Rally sends message: Don't trim programs
Foes of Baldacci's budget plan, including advocates for the elderly and mentally ill, gather in Augusta.
Expert predicts recession for Maine
The economic forecasting panel's chair says the state would be hit moderately, losing up to 3,000 jobs.
State's caucuses not in the limelight
Maine's February contests could gain significance and attract attention if the races remain up in the air.
Baldacci backs budget cuts, is silent on tax reform
The governor reiterates his opposition to raising taxes or dipping into savings to erase a $95 million shortfall.
State considers raising fees for snowmobilers
State House: An increase would help the volunteer clubs, advocates say.
EDITORIAL: Internet can make elite classes free to the masses
Everyone will be able to benefit from higher education that is not so exclusive.
Comebacks show value of small-state primary
The premium placed on retail politics in the New Hampshire race makes the process better.
Community Voices: Benazir Bhutto's murder killed a hope along with a person
LTE: Police officers don't need guns to keep citizens safe
BANGOR DAILY NEWS:
Maine economy on 'thin ice' says 'optimistic' prof
PORTLAND - A leading Maine economist said Wednesday that a recession appears likely for the state and the country early this year.
Cuts to DHHS programs place many at risk
AUGUSTA - The list of recent cuts in Maine's medical, mental health and social services is a long one, but on Wednesday the Legislature's Health and Human Services Committee heard them all.
Service to honor fallen soldier
OLD TOWN - The world got to know Maj. Andrew Olmsted, who died Jan. 3 in Diyala Province, Iraq, as the soldier who loved to blog. But his relatives here in Maine knew the 37-year-old as "Andy," a warm, intelligent man, a Red Sox fan and movie buff.
Baldacci makes commitment not to increase taxes
AUGUSTA - Gov. John Baldacci said Wednesday the state of the state is strong despite serious challenges and he is "determined to meet the future head on" by streamlining government, developing Maine's energy resources and revving up job-generating efforts.
'Independent' Mainers get ready to caucus
With preliminary contests in Iowa and New Hampshire ratcheting up the nationwide focus on this year's presidential campaign, Mainers are reviewing their choices and getting ready to participate in the party caucuses scheduled for next month.
EDITORIAL: Terrorism Platform
It took just six years for the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, to go from horrific national tragedy around which revived patriotism grew, to the punch line of a presidential candidate's joking jab at a rival.
EDITORIAL: Electronic Prescription
Ensuring health care expertise reaches rural areas improves medical treatment in these regions, but also keeps them economically viable.
Jim Cyr: Troops show bravery beyond description
There isn't much to say about Iraq, I'm afraid. Beyond all of the political talk; beyond all of the words of the retired generals and think tank "experts"; beyond all of the media commentary — beyond all of that — we have all seen something with our own eyes that has been truly remarkable.
LTEs: Taxing aviators; Questions about Iraq; Heating oil assistance
KENNEBEC JOURNAL:
Baldacci touts efficiency
AUGUSTA -- Maine's political leaders must back difficult spending cuts and find more efficient ways to deliver services, Gov. John Baldacci told lawmakers Wednesday night during a State of the State speech in which he opposed tax increases while promoting government consolidation and streamlining.
Protest in Hall of Flags is critical of governor's plan to cut budget
AUGUSTA -- Christine Holler came Wednesday to the Statehouse to let Gov. John Baldacci know exactly how she feels about his proposed budget cuts.
Game on! N.H. makes election a contest again
Politics is fun again. At least on the consumer level.
Columns:
LIZ SOARES : Living on budget was easy until this year
In 1996, my husband, Paul, and I decided to try to pay off our mortgage. We wanted freedom from monthly payments and to reduce the amount of interest we'd pay the bank. We'd have more money to save and invest.
