WHAT TIME:   10 a.m.

                         

                              WHERE:          Welcome Center at Maine State House

                                                                                            83 State House Station

                                                                                            Augusta, ME 04330          

 

 

CONTACT:

Peter A. Steele

Communications Director

207.321.2550

psteele@mainepolicy.org

Register Today for MHPC's Luncheons about Customized Learning‏

Reserve Your Space Today

If You Have Not Already Registered

 

The Maine Heritage Policy Center

 

invites you to attend

 

"More Options for Maine's Students:

Solutions that Provide the

Best Education for Our Children" 

 

with

 

Mrs. Amanda R. Clark

Education Policy Analyst

The Maine Heritage Policy Center

 

 

Within the traditional public school system, Maine students attend a brick-and-mortar edifice based on their residency. Specialized career interests, Gifted and Talented programs, apprenticeship opportunities, foreign language courses and more are all what make individual schools unique—almost as unique as the individual needs of our children. Why not be able to attend the school that best suits their needs and interests? Join MHPC to learn how Maine can provide the best education for each of our children.

 

 

Brewer

● 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. ●

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Schooners Seafood and Steakhouse

5 South Main Street

 

Click Here To Register

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Portland

● 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. ●

Thursday, January 17, 2013

DiMillo's On the Water

25 Long Wharf

 

Click Here To Register

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Auburn

● 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. ●

Thursday, January 31, 2013

Hilton Garden Inn

14 Great Falls Plaza

 

Click Here To Register

 

 

MHPC Member: $20 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuity.  Non-Member: $25

 

For more information, please call 207-321-2550.

Wasteful Spending In Maine; MHPC: 2012 “Maine Piglet Book” details waste, fraud and abuse of tax dollars

2012 “Maine Piglet Book” details waste, fraud and abuse of tax dollars

 

“The book Augusta doesn’t want you to read” shows improvement in some areas, continued waste and abuse in others

 

 

PORTLAND – The Maine Heritage Policy Center released the 2012 Maine Piglet Book today, detailing hundreds of millions of dollars of wasteful government spending. A new version of a similar publication released in 2009, the 2012 Piglet Book highlights government’s big-spending habits, as well areas where leaders can save taxpayers big money.

 

The Maine Turnpike Authority, the Maine State Housing Authority, “Welfare for Politicians” and stipends given to UMaine employees are just a few of the examples of excessive government spending highlighted in the 2012 Maine Piglet Book. The Piglet Book reports that the University of Maine alone handed out more than $10 million in “stipends” in 2011, while the “clean elections” program has expended than $23 million over the life of the program, landing several participants in jail.

 

The Piglet Book also highlights the dramatic growth in government salaries in the last decade. In 1997, just 53 state employees took home more than $100,000 in compensation. That number jumped to an all-time high of 435 in 2009, before settling at 344 in 2011. The $1.5 billion handed to Maine as part of the federal “stimulus” package is also featured in the book, including details about how that money was spent.

 

“We’re excited to make this book available to the citizens of Maine once again so they know how their tax dollars are being spent,” said Scott Moody, CEO at The Maine Heritage Policy Center. “Unfortunately, taxpayers won’t be too happy with all the ways their hard-earned tax dollars have been used. The 2012 Maine Piglet Book is full examples of why we need to rein in government spending and crack down on waste and abuse of public funds.”

 

The 2009 Maine Piglet Book was one of the first publications to highlight wasteful spending at The Maine Turnpike Authority, pointing out lavish spending on “rest stop artwork” and a brand-new multi-million-dollar office. At the time, supporters of big-government spending and the Turnpike director dismissed the report. In the newest Piglet Book, the Maine Turnpike Authority is featured prominently—this time for felony theft by the Turnpike’s director, who is now serving a prison term.

 

“Whether it’s the hundreds of millions we waste in over-employment and overpayment to state employees, the millions blown on carbon-trading schemes or the thousands we waste on ‘dance festivals,’ Maine can’t afford to continue wasting taxpayers hard-earned money,” Moody said. “The 2012 Maine Piglet Book will help taxpayers and politicians alike understand that Maine spending is not "cut to the bone" as many will claim, and it will help begin to identify where we can find savings for hard-working Mainers."

