Cutting $2 million from Head Start the program that helps give poor children a good start in school -- should they just go to work also.---- do we really need to hurt children to cut some more sales taxes?? - when the people taken off Maine Care go to the emergency room and can't pay -- the hospital will shift the cost to the health insurance companies and they will shift it to those of us who pay for our health care and our cost will go up !! you see you will pay for thier health one way or another . I know peole who use the prescription plan and they will have to go without thier meds. or not eat -- Maybe the Republican could start a Medical-PAC to collect money to help these people . In the land of Rich vs. Poor/ middle class the rich win !!!
It's only 24,000 people -- they can fend for themselves --tough luck for the poor-- tax cut (welfare )for the rich .
Mayor MacScrooge has decided that Adult Education funding should be cut because the taxpayer has already paid for 13 years of education. Adult Education is one of the most successful education programs helping many earn a High School Diploma, GED ,Job Skill Certificates brush up on skills, learn new skills and remain life long learners . Mayor MacScrooge needs to attend an Adult Education graduation or go talk to the director to find out who is being served and how this helps the community. Labeling people negative stereotypes will not make things better but a good education will. Adult Education is a shining light of hope for many looking to make a better future. Mayor Mc Scrooge needs a visit from the Adult Ed. successes of the past , present and future
Mayor MacScrooge has decided that Adult Education funding should be cut because the taxpayer has already paid for 13 years of education. Adult Education is one of the most successful education programs helping many earn a High School Diploma, GED ,Job Skill Certificates brush up on skills, learn new skills and remain life long learners . Mayor MacScrooge needs to attend an Adult Education graduation or go talk to the director to find out who is being served and how this helps the community. Labeling people negative stereotypes will not make things better but a good education will. Adult Education is a shining light of hope for many looking to make a better future. Mayor Mc Scrooge needs a visit from the Adult Ed. successes of the past , present and future
Mayor MacScrooge has decided that Adult Education funding should be cut because the taxpayer has already paid for 13 years of education. Adult Education is one of the most successful education programs helping many earn a High School Diploma, GED ,Job Skill Certificates brush up on skills, learn new skills and remain life long learners . Mayor MacScrooge needs to attend an Adult Education graduation or go talk to the director to find out who is being served and how this helps the community. Labeling people negative stereotypes will not make things better but a good education will. Adult Education is a shining light of hope for many looking to make a better future. Mayor Mc Scrooge needs a visit from the Adult Ed. successes of the past , present and future
Mayor MacScrooge has decided that Adult Education funding should be cut because the taxpayer has already paid for 13 years of education. Adult Education is one of the most successful education programs helping many earn a High School Diploma, GED ,Job Skill Certificates brush up on skills, learn new skills and remain life long learners . Mayor MacScrooge needs to attend an Adult Education graduation or go talk to the director to find out who is being served and how this helps the community. Labeling people negative stereotypes will not make things better but a good education will. Adult Education is a shining light of hope for many looking to make a better future. Mayor Mc Scrooge needs a visit from the Adult Ed. successes of the past , present and future
For one of the first times in history the Middle class have beocme the champions for the rich -- fighting to give them tax breaks that net them far more money than anyone in the middle class will ever see. While the rich get richer the middle class gets less and the poor get kicked -- this does not sound very much like the USA. As long as the rich , major corporations and wall street can count on the middle class to fight to keep them from be regulated or taxed they will keep smiling . I agree -- this welfare for the rich needs to stop , oil companies do not need millions in tax dollars,the wealthy (over $250,000) do not NEED a tax cut and wall street speculators do not NEED to earn millions driving up the price of gas for no good reason.
1. One scandal MTA, who’s Board of Directors (Demo’s and Rep's), should have done their job of oversight.
2. Tax reduction-starting 2013 that gives 75% of money to the wealthiest 5% of Mainers
I will see very little as will most Mainers .
3. Retirement reform that TAXED retired Mainers $100's -$1000's in lost COLA's and caps -- A major money shift FROM the retired people TO the State government (we are taxpayers ) The “inherited retirement debt is from BOTH Republicans and Democrats over 60 years and the Democrats were paying it back !!!
4. HealthCare (MaineCare) cost SHIFTED from the state to the hospitals and the hospitals will SHIFT to insurance companies and they will SHIFT it to the people who pay for health care insurance (someone will pay ---people do get sick) Gov. LePage agreed this would happen at his meeting in Lewiston.