BOB EMRICH : Weak legislature, not ethnic
divisions, root of Kenyan violence
Naomi Schalit's commentary "Religion-politics mix gives rise to fear" (1/07/2008) deserves a second read. Newspapers promoting this kind of irrational fear and poor logic should stir a bit of fear in their readers. The implied connection between Jewish people in Nazi Germany being targeted for death and presidential candidates talking about religion is unfortunate.
JIM BRUNELLE : And the winner is ...
New Hampshire primary
Talk about a comeback, the big winner in the New Hampshire presidential preference primary this year was not Hillary Clinton or John McCain but the New Hampshire primary itself.
Mitchells hope for twofer
MORNING SENTINEL:
Baldacci touts efficiency, notes challenges in Address
AUGUSTA -- Maine's political leaders must back difficult spending cuts and find more efficient ways to deliver services, Gov. John Baldacci told lawmakers Wednesday night during a State of the State speech in which he opposed tax increases while promoting government consolidation and streamlining.
Protest in Hall of Flags is critical of governor's plan to cut budget
AUGUSTA -- Christine Holler came Wednesday to the Statehouse to let Gov. John Baldacci know exactly how she feels about his proposed budget cuts.
Toothpick mill sold
STRONG -- The former Forster Manufacturing toothpick mill passed to new owners who'll be making a different type of wood product.
Liz Soares: Living on budget was easy until this year
In 1996, my husband, Paul, and I decided to try to pay off our mortgage. We wanted freedom from monthly payments and to reduce the amount of interest we'd pay the bank. We'd have more money to save and invest.
Supreme court clears the way for apartments
AUGUSTA -- A 30-unit senior housing project has cleared a final court hurdle and could be under way as soon as this summer, representatives say.
Sun Journal:
'Serious problem in the city'
AUBURN - With a tank nearly full of heating oil and a stocked kitchen cupboard, Jenn Ward figured back in December that her family could make it through the next month.
Baldacci: State robust despite revenue woes
AUGUSTA - Gov. John Baldacci said Wednesday the state of the state is strong despite serious challenges but is "determined to meet the future head on" by streamlining government, developing its energy resources and revving up job-generating efforts.
Independent joins race for U.S. Senate
KENNEBUNKPORT (AP) - Republican Susan Collins and Democrat Tom Allen are no longer the only candidates for Senate.
LTE: Right-wing highway
Conservatives and liberals will never see eye to eye. The problem is one of pronouns:
WCSH6
| Baldacci: State Is Strong, But Faces Challenges | |
 | AUGUSTA (AP) -- Governor John Baldacci says the state of the state is strong and determined to meet the future head on. But he says in an address to Mainers and the Legislature that the state also faces serious challenges. |
| Republicans Pleased With Governor's No Tax Promise | |
| AUGUSTA (AP) -- Democratic Governor Baldacci's promise in his State of the State speech tonight not to raise taxes drew praise from a Republican leader. |
| Fee Change Could Aid Snowmobile Clubs, Trails | |
| (NEWS CENTER) -- Volunteers keep Maine's 13,000 miles of snowmobile trails clear and well groomed. The Maine Snowmobile Association hopes a fee change will bring in more money and volunteers. |
The Times Record:
Navy chief hails BIW's efficiencies
BATH — The top admiral in the U.S. Navy visited Bath Iron Works on Tuesday afternoon, and afterward discussed international shipbuilding opportunities as well as how the local shipyard's efficiency could help him advocate for more funding domestically.
Heating oil prices still breaking records
AUGUSTA — Home heating oil hit another all-time high this week, coming in at an average statewide price of $3.35 per gallon, up seven cents from last week and $1.09 higher than last year at this time.
Commentary: Can tax reform provide relief?
PORTSMOUTH HERALD:
York school budget lower than target
YORK, Maine — A $24.7 million proposed school budget for fiscal year 2009, which assumes a 3.4 percent tax increase, was presented to the School Committee last week.
YORK COUNTY COAST STAR:
FEMA grant comes through for Kennebunk homeowners
KENNEBUNK — Help is on the way.
