US Representative John Baldacci’s campaign for Maine governor focuses on improving Maine’s economic health, which links many of the other issues.
Education
There is a growing problem in Maine that John Baldacci said is common in many rural states. The phenomenon of young people leaving Maine in droves for out-of-state opportunities is what he calls “Brain Drain.”
Baldacci’s response: encouraging Maine students to seek higher education here in the state and making the state more conducive to new business and new jobs for recent graduates. He said this plan will result in the opposite trend, “Brain Gain.”
Investing in research and development in growing industries such as biotechnology and computers is another way Baldacci proposes to improve education and business in Maine.
He also supports a plan to establish a community college system with nationally comparable tuition rates.
Business and economy
Linked to the improvement of education in Maine, Baldacci has a plan for the state to pay for 50 percent of the cost of K – 12 education. This would relieve property tax burdens for Mainers.
To stimulate business in the state, similar to opponent Jonathan Carter, Baldacci suggests eliminating the personal property tax on new business equipment. “We need to encourage businesses to invest here in Maine, and make future investments to stay competitive in a technologically advanced world. By eliminating the tax, we will give companies the incentive and ability to invest in the future.”
Pine Tree Opportunity Zones are another plan of Baldacci’s to improve the economic feasibility of having businesses move to Maine and grow once they are here. In these Zones, the taxes will be reduced or eliminated altogether to stimulate business.
Healthcare
Baldacci’s healthcare plan centers on creating “The Maine Health Plan.” This plan would be established though either private insurers or a new non-profit company to provide low-cost health care. He said that people who cannot afford the premiums would be able to take advantage of “secure federal dollars” to make sure all Mainers are covered.
Also key to Baldacci’s plan is working with universities and colleges to promote health care fields of study. This training and retraining of people in health care professions will aid in the current shortages in the field.
Maine’s homeland security
In his work in Congress, Baldacci was involved with efforts of homeland security in Maine as well as nationally. He believes Maine to be a relatively safe state. However, it is key to keep the borders secure and make sure that safety and security measures are in place.
As a state representative to Congress, Baldacci voted against the current resolution with Iraq, saying, “a multilateral approach offers the best opportunity in both the short and long term to end the current threat from Iraq and build a more stable environment in that region.”