A Vision for Maine’s Future
Let's strengthen Maine's economy
Maine’s Many Stellar Qualities
Although Maine is not the largest or most populous state, it has many positive qualities that make it a wonderful place to put down roots, pursue a career, and raise a family. Indeed, our state’s small size, human scale, and the personal relationships that it fosters make it unlike any other state in the union.
Furthermore, Maine has a wonderful environment and many plentiful natural resources. As one of 50 American states, Maine has great potential to become an engine for economic prosperity. People who live here could enjoy a very high quality of life and help contribute to a thriving economy throughout the country.
But Maine Could Do Better
However, Maine has not reached its potential, and its economy is currently declining. Maine could do a lot better in a variety of areas, including:
- Small business support. Right now, it’s difficult for small businesses to start and stay due to high operational costs, tax and regulatory burdens, lack of qualified workers, and more.
- Lack of job opportunities for young Americans. Due to the lack of foundational jobs, many young people seek employment elsewhere, taking their families with them and contributing to an overall aging population in Maine.
- Lack of foundational jobs. Fewer foundational jobs in sectors like forestry, fishing, construction, and manufacturing mean lower productivity, less prosperity and less money coming into Maine. That shrinks the tax base and leaves less money for public services.
Right now, small business owners, entrepreneurs, and investors do not think of Maine as a good place to do business. But that could change in the future.
Maine’s Future Lies in Attracting Young People and Investors
A brighter future for Maine lies in attracting young people, innovators and investors.
If Maine’s economy is to not just survive but thrive in the decades ahead, we must create and pass policies that incentivize business creation, lead to the growth of foundational jobs, and attract young people and investors.
Unfortunately, Maine’s policymaking system has become bogged down by partisan division and politicized, short-term actions focused on the next election but not Maine’s long-term future. Our legislature needs to work more collaboratively and more comprehensively toward sustained economic prosperity for all Mainers. That work needs to start with a plan to grow foundational jobs.
You can learn more about these issues and help join the drive for progress by signing up for the Alliance for Maine’s newsletter today.