Return half state surplus through direct checks to people
Many of my friends on the other side of the aisle have called for a return of half the surplus to Maine people through direct checks. I think they're right. I propose that we send half of this surplus--$411 million--back to the people of Maine.
These givebacks, by direct checks to the people, will amount to about $500 per person and will be distributed to an estimated 800,000 taxpayers in Maine to help them offset added costs.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Maine legislature
, Feb 10, 2022
History has shown that we cannot cut our way to prosperity
I have heard the calls of those who say we should enact sweeping budget cuts. I agree that State government cannot be all things to all people all the time. And that it cannot solve all our problems or address the needs of all people. But history
has shown that we cannot cut our way to prosperity. During emergencies such as this, people depend on us to protect children, to secure health care, to safeguard educational and career opportunities and to protect the most vulnerable of our citizens.
I have heard the calls of those who say we must spend a lot more, even if it means we must dip into our savings. This, too, we should not do. When you have a fever--or when your state has had a fever--you don't say, "Now, get up and run laps and
do a hundred pushups." Recovery, getting back in shape, is not immediate, its course not always predictable. This budget, though, provides basic continuity, consistency and stability, something our state needs at this time. It is focused on recovery.
Tax credit for new business will diversify economy
To foster innovation, my Administration will also support increased funding for the Maine Seed Capital Tax Credit.
By helping new businesses take root and grow, we will create jobs and diversify our economy.
Source: 2020 Maine State of the State address
, Jan 21, 2020