State of Maine Archives: on Budget & Economy
Charlie Summers:
Wasteful spending, even on military, should be eliminated
"What we have right now is a compliant Congress and a president who is trying to spend us into oblivion," said Summers.
A veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, Summers said all spending should be re-examined, including wasteful military contracts.
Source: John Richardson in Maine Morning Sentinel
Apr 6, 2012
Bruce Poliquin:
Build a less intrusive and less expensive federal government
In Congress, I'll fight entrenched bureaucrats and status quo politicians to build a limited, less intrusive, and less expensive federal government.
Less government spending and borrowing will allow taxes to be cut. Eliminating unnecessary regulations will make it less complicated and costly to start and run a business.
Source: 2014 Maine House campaign website, PoliquinForCongress.com
Nov 4, 2014
Chris Lyons:
Market-led recovery better than stimulus
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Stimulus better than market-led recovery"?
A: oppose
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Maine Senate candidate
Mar 6, 2018
Eric Brakey:
The government takes enough; we shouldn't raise taxes
When I ran for office , I promised my constituents that I would not vote to raise taxes. Government takes enough of our money already.
This budget is already $7.1 billion dollars--the most expensive budget in Maine history--and we do not need to raise anymore taxes.
Source: Twitter posting on 2018 Maine Senate race
Jul 3, 2017
Eric Brakey:
Not just for economic freedom but also personal freedom
[Asked about campaign themes], "There's a real opportunity right now for someone who has a different kind of Republican message like I do, a Republican message values not just economic freedom but also personal freedom," Brakey said before highlighting
some libertarian trends in Maine. "We're a state that in the last election cycle voted both against gun control and for legalizing marijuana and I think that says something about the libertarian, 'leave me alone' attitude of the people of Maine."
Source: RedAlertPolitics.com on 2018 Maine Senate race
Apr 30, 2017
Janet Mills:
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
Janet Mills:
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.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Maine legislature
Feb 23, 2021
Janet Mills:
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
Mary Mayhew:
Reduce taxes by deep budget cuts including family services
Reduce taxes by deep budget cuts including family services
The department budget contains an overall cut of $139 million. Mayhew said that's part of the LePage administration's larger goal of reducing taxes, which it says will help Maine's economy. Opponents said the cuts would make it harder
Source: News Center Maine on 2018 Maine Gubernatorial race
Feb 22, 2017
Matt Dunlap:
Shore up availability of credit to stimulate job creation
The Democratic candidates agreed that the federal government can do more to stimulate job creation, such as weatherizing homes and businesses, and free up investment capital that has been sitting on the sidelines since the Wall Street meltdown in 2008.
"The federal government can do an awful lot more to shore up the availability of that credit," Dunlap said.
Source: KJ Online coverage of 2012 Maine Senate debate
Mar 31, 2012
Matt Dunlap:
Shore up availability of credit to stimulate job creation
The Democratic candidates agreed that the federal government can do more to stimulate job creation, such as weatherizing homes and businesses, and free up investment capital that has been sitting on the sidelines since the Wall Street meltdown in 2008.
"The federal government can do an awful lot more to shore up the availability of that credit," Dunlap said.
Pollard said he would reform the tax code."I do think the wealthiest Americans benefited the most from the prosperity of recent decades. Those individuals and corporations should be responsible for reducing the deficit."
Families are facing financial disaster with high unemployment--while Washington fails to take the steps needed to fix these problems. I believe there are plenty of people looking out for the big corporations. Maine families [need] a senator for them.
Source: KJ Online coverage of 2012 Maine Senate debate
Apr 1, 2012
Paul LePage:
Make the tough decisions to let American Dream survive
We all recognize that the political climate in Washington D.C. is toxic. With no solutions in sight, the Federal debt grows at such a pace that many of us question how the American Dream will ultimately survive for our children and grandchildren
to experience.Maine families are struggling. Maine families struggle to heat their homes, fill their cars with gasoline, put food on the table, and pay for health insurance.
Government has not strengthened Maine families with more income,
opportunity, or reducing the cost of living. Instead government has taken more and more of our family's hard working income away to serve some people's political and/or financial self-interests. The path forward offers two choices. We continue to accept
the status quo or we can make the tough decisions to create a better Maine for everyone. We can only do this if we work together. Every Mainer deserves the opportunity to pursue the American Dream.
Source: 2013 State of the State speech to Maine Legislature
Feb 5, 2013
Paul LePage:
Graded A by Cato Institute for cutting taxes, spending
The Cato Institute released the newest edition of its Fiscal Policy Report Card on America's Governors. The publication rates state governors on their fiscal responsibility, including taxation and government spending policies.
Governors receive high marks in the report for cutting taxes and spending. In previous years, former Maine Gov. Paul LePage ranked among the highest in the nation, receiving an "A" grade every time his policies were reviewed by Cato.
Source: The Maine Wire on 2022 Maine Gubernatorial race
Oct 1, 2018
Sara Gideon:
COVID: prioritize small business, bolster unemployment funds
Q: Your COVID policy?Gideon: We have to look at how we build back our economy in a way that supports those who need it most, including Mainers over the age of 50. That means prioritizing small businesses, not corporations, in the next round of
federal relief; sending more funding to local governments to protect good-paying municipal jobs, to keep property taxes low, and to continue to bolster unemployment insurance to make sure Maine's seniors can get through this crisis & back on their feet.