5. Where are the 1000's of jobs the republican promised? Maine has lost 1000's of jobs
to the many government jobs cut and more jobs will be cut .
6. Just who is controlling the current Majority ?? the people OR the unelected , not transparent ,unaccountable Maine Heritage Policy Center .
For me the current Republican Government has made my life worse by cutting my earned retirement , my health insurance and MAJOR cost shifting which will result in lower services , higher property taxes or higher healthcare cost. . Just because the State cuts or reduces something does not mean I will pay less -- so far I am paying much MORE. Maine people do deserve better
The MHPC job is to pass out as much incendiary information as they can , even if it is not correct -- 37% is not 137% , 63% is not 163%
and 187% is not 287% -- MHPC screams with misinformation and whispers the corrections. All the big numbers ,all the hype and all the time wasted -to prove what??? The the MHA is NOT like the Maine Turnpike Authority. Gov.Lepage's and Tres.Poliquin's, Kangaroo court is not holding up to the light of day. The people are catching on to the MHPC tactics (throw as much mud at the wall and see what sticks) don't wory about the whole truth or do all the research or get all the informtion just scream loud, often and keep repeating. The people will be fooled only so long MHPC.
Please read a good US History book and a US Government History book. Our forefathers were not "Gods". There was a great deal of corruption in "early" government. The US Senate was so corrupt that the 17th amendment had to be passed in 1913 changing the process outlined in the US Constitution for getting the job. (they were NOT always directly elected by the people). History is full of scandals big and small from the beginning to now. Many early politicians made a life's work of "public service". We have had elections where the ballot boxes were protected by troops to try to get a fair election. You seem to be looking at the past through very rose colored glasses. Government is run my people and we have not ever raised a generation of "perfect people" past or present. The constitution has set forth a very clear, easy way to clean up government - elections where the people get to vote! No term limits in the original constitution -- if you win in an election you serve for as long as "the people" want you in the office. Presidential term limits are in the 22nd Amendment 1951 --- NOT the original constitution. There are 100's of examples of issues in government BUT democracy still works better than any other form of government.
Lets see for three day , three hours a day Rush Limbaugh made disgusting comments about Ms. Fluke -- THREE DAYS -- only after his sponsors pushed back did he give a " forced , qualified, almost defensive apology" for TWO words only!
Then more push back, more sponcers leave and we get apology number TWO and this one is the "the left made me do it" defense strategy. Really this does not pass the straight face test on any level. Rush is trying to save Rush -- his about $50 million a year salary and his second apology is just like the first.
Georgetown University requires students to pay for the college insurance --- “A charge for this Premier Plan is placed on eligible students' accounts, per their registration status” (go to the Georgetown website)
Many women need birth control medicine for serious health issues which was Ms. Fluke's major concern. Why wouldn't a woman needing a medicine for a serious health illness is allowed to get the medicine with their insurance just like you get medicine for all other illnesses. Cal, you and Rush seem not to know that birth control medicine is used for more than birth control. Your reference to "civil discourse" and what Rush does in his "theatrics designed to rev up his audience with red meat" have nothing to do with each other.
Gov. Lepage "Picks on the poor" because they do not vote in large numbers and he will not have to answer for what he does. The very best thing the poor could do is all show up and vote in elections, then the Governor would know that what he did had conseguences.
Gov. LePage and his Maine Heritage Policy people agree that there will be "hurt" in the budget and they get to control where the "HURT" goes they have decided the middle class, poor, retired and disabled should carry the load of "HURT" for the rich. In a democracy change comes at the ballot box. "Fair" is often determined at the ballot box.
VOTE!!
Not all christian religions are opposed to birth control and not all are opposed to the new health care law. And many of the christians who belong to churches who are opposed do not follow the teachings of the church. About 90% of catholic women use birth control
do you really believe they are going to vote to hurt themselves , their daughters and grand daughters? Starting a Moral war with women who are over 50% of the population may not be a good idea. Just how do you make these two moral issues work? 1.church says it members can not do something 2. members of church refuse to follow church teaching
and do it anyway. Now what does the church do to all the people who do not obey? Isn't the church the people?
The Catholic CHURCH is not ask to change its beliefs -- Businesses run by the church are asked to allow the people who work for them to have a transparent, , choice in their health care. Many are not Catholics and many of the practicing Catholic that USE birth control (both women and men) will save a good deal of money. NO ONE is forcing any Catholic to make the choice to ask a doctor for a prescription for birth control. Research shows that as high as 80% of practicing Catholics use birth control pills and condoms.
