Politics & Co.
After a $153 million interim budget to cover revenue shortfalls sailed through the Legislature with nearly unanimous support, the appropriations committee is expected to take up Gov. Paul LePage's two-year, $6.3 billion budget proposal this month. That budget, which would suspend municipal revenue sharing, has generated pushback from Maine municipalities, some of which have begun to budget in anticipation that state funds will not be cut.
Meanwhile, as the budget agenda is set:
Jobs clearinghouse proposed
The Portland Press Herald reported that LePage plans to put forward a bill creating a state-run job listing website and work force development program that businesses would pay a one-time fee to join. The program would match applicants with jobs openings through the Department of Labor. Participating companies would also pay new hires an annual tuition or housing subsidy of up to $2,500 a year for up to two years. Kent Peterson, CEO of Fluid Imaging in Yarmouth and program proponent, told Mainebiz that the proposed program would cost less than paying a head hunter to fill open positions and companies could use the savings for subsidies to attract recent graduates.
"It's a win for Maine businesses and prospective employees that may have college debts to pay off and hopefully Maine will get the first in the nation recognition for this kind of tuition co-op program," Peterson says.
In a separate presentation to the committee, Maine Development Foundation President and CEO Ed Cervone suggested the state partner with the Maine State Chamber to provide an internship website. Visit mainebiz.biz/mdfworkforce to read Cervone's full list of recommendations.
Beverage boiling point
Two competing bills lay out differing visions of how the state should renegotiate its lucrative liquor wholesale distribution contract, setting up a battle to precede the bidding war. Three companies — Dirigo Spirit, All Maine Spirits and current contract holder Maine Beverage Co. — are keeping close eye on the competing proposals from Sen. Seth Goodall, D-Richmond, and LePage. Goodall's plan would largely retain the management structure used now in the agreement with Maine Beverage Co. while the governor's plan would have the state retake some management functions for the wholesale contract.
Signage
LD 483, which goes before the Transportation Committee March 8, would ease state restrictions for on-premises business signs, and increase the number of signs a business located far from a principal road may have. The bill also eases regulations for changeable signs and displays.
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