 

Download the Full Maine Piglet Book (PDF)

MHPC: "Renewable energy" law forces higher electricity rates, job losses‏

“Renewable energy" mandate will raise electricity prices by $145 million, cost Maine 1,000 jobs   RPS law burdens households, harms Maine's economy

PORTLAND – Maine’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) legislation, which requires that some of the state’s electricity must be generated by expensive “renewable” sources, will increase the cost of electricity by $145 million within five years and will cost the state nearly 1,000 jobs.   According to the new study, “The Economic Impact of Maine’s Renewable Portfolio Standard,” the state’s electricity prices will surge eight percent by 2017, thanks to the RPS law.   That means homeowners will pay $85 more a year for electricity—and businesses will pay over $600 more a year—because proponents of “green energy” have mandated that a certain percentage of Maine’s electricity must come from wind power, solar and other “green” energy sources.   Hydropower is a clean, abundant, reliable and affordable form of “green” energy that is readily available to Maine. Using more hydropower could easily reduce electricity costs to consumers and businesses. But it is excluded as a source of “renewable energy” from RPS.   Owners of industrial businesses are hit the hardest by RPS, according to the study. Maine’s largest employers will see electricity costs increase by a staggering $14,350 per year because of the burdensome RPS law.   The study, published by The Maine Heritage Policy Center in partnership with The Beacon Hill Institute at Suffolk University in Boston, concludes that, “increased energy prices will hurt Maine’s households and businesses and, in turn, inflict significant harm on the state economy.”   Maine’s first RPS law was created in 1999 under former governor Angus King. The RPS law was then strengthened in 2006 under former governor John Baldacci. In 2007, King and Rob Gardiner, the former president of the Maine Public Broadcasting Network, formed a wind-energy company, Independence Wind.   As a result of the RPS, the study found that in five years Maine will suffer from: • Reduced employment by 995 jobs • Reduced real disposable income by $85 million, potentially as much $100 million • Decreased investment by $11 million   Scott Moody, a co-author of the report and CEO at The Maine Heritage Policy Center, said the study shows exactly why energy reforms are necessary.   “RPS was a mistake, and we see now that it’s a law that will cost Mainers jobs and real money,” Moody said. “It’s clear that when we let political and personal agendas drive policy-making instead of free-market principles, we end up with fewer jobs and less money in the pockets of hard working Mainers.”    Download the report here.

 

 

CONTACT:

Peter A. Steele, Communications Director

207.321.2550

psteele@mainepolicy.org

MHPC: "Demographic Winter" has severe economic consequences for Maine‏

"Demographic Winter" means loss of 47,000 workers in 10 years   MHPC report details economic consequences of population decline

PORTLAND – In a report released today, “The Fiscal Costs of Maine’s ‘Demographic Winter’,” MHPC warns that Maine is staring into a population abyss that could result in the loss of 47,000 workers over the next 10 years.   Even worse, the Maine Department of Labor projects that Maine’s labor force will shrink by 101,000 workers over 20 years. With a declining population and a rapidly increasing number of people over 65, Maine is facing a “Demographic Winter” in which both government and businesses will experience significant losses of revenue.   For Maine’s businesses, “Demographic Winter” is akin to a slow-moving economic depression as the state shifts from population growth to population decline. Not only will businesses lose the prospects of new customers, they will also face the loss of existing customers.   At the same time, Maine’s state government will see a significant spike in Medicaid costs for those over 65. As government expenses soar for those over 65, the taxes paid by them will plummet, creating fewer resources to deal with higher demands.   What is causing “Demographic Winter?” • Between 2000 and 2011, the number of people under 18 has declined 11%. • The number of people over 65 has increased by 18% since 2000. • Between 1991 and 2011, the number of deaths increased by 13 percent. • The number of births in Maine has plunged since 1991.   “If income taxes are known to decline along with the size of Maine’s workforce, policymakers should proactively begin reducing Maine’s income tax now in order to spark new economic growth and jobs,” said J. Scott Moody, CEO of MHPC and author of the report. “A growing economy and job base will encourage the in-migration of young families and slow the onset of ‘Demographic Winter’.”   Encouraging strong in-migration will not solve Maine’s “Demographic Winter” problem by itself. But, as illustrated by neighboring New Hampshire, Moody noted that in-migration can buy some much-needed time to find longer-term solutions.   “Eliminating Maine’s income tax is an important first step in that process,” Moody said. “To do nothing condemns the majority of Maine to living under a never-ending economic depression.”   Download full report (PDF)   ###