Cal's moral high ground is standing on quick sand as the very people he wants protected from the government (practicing Catholics)are the very people who in large number -- do NOT want to be protected. The bishops who have "serious moral concerns" have a far bigger problem with so many practicing members of their church ignoring the churches position, at this time. A person should have individual liberty to select the medical care they want, and many religious people do just that every day. America as we know it allows all people individual liberty even those who practice a religion. In the endowed democratic rights of life, liberty and happiness-- can a practicing Catholic choose to use birth control pills? I do hope the administration does "get away with this plan" allowing all Americans individual liberties, free choice and happiness.
Rep Mason said "Mindful that we needed to lead by example, we cut the Legislature's budget by nearly $8 million for the biennium" Now are you just talking about the 35 Senators and 151 Rep's, I think not.
these cuts came out of the pockets of many hard working public employees.
Would Rep. Mason please provide how much money just the 35 Senators and 151 Representatives were cut out of the $8 million.
You see many people think that cutting the Legislative budget is just the Senators and Representatives and that the total of 186 Rep's and Sen's gave up $ 8 million. and this is far from the story.
Mr Shields Said "The expenditures for personal pleasure and other unrelated items are astoundingly large, as well as the excessive cost of each housing unit." Now really there is no proof of this -just a list from the MHPC proving nothing !! When the non partisian investigation is done you will have the truth-- you do not have it now .
Mr. Shields said "The previous Maine Turnpike Authority director (a Democrat) has confessed to the misuse of funds and will serve prison time. The previous Democrat majorities chose to ignore his expensive expenditures for personal pleasure." But they had a Board of Dirctor made up of Republicans and Democrats to watch over the MTA looks like we can blame both for this mess.
I do not find maybe cutting 65,000 peole off DHHS in a depression- in a state where we have a very high elderly population and our wages are below the country average-- a great idea. Maine does have a lot of the working poor. I am glad the Legis . makes laws not the Governor
As Maine cuts DHHS the people will still need health care -- so -as happened in the past the Hospitals will have to shift the cost of paying for those who can not pay to those who do pay for health insurance. As the Governor said in his meeting at the Green Ladle the hospital will shift the cost to those with insurance causing our premiums to go up. So I will get a very small tax cut and a raise in my health insurance cost . The last time this happened the Health insurance cost increase was MORE than the tax cut !! I would have been better off if they kept my tax money and paid the hospitals with it .
Remember you will PAY -- the best thing to do is what makes me pay the least!!! As the State keeps shifing cost you need to made sure the shift ends up with you getting MORE moeny in your pocket not less.
Cutting income taxes-- resulting in cutting aid to cities and towns causes property taxes to go up-- If your property tax is more than the tax cut you are not winning. If the DHHS cut causes the lose of 1000's of jobs in the medical fields are we helping or hurting the economy?
Gov. Lepage has again shown he does not know the Maine constitution or Maine Laws. He shouts ,points,bullies and spreads fear for no real reason.
Yes we have a problem -- all sides agree to that and are working to a solution. Stamping your feet and demanding you get your way is for 2 year olds not for governors. With all the help the governor gets from the MHPC you would think they could research the laws and help him learn the Maine constitution and laws. The governor makes big /false or partically false sound bites--- states them loud and clear and never makes the corrections. I am glad the Maine constitution gives the power to make laws to the Legislative branch not the executive.
Mike , retired public employees are required to pay 6-7+% of every paycheck into the retirement fund --we pay in for 25-40+ years . A lot of the money we receive is not out of your check it is from the retirees years of putting money in . Do you pay into social security? Having also worked in the private section I have had to pay SS but will not be able to collect 2/3 of it because it is taken away by the Fed. gov't. I pay State and Federal income taxes, sales taxes and property taxes just like you -- I am not stealing from you
As a member of the Maine Public Employees Retirement System --We have been forced to "sacrifice" much higher than anyone else. Our COLA's frozen for 5 year (this is year 3) , our future COLA's capped , and our health insurance payments reduced by the State just at the time premiums went up. Retired people have had the government take $1000's! We have been "taxed" under the idea of "Shared Sacrifice" more than any other Mainer. A tax is when any level of government takes your money and uses it for a government purpose. Beware of taxes wrapped in “sacrifices”.
