Business alliance to track work of legislators

A nonpartisan business alliance has decided to issue a series of report cards tracking state legislators’ decisions regarding economic development and state spending.

Augusta-based Alliance for Maine’s Future is launching the Maine Prosperity Project to ensure politicians keep campaign-trail promises to lower taxes, curb new spending and encourage economic development, according to Tony Payne, executive director of the Alliance for Maine’s Future.

“This is advertising that sets the tone and sends the message to the Legislature that we are keeping score,” Payne said.

The alliance is sponsored by its more than 600 members, who represent businesses across the state. The organization’s mission is to promote a healthy Maine economy through workplace education and voter action, Payne said in a prepared statement.

As early as next week, the alliance will mail information about the Maine Prosperity Project to constituents and employers and advertise the project through print and broadcast media.

The mailings and advertisements will contain information on state senators’ and representatives’ votes and the bills they sponsor and co-sponsor, along with the fiscal and regulatory implications of those bills. The alliance is most interested in votes and bills related to taxation and spending, health care costs, government growth and commerce.

“Most people do their civic duty by voting for legislative candidates and then promptly get back to trying to earn a living. They are largely unaware of the work their legislators undertake in shaping public policies that impact jobs,” said Payne. “We believe that when the folks back home understand how their legislators are approaching these issues, then no one will be surprised at the outcomes at the end of the legislative session.”

For more information about the Maine Prosperity Project, visit: www.alliancefor

maine.org.