Gov. Paul LePage likes to talk about his credentials as a businessman ”“ he even claims to be a turnaround specialist. Unfortunately, his record on turning around Maine’s economy is weak. In fact, on LePage’s watch, Maine ranks as the third worst state for job growth. We need to do better, and after nearly four years, it’s clear LePage’s policies won’t get us there.
LePage has been tooting his own horn, but a closer look at his record tells a different story. While all our New England neighbors have recovered all of the jobs they lost during the recession, Maine has only recovered half.
Even the jobs that have been created aren’t benefitting everyone. A recent analysis by the Maine Center for Economic Policy revealed that unemployment is highest for young people between the ages of 25-34 ”“ those most likely to be starting families and putting down roots. In fact, the unemployment rate for these prime-aged workers is twice what it is for workers close to retirement, at 55-64 years old.
And, the people who are working are often working more than one job and still are not earning enough to pay their bills. In 2013, Maine had the sixth-highest percentage of workers who wanted more work but couldn’t find it. There are nearly 100,000 Mainers who want more work but can’t find it, or have stopped looking for work altogether.
If LePage thinks this is a record to be proud of, he should talk to the young families who have to work multiple low-wage, part-time jobs to put food on the table and keep a roof over their kids’ heads. His economy isn’t working for them.
We need an economy that works for everyone, but LePage has done little to help. For the first two years of the LePage administration, the governor refused to issue more than $100 million in voter-approved bonds for construction projects across Maine. Last July, the governor released the bonds, but then seven months later, reneged on this promise, halting work on more than $50 million in construction projects.
LePage doesn’t create a healthy climate for businesses. Businesses need predictability and a willing partner in government to grow and thrive. Instead, this governor’s temperamental behavior creates an environment of unpredictability and instability. This is harmful for Maine people, Maine businesses and Maine’s economy.
This is not the way that a good leader runs a business or a state. It is certainly not what we should expect from a man who promoted his skills to turn our economy around. The people of Maine have been sold a bill of goods. It’s time LePage worked with the Legislature to create the jobs for which nearly 100,000 Maine people are still waiting.
— Sen. David E. Dutremble is a Democrat who represents the communities of Arundel, Biddeford, Kennebunk and Kennebunkport. He lives in Biddeford with his wife and children. His column appears on the first Monday of each month.
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