The cuts to the 70,000+ retired public employee's makes up over half of the Shared cuts, this is a very strange kind of “sharing”. While people making $800-900 month in the retirement system saw their checks go down this year the people making $500,000 + saw no decrease in their checks (where is their “Shared Sacrifice”?) If everyone did really “Share the Sacrifice” things would be much better. I do not see this happening
Larry, Try replacing George Bush everywhere you have Obama's name and you will know how many of us felt when George Bush was president .
I am always amazed at the propaganda techniques that can be used in a letter- this one has 1. Name-calling -Marxist 2. card stacking- stating one negative statement on top of another without any proof
3. Glittering generalities-- just broad statements that sound good but have little real meaning 4. Just plain folk-- I am 72 .. spend time defending the country . The 7 major propaganda techniques are usually taught in a Civic or Goverment class so citizens will not be misled, usually by interest groups trying to promote a particular viewpoint.
I should have been more clear I put a / between the two issues
supply side eco. and taxes for the rich -- I did not mean to have them as one thing . I do not believe that supply side eco, has helped the middle class but it has really helped the very few at the top. As for lower the taxes on all-- no -- taxes on the middle class need to go down --but taxes on the top 3% could go up. Remember if the people have less money to spend than businesses will not expand .
As for the need to leave the foundation of democracy ( Majority rule) in favor of 60% rule in the Senate -- I do not favor it for ALL bills . The filibuster was established to deal with bills that were so terrible that the minority had only one weapon left to use-- the filbuster . Maybe it would be best to go back to the original constituion and let majority rule.
As you stated the House and Senate made and passed the bill and the President signed it -- So I quess your saying should be the "House , Senate and president" have plowed over the constitution??? Not really -- the constitution is working just like it is suppose to work -- the House ,Senate and Pres. have had their say now the Judicial branch (Supreme Court will check things out -- if the law as passed stands the consitution was followed -- if the law falls the constitution was followed -- Appears all is good in constitution land
Just what is Obama "plowing over" in the Consitution? please provide specific parts (ie Art. 3 sec. 1 ) Statements about breaking the Constitution are made all tot often with little proof provided , but it makes a great sound bite. Can you tell me where you find "filibuster" in the US Constitution?
The 435 member of the House of Rep. and the 100 member of the Senate MAKE LAWS-- the spending is being done by the laws being passed. The House is controlled by the Republicans and although the Democrats have over 50% of the Senate the Republicans have decised to filibuster everything making it take 60 votes or 60% to pass a bill (this is the first time in US History that the filibuster has been used this way) Remeber when you were taught majority rule --well not any more according to the Republicans. .
So if you believe that Obama is passing laws you have another think coming. The best he can do is Veto and then that can be over ridden.
Republican supply side economics/ no increase in taxes on the wealthy is removing the middle class and making a very small percent of the people control most of the money in the USA.
The governor was NOT talking about welfare and it had nothing to do with the $220 MILLION PROPOSED CUT? Lets see-- Governor LePage lies and then his staff lies to cover it up and Forbes tells the truth but LePages lie is correct?? Governor LePage tried to use a Forbes report to make things fit the way he wanted it to -- but he got caught in the lie and now his spin doctors are trying as hard as they can to make these lies come out as truth -- Not telling the truth is neither Republican or Democrat-- it is dishonest
The US constitution gives the power to deal with immigration to the Federal governemnt not to the States . I am sure Dr. Sheilds knows that in Federalism some powers are given to the Federal gov't, some to the State gov't , some to BOTH and some to NEITHER. That is our system set up by the writers of the US Constitution. If any state could just ignor the US constitution and do whatever they wanted our whole system would be in jeopardy. Arizona must follow the US Constitution. (Observation -- when times are good we are happy to have the illegal immigrants working in jobs we do not want to do for below min. wages and everyone looks the other way..BUT when times are tough we need to blame someone so the immigrants are an easy target and farmers can not find people to do the jobs for the low wages. Yes we need to find a way to "fix" the current border issues but lets be doing it for the right reason.
Yes the rain fee is a tax my another name -- but the intent was to get the many many places in Lewiston that pay no property taxes , like the hospitals, the colleges etc. to pay something to the running of the city . This fee is collected from them also and this helps keep the property taxes down for us who do pay. Maybe the city could tell everyone how much is collected now that was not collected before from
the hospitals, colleges Etc. and if it realy has helped keep the property taxes down.
