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| 20.
The 2000 Federal Census shows
that 22 % of Maine’s youth
between the ages of 20-34 have
left the state since 1990 to
seek opportunity elsewhere. The
national average out-migration
for this age group is only 5%.
If elected, what do you think
state government can do to help
keep our youth and prime
workforce here in Maine? |
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| As
one of the demographic we are talking about, I
have a unique insight into this problem. I have
spent the last 5 years watching my friends and
neighbors leave the state. To a person, each
said, "I wish I COULD stay, but I have so
many more opportunities elsewhere". So, the
problem is not necessarily the young citizens
WANTING to leave, more they are FORCED to leave
by an unfriendly business environment, and a
lack of good opportunities within this state.
The state government must start by beginning to
control the outrageous tax system that is
currently in place. It is killing economic
growth by DIScouraging small business. If we
were able to say to new business, "come to
Maine, it is the BEST place to start a
business" any losses in higher taxes would
be recouped (many times over) by the expanded
tax base of both more workers and more
businesses taxed. Second we must make certain we
keep our commitment to higher education, to make
certain that we have a highly educated class of
citizens to provide innovation,
entrepreneurship, and skilled work for this
state, helping to expand our economy. Those are
only two examples of initiatives the state
government can take, but I believe they convey
the need to change the culture of this state
from anti-business growth to pro-business
growth. That growth will expand our economy and
allow us to increase state revenue. |
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