First, it is important to state that people willing to run and serve in the Legislature deserve the gratitude of their neighbors. While the work they do can provide personal satisfaction, it often is hard and without much appreciation. Also, those who serve the interests of the public as government or non-profit employees are vital to the quality of life we enjoy in Maine. However, there needs to be a better balance when it comes to public policy.
Each legislator brings their own experiences to Augusta that inform both their decisions and their debates. However, the Maine Legislature does not look like the Maine workforce. Here's a comparison of the workforce with those serving in the Legislature.
- Private sector workers (67%) / Private sector legislators (42%)
- Non-profit sector workers (16%) / Non-profit sector legislators (13%)
- Public sector workers (17%) / Public sector legislators (38%)
Of its 186 members, it is dominated in both numbers and leadership by people who have made their living primarily in the public or non-profit sector. Their paychecks have been funded by taxpayers, transfer payments or charitable donations. Also, the compensation for a large number of legislators has been determined through union negotiations including health and retirement benefits.
The numbers below are our estimates of primary employment experience gathered from the Senate and House Register as well as legislators' web sites. While many list "consultant" or "small business owner" as their current occupation, many were long term public employees prior to going into business. Also, some legislators classified as "business" are unionized employees in the private sector.
House of Representatives by Employment Category
Attorneys (9)
Business (52)
Education (39)
Government (22)
Health care (6)
Non-profit (10)
Social services (5)
Student (3)
Farmer (2)
Paralegal (1)
Community volunteer (1)
Unknown (1)
Maine Senate by Employment Category
Attorneys (6)
Business (14)
Education (8)
Non-profit (3)
Government (1)
Farmer (1)
Health care (1)
Legislator (1)
The point is this: Maine's private sector has not done a good job of putting forward candidates capable of winning a seat in the Legislature. In contrast, the public and non-profit sectors have been diligent and successful at both. They have a vested interest in a robust public sector.
If Maine people working in the private sector want to see policies that support job growth and an expanding economy, a state in which government is efficient and affordable, then
they have to look in the mirror and see themselves as candidates or campaign supporters. Employers take note: You need to run or enable your employees to do so. Now is the time to have that conversation as we approach next year's legislative elections. If you have an interest in running or getting involved, drop us a line at
tpayne@allianceformaine.org and we'll tell you more about the process.