THE YORK WEEKLY
Winter weather takes toll on York's public works budget
YORK — Despite this week's January thaw, heavy snowfall totals this winter have devastated the town's salt and overtime budgets.
MAINE COAST NOW:
New lobster catch rule
Ten percent of Maine lobstermen, identified as Dear Harvester, have now been selected as participants in a new DMR regulation to report comprehensive personal catch and effort information, which quite possibly leaves lobstermen vulnerable to financial audits by the Internal Revenue Service.
Agencies struggle to help families find emergency sources of oil
AUGUSTA — Agencies that provide emergency fuel assistance to low-income Mainers are stretched to the limit this winter by heating oil prices that are higher than ever before.
Athenahealth hearing set
BELFAST — Athenahealth has taken the first step toward buying the Phase 1 complex from Bank of America by seeking a site plan permit.
LINCOLN COUNTY NEWS:
SUSAN COLLINS: From the U.S. Senate: -- The Farm Bill: A Missed Opportunity
The American people are fortunate to have the most abundant and affordable food supply in the world. This bounty is the result of the hard work and initiative of our nation's family farmers.
MPBN:
Noted Economist Releases Gloomy Economic Forecast
Maine's economy is likely to slow to a virtual halt this year--or worse. That's the prediction of Muskie School economist Charles Colgan, who unveiled his annual economic forecast this morning in Portland.. Barbara Cariddi reports.
Ralliers Blast Governor for Spending Cut Proposals
Against the backdrop of a sluggish economy and possible recession, the state of Maine is facing a budget shortfall of 95 million dollars. Governor John Baldacci has proposed state spending cuts that will cut social services to the tune of nearly 40 milion dollars. But these are services for some of most Maine's vulnerable residents, and both advocates and consumers say that's not acceptable. Today they held a rally and news conference to urge the governor and the legislature to do better. Susan Sharon reports.
Governor to Focus on Budget Gap in State of the State Address
Gov. John Baldacci, meanwhile, vows that new taxes, alternative fees and tapping the rainy day fund will not be part of his plan to close a $95 million gap in the state budget. The governor will chart his course for seeing the state through a time of economic uncertainty tonight in his State of the State Address. As A.J. Higgins reports, lawmakers say they have high expectations for the Governor's speech.
keepMEcurrent
Sen. Collins to address Noble eighth-graders
BERWICK (Jan 9, 2008): Sen. Susan Collins was expected to visit Noble Middle School in Berwick at 1:30 p.m. Thursday to speak to the school's 240 eighth-grade students.
Ellsworth American:
Legislators: Overhaul School Consolidation
AUGUSTA — The pressure is on the Education Committee to bring about substantial change to the school consolidation law.
EDITORIAL: The Electoral Deficit in Foreign Policy
It is a peculiarity of modern American politics that we tend to elect as president men (so far) with little or no demonstrated expertise in foreign and defense policy. This is striking because we live in a time when world events impinge more directly and powerfully on the United States than almost ever before.
EDITORIAL: Getting the Debate Started
The Alliance for Maine's Future, an organization of more than 600 members formed in 2001 by Maine business leaders, sent a letter last week to members of the 123rd Legislature asking them to reduce state spending, rather than raise taxes and fees, to close the $100-million gap in the state budget. But the Alliance did more than simply toss the cost-cutting ball into the Legislature's court; it offered four very specific proposals "to achieve meaningful and sustained spending reductions."
EDITORIAL: New Model for Trade Agreements Needed
We were promised more jobs with NAFTA, the North American Free Trade Agreement between the U.S., Mexico and Canada. Since it passed we've seen a loss of 24,000 manufacturing jobs in Maine alone.
BLOGS:
Senate Guru: Laurie Dobson
Text of State of the State Address
and
State of the State Republican Response
Turn Maine Blue: Maine Democratic Caucus, 10 February
5 responses to Baldacci's State of the State
