Greetings!
It's been a busy summer on many policy fronts. In addition, we're losing an analyst and a great colleague! Kurt Wise, our state fiscal policy analyst is moving back to Boston to work with our sister organization, the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center. If you or someone you know loves tax and budget issues we encourage you to read the job description and apply. |
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Health Reform - Lessons from Maine
There is no more important issue to our nation's economic
future than health care reform. In 2003, Maine
enacted one of the most significant health reform plans of any state. Some of it worked, some of it didn't. In this report, we take an in-depth look at Maine's experience, what we believe are the essential components of an effective and efficient
health care reform plan, and
how our journey can inform the national debate.
National Health Reform: Lessons from Maine by Garrett Martin and Douglas Rooks
Executive Summary
Lessons in Brief
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Reports and Publications 
In addition to our Health Care Report featured above, Lisa Pohlmann and Nicole Witherbee teamed up to write our July Choices which explores the American Clean Energy and Security Act. Kurt Wise produced our August Choices which describes in detail the four core dangers of TABOR - the so-called Taxpayers Bill of Rights which will appear on this November's ballot.
Choices: A Clean Energy and Jobs Plan for Maine's Future
Choices: TABOR II: A Danger to Maine's Economy, Communities, and People
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On the Air
State of the State is our weekly cable television show about issues facing Maine. Check here for programs, airtimes, schedules and podcasts, or contact us for a DVD.
Recently aired and upcoming programs:
- New Livable Wage Estimates
- Bowdoin Community Fellows Program
- TABOR - What We Can Learn from Colorado
- A Look Back at the 124th Legislative Session - Environmental Priorities
- A Look Back at the 124th Legislative Session - Housing
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Our Partners: Citizens Unified for Maine's Future
This fall voters will face a number of ballot initiatives including TABOR II and an Excise Tax refe rendum. These proposals are being brought forward by anti-tax and anti-government groups supported by out-of-state interests. Maine rejected TABOR in 2006. It was a bad idea then and even worse now as local and state budgets are reeling from the economic downturn. Citizens Unified for Maine's Future is organizing the Maine campaign opposing TABOR II. Only one state in the country - Colorado - has ever enacted TABOR despite numerous attempts by anti-government groups to get it passed in many states. It has proven so destructive in Colorado that it has been suspended for five years.
Learn more about TABOR II and join the opposition
Visit our TABOR web page frequently for updates
Photo: Maine organizations listen to Colorado's experience at a recent educational meeting on TABOR II
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It's nice to know that while the rest of the country is acting up and shouting down public debate, Maine can still engage in civil discourse. Over 100 folks from all parts of the political spectrum attended our 