That old gimmic is back again--- a great sound bite -- but not based in todays reality. In order to Balance the Budget -- you would have to ruin Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and many other programs that help the people. While the Republicans would have you believe this "sound bite "is the "golden" answer the devil is in the details. It is easy to propose something you know will never pass. It would sure help all the wealthy and would do great harm to the middle class and the ever growing poor in America. Stop the gimmics and save the middle class. We do not need more talk we need jobs!!
!. I am pretty sure you can not outlive your earned benefit in Social Security ,(source Social Security Admin )
2. you may want to ask Sen. Snowe or Collins to get you the amount of money Social Security has "invested" in US Bonds and at what interest rate over the years.
3. I have been actively working to receive my fair share of the 20+ years of Social Security I have paid in for 10 years -- All four of Maines Congress people have helped , both parties agree it is "unfair" but both parties will do nothing but lip service. Many People do not believe that the Scoial Security Offset is real but it it is very real
4. MePers has also raised the retirement age from 60 to 62 and last year for new hires to 65.
5. According to MePers news Fall 2011 the legislature changes in the plan reduced the cost for 2012-2013 by $508 million dollars -- yes that is money right out of the income of State, teacher, legislative and Judicial members of the Maine retirement system .
6. I really do want Social Security to pay it earned benefits and we all should hold every politician in office responsible - I will be fighting to save Social Security and will not vote for anyone who will be taking away your earned benefits.
I am 60 years old( retired because of health issues-- I paid into both Social Security and , the Maine Reirement systems because I worked several jobs besides teaching to make ends meet like many others .-- I started paying Social Security at age 14 and Maine State retiremnt at age 23 when I earned my degree which I worked to pay for. I paid 34 years to Maine retirement and 20+ off and on to Sccial Security.. I Paid over 7% of each of my checks to Maine retirement so a lot of the money you are calling MAINES in MINE and other retires --we paid it in just like you paid in to Social Security. Social Security has money in the form of Billions in US BOND -- so you will lose your money only if the USA defaults on it BONDs. I am sure you will work to make sure this does not happen.
If your are in Socail security you have an earned benefits agreement with the USA -- you paidabout 6% per check and have earned a benefit based on the agreement- you should be holding your US SEn. and Reps to the agreement. I will not be able to collect my earned Social Security like you -- because I paid into the Maine system the Federal govt' will take 2/3 of my earned benefits from the money I paid in for years to Social Security . So I am so lucky I have the Federal govt taking away my social security (Social Security OFFset Law) and the State of Maine taking MY COLA -- I really hope you fair better with your Social Security .
Maine does not reserve money for the private sector because you did not pay into the maine retirement system
The COLA for the Maine State Reitremnt system is determines by the Maine Legis.since it is a state program and we also have had no COLA for now three years and may have two more year to go without. If you are talking Social Security that is a Federal gov't program controlled in D.C. and the Fed. Legis. Social Security will recieve a COLA of 3.6% COLA increase starting in Jan 2012.
So I have paid the State of Maine a lot in missing COLAs (This is a State tax)
Gov. Lepage and the republicans passed the highest ever Tax on Maines public retired people ever seen. The dictionary defines a tax as government taking income from the people and using it for government uses. Maine Public Retired people in the required Maine retirement system lost there COLA (income) currently set to go up for those in the Federal Social Security retirement system by 3.6%. Maines retired have been outragesously TAXED by well over $200 million dollors this year to go to other government programs. I wonder how many other Mainers would like to be taxed an extra $1000 this year. While retired people on a fixed income get MORE taxes the very wealthy get LESS taxes. In what world would this tax burden be called FAIR?
Has standing behind Gov. LePage cost you over a $1000?
Do you remember the story of "Chicken Little" who ran around yelling "the sky is falling, the sky is falling, after being hit on the head with and acorn. Chicken Little caused fear and panic with his constant repeating of "the sky if falling" Well, it is the Chicken Little Strategy that is currently being used on question one.
If you run around asking “there is voter fraud, there is voter fraud or there could be voter fraud, there could be voter fraud “-- you can panic, cause fear and get people to believe.
The Chicken Little Strategy continues even after all the investigations, data gathering, and fact checking shows Maine does not have a problem with voter fraud.
Just like Chicken Little learns that an acorn falling on his head does not mean the sky is falling, the people of Maine have learned that using the Chicken Little Strategy on the voter registration issue makes no sense -- the sky is not falling!
