|
As you will see in this month’s issue, we have just completed our Leadership Summit, which was again extremely well received by business leaders and key legislators. Each year since we have undertaken the event, it has helped to refocus our energy and remind us of the value of listening to each other’s concerns and perspectives in light of the many challenges lawmakers face.
As I pondered a topic for this month’s President’s Message, it struck me that we only have approximately five weeks left in the current legislative session. And in those five weeks, there are a number of weighty issues waiting for final resolution. The state’s budget shortfall is today, unresolved. The budget gap has doubled to nearly $200 million, and talks of a tax increase to address the deficit are beginning to increase in volume. Given the magnitude of the budget cuts facing legislators, that’s not surprising. The hitch is that it is exactly the wrong method to be using to solve this problem.
Similarly, are whispers about cutting the reimbursements that companies receive through the Business Equipment Reimbursement Program (BETR), one of the most successful investment tools our state has at its disposal. Finally, in this same five-week window, agreement must be made to successfully address tax reform in our state, as well as finding a more appropriate funding mechanism for the Dirigo Health program.
Increasing taxes, cutting business investment incentives, and increasing the cost of doing business in Maine will only inhibit businesses from creating jobs and adding employees. In an economic downturn, is that really the right answer?
As legislators enter these final weeks, we hope those that attended our Leadership Summit, and had the chance to share ideas and opinions, will take those discussions back to the third floor of the Statehouse and use them to help create open dialogues and collaborative problem-solving.
There are big challenges ahead for all of us, and while we may not agree on the best way to address them all, we stand ready to work with legislators and our members for successful outcomes.
r
|
