On February 2, Maine municipalities with 4,000 residents or fewer have an opportunity to apply for enhanced incentives from Efficiency Maine for high-performance heat pumps and LED lighting projects in municipal buildings. By launching this limited-time offer, Efficiency Maine aims to accelerate heating, ventilation, and air conditioning upgrades and lighting conversions in municipal buildings.

The Maine State Chamber is a member of the Maine Business Immigration Coalition (MeBIC). The coalition promotes initiatives, laws, and policies to attract, integrate, and retain immigrants in Maine’s economy and communities as consumers, workers, entrepreneurs, and citizens. The coalition works to provide information, education, and advocacy on immigration issues from the business and economic perspective.

On Monday, February 1, the Maine State Chamber of Commerce launched a livestream program, The Maine Take with Dana Connors. The weekly public affairs and current events show got off to a strong start in its first episode with special guest, U.S. Senator Susan Collins, who discussed the Paycheck Protection Program she co-authored and COVID-19 stimulus proposals. Her appearance on The Maine Take came just hours before she and a group of her Senate colleagues met with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in the Oval Office to discuss the White House stimulus package and the alternative proposal she and her colleagues had developed.

COVID-19 Relief…
    While leaders in the nation’s capital debate COVID-19 relief proposals and the impeachment of former President Donald Trump is underway, the Washington Post reported that a group of top U.S. CEOs met with President Joe Biden to discuss the administration’s COVID-19 economic relief package. Top concerns the business leaders were expected to discuss include the President’s $15 minimum wage proposal and federal unemployment insurance increases.

Two years ago, in IMPACT, I highlighted how Republican pro-growth policies had transformed the Maine economy and created record-setting economic growth. Governor Paul R. LePage inherited an $800 million shortfall and turned it into a healthy surplus for incoming Governor Janet Mills to inherit. I asserted, “Republican policies lowered taxes, created jobs, brought record low unemployment, generated higher wages and increased government revenue.” House Republicans also expressed concern that special interest groups and their allies would seek to spend most, if not all, of that surplus.  

Despite 2021 being a difficult period for all states, we are ever-focused on our commitment to Maine people. House Democrats are determined to be strong advocates for small businesses and working families during the 130th Legislature. They have been some of the hardest hit during the pandemic and they are the backbone of Maine’s economy.