Vote Yes on 1--
It will be interesting to see all the insurance companies who rush into rural Maine, with its small populations, low wages and at times high unemployment. Most insurance companies like large groups to help keep the cost down. Time will tell and I hope people do not get hurt.
Almost all the budgets passed in Augusta have been bipartisian budget requiring a 2/3 vote -Republican hands are not shiny clean and they hold some of the "blame".
As for the current situation I believe a republican (Pres. Bush was in office) when the finanacial mess was made and the great crach happened?
Blaming the Democrats for everything is not correct-- the Crash caused a great deal of the current situation.
blame is easy-- results are what counts-- where are the jobs?
Be careful bowing down to the golden idol of business it may only lead to business getting richer .
Has anyone ever heard of a Governor of Maine taking a vacation during a session of the legislature while they are working on the budget? I can not find any refernce to it before.
After a few months in office he is so tired he needs a vacation? Do we pay for his security to go with him? You would think he could at least help the Maine vacation industry. doe anyone know if this daughter also went?
STep 1-the historical murals of labor in Maine have been "cleansed "from the Dept. of Labor
Step 2 - the rooms will be renamed to "cleanse" the historical labor people like F. Perkins the first Sec. of Labor under FDR. who was from Maine .
Step 3 ??? Renamed to the Department of Business?
Step 4 who or what is next??
Maybe the sign down in Kittry should read
Maine open for business
closed to Labor.
Gov. LePage did not go the Dept. Of Labor and say "these painting are beautiful and really deserve a bigger better placement they should really be shown off " he said "a few businees people complained "and I want them to come down now . And the Labor names on the rooms must go --we must be business friendly .. I am waiting for the new name the Dept. of Business. What is going on is so transparent and is clearly a slap at labor unions.
How did the SJ miss it?
Gov. Lepages and staff have decided to do labor cleansing in the labor department.
Gov. Lepage seems to be laborphobic . He wants labor history taken off the walls because some business people had a problem, well how many and who are these very offened people --remember his government was to be transparents? Do you think the SJ could find out and interview them? There is a union labor history in Maine or are we going to rewrite history also. There seems to be a lot of blank wall in the Capitol building lets move them there. Middle class workers are the backbone of Maine both union and non union.
who is next?
Both Republicans and democrat since 1940's have not paid the bills owed to the fund .
since the 1995 constitutional amendment required payment ---all bills have been paid by the Democrats !
your view failed to contain the changes made in the Maine retirement system in the 1990's
increasing the retirement age and increasing the early retirement penelty by over 4%, creating a two tiered system to lower cost to Maine. Public sector COLA have also been frozen for the last two years also saving Maine a good deal of money. You fail to understand the great cost shifiting going on .Maine was to pay 5.5% into the retirement fund the next two years but they are only going to pay 3.5%per year shifting the other 2% they owe to the general fund to pay for other programs. The Bill Maine owes to the retirement fund has had 2% shifted to have the very people they owe the bill to pay . The average MePERS payout is 19,300 per year about the same as social Secuirty average payout. Public sector works pay taxes also -- but this plan taxes us more than anyone else. Many public sector retirees have medicare and have paid the increases just like the private sector. The fund is not broke it has over 10 Billion dollars in it right now --the sky is not falling and there are way to deal that do not over burden the tax payers-- Lepages scare tactic are not completely based in fact but are set up to do the most hurt to a very small group of Mainers .
Recent Comments
children /poor / elderly?
Cutting $2 million from Head Start the program that helps give poor children a good start in school -- should they just go to work also.---- do we really need to hurt children to cut some more sales taxes?? - when the people taken off Maine Care go to the emergency room and can't pay -- the hospital will shift the cost to the health insurance companies and they will shift it to those of us who pay for our health care and our cost will go up !! you see you will pay for thier health one way or another . I know peole who use the prescription plan and they will have to go without thier meds. or not eat -- Maybe the Republican could start a Medical-PAC to collect money to help these people . In the land of Rich vs. Poor/ middle class the rich win !!!
It's only 24,000 people -- they can fend for themselves --tough luck for the poor-- tax cut (welfare )for the rich .
