AUGUSTA – A new weekly talk show will examine a host of Maine issues, from budgets and fair taxes to health care, Social Security and the effect of the federal budget on Maine.

The show, called “State of the State,” will debut at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 1, on Adelphia cable TV Channel 9 throughout Maine.

“We intend that the show will be lively and thought-provoking, shedding more light than heat on important state issues,” said Christopher St. John, executive director of the Maine Center for Economic Policy. St. John is host of the show.

Typically, shows will have one or two guests and focus on specific issues important to Maine people. Eventually, the format will include a call-in show once a month.

The March 1 show will lead off with either Gov. John Baldacci or U.S. Rep. Tom Allen as guest, with subsequent shows featuring other members of the congressional delegation, legislative leadership, community and business leaders, and policy experts.