Source: AARP Survey on 2020 Maine Senate race
Oct 16, 2020
Susan Collins:
We tried & failed in 2005 to tighten mortgage regulations
Collins said during a debate on WGAN-AM that both the Clinton and Bush administrations warned of looming troubles with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which guarantee or own nearly half the nation's mortgages. But she said a 2005 House bill to tighten
regulations was too weak, and that Allen voted against two amendments that would've strengthened it. That version died in the Senate. But a different bill, with the amendments, eventually became law last July.
Allen said the bigger problem is the economic policies of President Bush. He said they drove up the national debt. At the same time, there was a lack of oversight of Wall Street practices, Allen said. "The belief in letting the markets run their course
has never been stronger than in this administration," he said.
Both Collins and Allen agreed that the revised version of the bailout vote was better than the first because it had added oversight and more safeguards for taxpayers.
Source: 2008 Maine Senate Debate in Bangor (Me.) Daily News
Aug 30, 2008
Tom Allen:
Bush administration's debt has failed middle-class America
Allen took aim at the Bush administration by saying it has failed middle-class Americans and put the nation deep into debt. Allen said he supports government efforts to stem the financial crisis, such as the takeover of mortgage giants
Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae earlier this month. But he blamed the Bush administration's economic philosophy for causing the crisis. "This is not about Wall Street but Main Street," he said.
Source: 2008 Maine Senate debate reported in Kennebec Journal
Sep 21, 2008
Tom Allen:
Driving up debt & unbridled free market caused bank crisis
Collins said during a debate on WGAN-AM that both the Clinton and Bush administrations warned of looming troubles with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which guarantee or own nearly half the nation's mortgages. But she said a 2005 House bill to tighten
regulations was too weak, and that Allen voted against two amendments that would've strengthened it. That version died in the Senate. But a different bill, with the amendments, eventually became law last July.
Allen said the bigger problem is the economic policies of President Bush. He said they drove up the national debt. At the same time, there was a lack of oversight of Wall Street practices, Allen said. "The belief in letting the markets run their course
has never been stronger than in this administration," he said.
Both Collins and Allen agreed that the revised version of the bailout vote was better than the first because it had added oversight and more safeguards for taxpayers.
Source: 2008 Maine Senate Debate in Bangor (Me.) Daily News
Aug 30, 2008
Demi Kouzounas:
ARPA is a $2 trillion tax hike proposal
Taxes: Raise or lower taxes on corporations and wealthier individuals?Demi Kouzounas (R): Unclear. Opposed Biden's American Rescue Plan, calling it "a $2 trillion tax hike proposal." In 2018 was concerned Democrats in
Maine would spend more and raise taxes.
Angus King (I): Raise. Voted for a 15% corporate minimum tax that closes "loopholes long exploited by massive corporations and the wealthiest Americans." Opposed the 2017 Trump tax bill.
Source: Guides.vote candidate survey on 2024 Maine Senate race
Sep 9, 2024
David Costello:
Boost investments in transportation, energy infrastructure
David will help in fostering a thriving economy and broader prosperity by supporting efforts to:- Provide universal pre-kindergarten and aftercare.
- Boost investments in transportation, energy, and communications infrastructure.
-
Spur scientific research and development (R&D).
- Raise the federal minimum wage and increase federal Child and Earned Income Tax Credits.
- Expand sustainable community and affordable housing development assistance.
Source: 2024 Maine Senate campaign website CostelloForSenate.com
Oct 1, 2024
Demi Kouzounas:
End inflationary spending punishing hardworking Mainers
STRENGTHEN MAINE'S ECONOMY:
Tackle inflation head-on and end the out-of-control pricing and inflationary spending that is punishing hardworking Mainers and saddling future generations with debt.
Source: 2024 Maine Senate campaign website DemiForSenate.com
Oct 1, 2024
Ed Crockett:
Invest in workforce development; support innovation
Maine's economy should work for everyone, from small business owners and family farms to working Mainers in every community.
Ed believes in creating more good-paying jobs, investing in workforce development, and supporting innovation that keeps our young people here at home.
Source: 2026 Maine Governor campaign website EdCrockettForMaine.com
Dec 19, 2025
Robert Charles:
If you double the budget it becomes unsustainable
Bad decisions--decisions that constantly grow government, concentrate power, take liberties away--are being made by tone-deaf, arrogant, power-hungry, self-absorbed, un-listening legislators and a Democrat governor, attorneys general, and secretaries of
state, you hurt people.What does that mean? It means if you double the budget in seven years, double taxes, in a place already struggling with the highest property, and near-highest total tax burden, it becomes unsustainable.
Source: The Maine Wire, "Game," on 2026 Maine Gubernatorial race
Apr 7, 2025
Shenna Bellows:
Budget cuts and reversals don't make any sense
Bellows said the recent wave of federal actions have felt "unorganized and potentially punitive." She criticized the administration for making abrupt decisions, only to reverse them shortly after. "We can all agree that government should be as
efficient and effective as possible," said Bellows. "But eliminating whole programs, funding streams to farmers or to the university, and making decisions and then reversing them the next day doesn't make any sense from an operational perspective."
Source: The Maine Campus, "Punitive," on 2026 Maine Governor race
Mar 10, 2025
Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026