Mayor Mac
Mayor MacScrooge has decided that Adult Education funding should be cut because the taxpayer has already paid for 13 years of education. Adult Education is one of the most successful education programs helping many earn a High School Diploma, GED ,Job Skill Certificates brush up on skills, learn new skills and remain life long learners . Mayor MacScrooge needs to attend an Adult Education graduation or go talk to the director to find out who is being served and how this helps the community. Labeling people negative stereotypes will not make things better but a good education will. Adult Education is a shining light of hope for many looking to make a better future. Mayor Mc Scrooge needs a visit from the Adult Ed. successes of the past , present and future
Mayor Mac
Mayor MacScrooge has decided that Adult Education funding should be cut because the taxpayer has already paid for 13 years of education. Adult Education is one of the most successful education programs helping many earn a High School Diploma, GED ,Job Skill Certificates brush up on skills, learn new skills and remain life long learners . Mayor MacScrooge needs to attend an Adult Education graduation or go talk to the director to find out who is being served and how this helps the community. Labeling people negative stereotypes will not make things better but a good education will. Adult Education is a shining light of hope for many looking to make a better future. Mayor Mc Scrooge needs a visit from the Adult Ed. successes of the past , present and future
Mayor Mac
Mayor MacScrooge has decided that Adult Education funding should be cut because the taxpayer has already paid for 13 years of education. Adult Education is one of the most successful education programs helping many earn a High School Diploma, GED ,Job Skill Certificates brush up on skills, learn new skills and remain life long learners . Mayor MacScrooge needs to attend an Adult Education graduation or go talk to the director to find out who is being served and how this helps the community. Labeling people negative stereotypes will not make things better but a good education will. Adult Education is a shining light of hope for many looking to make a better future. Mayor Mc Scrooge needs a visit from the Adult Ed. successes of the past , present and future
Mayor Mac
Mayor MacScrooge has decided that Adult Education funding should be cut because the taxpayer has already paid for 13 years of education. Adult Education is one of the most successful education programs helping many earn a High School Diploma, GED ,Job Skill Certificates brush up on skills, learn new skills and remain life long learners . Mayor MacScrooge needs to attend an Adult Education graduation or go talk to the director to find out who is being served and how this helps the community. Labeling people negative stereotypes will not make things better but a good education will. Adult Education is a shining light of hope for many looking to make a better future. Mayor Mc Scrooge needs a visit from the Adult Ed. successes of the past , present and future
a first
For one of the first times in history the Middle class have beocme the champions for the rich -- fighting to give them tax breaks that net them far more money than anyone in the middle class will ever see. While the rich get richer the middle class gets less and the poor get kicked -- this does not sound very much like the USA. As long as the rich , major corporations and wall street can count on the middle class to fight to keep them from be regulated or taxed they will keep smiling . I agree -- this welfare for the rich needs to stop , oil companies do not need millions in tax dollars,the wealthy (over $250,000) do not NEED a tax cut and wall street speculators do not NEED to earn millions driving up the price of gas for no good reason.
corrections
1. One scandal MTA, who’s Board of Directors (Demo’s and Rep's), should have done their job of oversight.
2. Tax reduction-starting 2013 that gives 75% of money to the wealthiest 5% of Mainers
I will see very little as will most Mainers .
3. Retirement reform that TAXED retired Mainers $100's -$1000's in lost COLA's and caps -- A major money shift FROM the retired people TO the State government (we are taxpayers ) The “inherited retirement debt is from BOTH Republicans and Democrats over 60 years and the Democrats were paying it back !!!
4. HealthCare (MaineCare) cost SHIFTED from the state to the hospitals and the hospitals will SHIFT to insurance companies and they will SHIFT it to the people who pay for health care insurance (someone will pay ---people do get sick) Gov. LePage agreed this would happen at his meeting in Lewiston.
5. Where are the 1000's of jobs the republican promised? Maine has lost 1000's of jobs
to the many government jobs cut and more jobs will be cut .
6. Just who is controlling the current Majority ?? the people OR the unelected , not transparent ,unaccountable Maine Heritage Policy Center .
For me the current Republican Government has made my life worse by cutting my earned retirement , my health insurance and MAJOR cost shifting which will result in lower services , higher property taxes or higher healthcare cost. . Just because the State cuts or reduces something does not mean I will pay less -- so far I am paying much MORE. Maine people do deserve better
misinformation from MHPC
The MHPC job is to pass out as much incendiary information as they can , even if it is not correct -- 37% is not 137% , 63% is not 163%
and 187% is not 287% -- MHPC screams with misinformation and whispers the corrections. All the big numbers ,all the hype and all the time wasted -to prove what??? The the MHA is NOT like the Maine Turnpike Authority. Gov.Lepage's and Tres.Poliquin's, Kangaroo court is not holding up to the light of day. The people are catching on to the MHPC tactics (throw as much mud at the wall and see what sticks) don't wory about the whole truth or do all the research or get all the informtion just scream loud, often and keep repeating. The people will be fooled only so long MHPC.
rose colored glasses??
