Free Republic

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The number of homicides in Maine reached 31 in 2008, the highest number since 1989, when 40 people were killed in the deadliest year in Maine history. The number of fire deaths, meanwhile, was lower than average. Of the 2008 homicides, 19 were domestic related, or roughly two-thirds of the killings, said Stephen McCausland, spokesman for the Maine Department of Public Safety. Normally, about half of Maine’s homicides are domestic related, he said. The latest domestic killing was a baby boy who was allegedly beaten in Wilton.

AUGUSTA, Maine — Gov. John Baldacci has told state agencies they have a week to come up with ways to cut $150 million from current state spending as state revenues fall further behind projections. “We are in a recession,” he said in an interview Wednesday. “I don’t want to cut, but I have an obligation to balance the budget.” Baldacci said Maine is not the only state facing steep declines in revenues, and he is having discussions with legislative leaders about whether to have a special session this month to make cuts he cannot make under the budget curtailment law...

After a convincing Pine Tree State win for Sen. Barack Obama, the fifth consecutive Democratic presidential candidate to prevail in Maine, many analysts wondered Wednesday just how blue the state has become. “I think at least on the president level, Maine does seem to be a safe blue state,” said Amy Fried, a political scientist at the University of Maine.

Poverty, unemployment, homelessness and a budget deficit are not the only results of Maine's communist welfare state. The attraction of a loosely regulated and generous hand out from BIG government has brought with it criminals and other undesirables who not only continue to strain the system but bring with them their lack of morality and work ethic. Crime in Maine has soared over the years. Gang related crime has also become alarming. Gangs from Boston, Providence and New York have found it easy to sell dope on Maine's cities. Thanks to a relaxed law enforcement, that job has become easier....

SOUTHWEST HARBOR — The manager of Dysart’s Great Harbor Marina blames a downturn in business on the Maine Revenue Services’ efforts to enforce the use tax on boats. Letters sent to marina customers by Maine Revenue Services (MRS) stating that boat owners might owe a use tax were not well received, according to Micah Peabody, manager. As a result, some of those customers cancelled their plans for tying up at the marina this summer. “We lost some serious revenue,” Peabody said. Maine law requires any boat less than one year old docked in Maine waters for 30 consecutive days or...

As summer dissolves into memory, it is time to think about taxes. Lest you think I have lost my calendar, let me assure you I am not referring to income taxes, but to tax and rent refunds from the Maine Revenue Service.

Report: Maine growth modest Conditions are likely to deteriorate in 2008 AUGUSTA, Maine — The Maine Center for Economic Policy released its annual Labor Day report outlining the status of working Mainers and the state economy. Using 2007 U.S. government data (the most current available), "The State of Working Maine" reveals a picture of modest overall growth in Maine, coupled with limited income gains for typical Maine households. Median household income in Maine saw an increase of some $1,200, rising by 2.7 percent in real terms to $45,888. Though a welcome advance for working Mainers, it is also clear that...

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Maine motorists are paying more to register their vehicles with the state. As of Monday, fees increased by $10 for vehicle registrations, vanity license plates and titles. Don Cookson of the Secretary of State’s Office said the added fees would generate revenue to support bridge and road maintenance.

BANGOR, Maine — The Maine Humanities Council will present a two-part series, “Fear, Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law” this fall at the Bangor Public Library.

AUGUSTA, Maine - Gov. John Baldacci said Monday he would propose lowering Maine's personal income taxes in the January session of the Maine Legislature, but how much depends on the state budget now being developed. "We are going to be doing more budget cutting, more budget restructuring, more efficiencies," he said Monday in an interview. "We have only just begun that process with jails and school administrative districts. More needs to be done, and we are going to do more of that and reduce the income tax on earned income."

It may surprise some folks on the west coast to learn that California may not be the most liberal state in America when it comes to mandating socialism and political correctness. Yes there may be certain things where California out ranks Maine such as the outrageous ruling banning homeschooling and the coddling of illegal immigrants but in most cases, IE: taxes, BIG government, restriction, the environment, Maine outranks California as being one of the most backward socialist states in the country along with Massachusetts, Vermont, Rhode island and a few other states and it shows greatly. Maine has the highest...