Posted on
March 5, 2010
 

Misclassification bill takes unexpected twists and turns

Chamber expresses concern about proposal to increase sales tax on energy used in manufacturing

President’s Message:  “Significant issues remain in short session…”

Majority of Labor committee rejects minimum wage increase

Natural Resources committee gives unanimous support to proposal requiring legislative oversight of Site Law revisions

“Economic and Business Perspectives of Federal Climate Legislation” to be topic of March 18 E2Tech Forum in Augusta

Ocean Renewable Power Co. leads ocean energy development effort in Maine

Businesses form MaineLine coalition to aid rebuilding efforts in Haiti

Maine State Chamber thanks renewing members and welcomes new members

 

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Next edition posted:
March 12, 2010
  
 
 
 
 
FYI from Dana Connors and the staff of the Maine State Chamber
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March 4, 2010

A Bill that would have increased annually Maine’s minimum wage by adjusting it to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) was withdrawn on Monday. Rep. John Tuttle (D-Sanford) the sponsor of the bill, and Chair of the labor Committee indicated that he heard considerable concerns voiced by members of his own party, as well as small businesses, regarding his proposed bill. Peter Gore of the Maine State Chamber says the vote reflects the concerns he has continued to raise throughout this session; that businesses are concerned with surviving right now, and the economy is too fragile to force added costs to businesses.

Peter Gore spoke to another issue this week that could affect businesses and that is the worker misclassification issue. The Governor’s Task Force on Employee Misclassification has determined that the state is losing as much as $36 million a year in tax revenue due to employee misclassification. Peter feels that it is an important issue, but he is concerned that the state will ask employers to pay for increased enforcement.

Democratic leaders unveiled a $99.2 million jobs bond package that would require Republican support in order to get it on the ballot in time for the primary election in June. Gov. Baldacci’s office said the Governor plans to propose a competing bond package of his own.

Mainer’s may see another referendum regarding a casino on the November statewide ballot. Governor of the Passamaquoddy Tribe’s Indian Township reservation is seeking approval for a casino in eastern Maine. There is already a measure on the ballot seeking a casino in western Maine.

Educators gathered at the State House last week to learn more about a pilot program for education reform. The program would be curriculum-driven as opposed to the current- results driven methodology. The proposed change is common in many European countries. Despite the fact that The Governor is submitted legislation that would help Maine be a contender for $75 million in federal funding for the pilot program, many are still concerned with future funding.

USM has submitted a proposal to cut costs that includes merging some of their schools and cutting 3 deans.


  
 
   

 

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