Please read a good US History book and a US Government History book. Our forefathers were not "Gods". There was a great deal of corruption in "early" government. The US Senate was so corrupt that the 17th amendment had to be passed in 1913 changing the process outlined in the US Constitution for getting the job. (they were NOT always directly elected by the people). History is full of scandals big and small from the beginning to now. Many early politicians made a life's work of "public service". We have had elections where the ballot boxes were protected by troops to try to get a fair election. You seem to be looking at the past through very rose colored glasses. Government is run my people and we have not ever raised a generation of "perfect people" past or present. The constitution has set forth a very clear, easy way to clean up government - elections where the people get to vote! No term limits in the original constitution -- if you win in an election you serve for as long as "the people" want you in the office. Presidential term limits are in the 22nd Amendment 1951 --- NOT the original constitution. There are 100's of examples of issues in government BUT democracy still works better than any other form of government.
Sincere???
Sincere is in the eye of the beholder
Lets see for three day , three hours a day Rush Limbaugh made disgusting comments about Ms. Fluke -- THREE DAYS -- only after his sponsors pushed back did he give a " forced , qualified, almost defensive apology" for TWO words only!
Then more push back, more sponcers leave and we get apology number TWO and this one is the "the left made me do it" defense strategy. Really this does not pass the straight face test on any level. Rush is trying to save Rush -- his about $50 million a year salary and his second apology is just like the first.
Georgetown University requires students to pay for the college insurance --- “A charge for this Premier Plan is placed on eligible students' accounts, per their registration status” (go to the Georgetown website)
Many women need birth control medicine for serious health issues which was Ms. Fluke's major concern. Why wouldn't a woman needing a medicine for a serious health illness is allowed to get the medicine with their insurance just like you get medicine for all other illnesses. Cal, you and Rush seem not to know that birth control medicine is used for more than birth control. Your reference to "civil discourse" and what Rush does in his "theatrics designed to rev up his audience with red meat" have nothing to do with each other.
the "poor" vote ???
Gov. Lepage "Picks on the poor" because they do not vote in large numbers and he will not have to answer for what he does. The very best thing the poor could do is all show up and vote in elections, then the Governor would know that what he did had conseguences.
Gov. LePage and his Maine Heritage Policy people agree that there will be "hurt" in the budget and they get to control where the "HURT" goes they have decided the middle class, poor, retired and disabled should carry the load of "HURT" for the rich. In a democracy change comes at the ballot box. "Fair" is often determined at the ballot box.
VOTE!!
christians??
Not all christian religions are opposed to birth control and not all are opposed to the new health care law. And many of the christians who belong to churches who are opposed do not follow the teachings of the church. About 90% of catholic women use birth control
do you really believe they are going to vote to hurt themselves , their daughters and grand daughters? Starting a Moral war with women who are over 50% of the population may not be a good idea. Just how do you make these two moral issues work? 1.church says it members can not do something 2. members of church refuse to follow church teaching
and do it anyway. Now what does the church do to all the people who do not obey? Isn't the church the people?
liberty for all !
The Catholic CHURCH is not ask to change its beliefs -- Businesses run by the church are asked to allow the people who work for them to have a transparent, , choice in their health care. Many are not Catholics and many of the practicing Catholic that USE birth control (both women and men) will save a good deal of money. NO ONE is forcing any Catholic to make the choice to ask a doctor for a prescription for birth control. Research shows that as high as 80% of practicing Catholics use birth control pills and condoms.
Cal's moral high ground is standing on quick sand as the very people he wants protected from the government (practicing Catholics)are the very people who in large number -- do NOT want to be protected. The bishops who have "serious moral concerns" have a far bigger problem with so many practicing members of their church ignoring the churches position, at this time. A person should have individual liberty to select the medical care they want, and many religious people do just that every day. America as we know it allows all people individual liberty even those who practice a religion. In the endowed democratic rights of life, liberty and happiness-- can a practicing Catholic choose to use birth control pills? I do hope the administration does "get away with this plan" allowing all Americans individual liberties, free choice and happiness.
David FYI
Abbreviations & Acronyms
legis:
legislation
legislative
legislature
The American Heritage® