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February 27, 2008

Economic report raises red flags for ME

A new report says high energy costs and poor transportation infrastructure dampened Maine's economy in 2006, but praises the state's broad health care coverage and land conservation efforts.

The Maine Economic Growth Council's 2008 edition of "Measures of Growth," an annual report on Maine's economy, gave Maine's economy "red flags" -- meaning the issue needs attention -- for a low per capita personal income, a high level of child poverty and high state and local taxes. Mainers' personal income in 2006 was $31,931, ranking 39th in the U.S. and falling from 35th place in 2005.

Yet the report also praises Maine's high rate of health care coverage, noting that healthy workers can be more productive. Over 90% of Mainers had some form of health insurance in 2006, above the national average that year of 84.7%. Land conservation efforts also increased by 41,031 acres from 2006 to 2007, helping to preserve Maine's landscape and natural resources. Read the full report here.

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