 

 

CONTACT:

Peter A. Steele, Communications Director

207.321.2550

psteele@mainepolicy.org

RELEASE: Why Maine should NOT expand Medicaid under Obamacare‏

MHPC: Don’t Expand Maine’s Medicaid Under Obamacare   Expanded Medicaid enrollment increases private insurance rates, burdens taxpayers without reducing number of uninsured

PORTLAND – The Maine Heritage Policy Center today released a report saying that Maine should not expand its Medicaid coverage under Obamacare. States will have the option to add government-funded coverage for healthy individuals under 65 who are at 133% of the poverty level because of the controversial health care overhaul. Originally, the law sought to force states to expand Medicaid, but the Supreme Court threw out that requirement, giving states the option to deny the expansion without penalty.   In Maine, more than 25 percent of all residents are on Medicaid, and the MHPC report says that adding more enrollees to a system that is already too expensive would spell disaster. Despite Obamacare’s promise to initially cover 100 percent of expansion costs, the federal government has a track record of underfunding Medicaid expansions.   “When considering this ill-advised expansion plan we need to remember first and foremost that federal money is never free,” said the author of the report, MHPC’s Director of Health Reform Initiatives Joel Allumbaugh. “We are fooling ourselves if we pretend that federal money is anything other than our own tax dollars, despite what advocates for government-run health care will say.”   “Federal funding is also for eligibility expansion - not administrative costs,” Allumbaugh added. “Ultimately, Maine will bear the cost of administering a projected 37,000 new enrollees, most of which will translate to new permanent fixed administrative expenses.”   The study also showed that in Maine’s past Medicaid expansions the uninsured were not helped by the expansion, but instead, Maine residents dropped privately held insurance to go on taxpayer-funded plans. Maine’s uninsured rate is nearly the same as it was in 1999, while government-run health care enrollment has more than doubled in the same time period, from 10 percent of those insured to more than 23 percent in 2010.   “Governor LePage and his administration have made great strides to solve Maine’s health care challenges and reduce our dependence on government-run health care programs,” Allumbaugh said. “Pushing forward with Obama’s proposed Medicaid expansion would take Maine backwards, towards more government dependence. We can’t let this happen, Maine taxpayers and ratepayers deserve better.”   ###   Read the full report online here   Download the full report here (PDF)   Maine's insurance by type chart

 

 

CONTACT:

Peter Steele, Communications Director

207.321.2550

psteele@mainepolicy.org

 

Register Today, MHPC Luncheon: Celebrating Friedman Legacy Freedom Day‏

In the spirit of Milton Friedman, we invite you to a luncheon celebrating freedom and education. Please Reserve Your Space Today If You Have Not Already Registered Tuesday, July 31, 2012 12:00p.m. to 1:30p.m. DiMillo’s On the Water 25 Long Wharf, Portland MHPC Member $20, Non-member $25 With Ms. Lindsey Burke,  Will Skillman Fellow in Education, The Heritage Foundation Lindsey M. Burke researches and writes on federal and state education issues as the Will Skillman fellow in education policy at The Heritage Foundation. Burke focuses on two critical areas of education policy: reducing the federal role in education and empowering families with school choice. Her work and commentary have been cited or appeared in national magazines such as The Atlantic, Time and Newsweek; newspapers such as The Boston Herald, The Star-Ledger, The Washington Examiner and The Washington Times; and digital venues such as the Daily Caller and National Review Online. Burke, who has spoken on education reform issues across the country and internationally, also has appeared on CNN and Fox News Channel as well as numerous national or regional radio and television programs. Burke holds a bachelor's degree in politics from Hollins University in Roanoke, Va., and a master of teaching degree in foreign language education from the University of Virginia. Before joining Heritage in 2008 as a research assistant, she taught high school French. Click Here To Register http://www.mainepolicy.og email aclark@mainepolicy.org call 207-321-2550

The Maine Heritage Policy Center Post Office Box 7829 | Portland, ME 04112-7829 Tel: (207) 321-2550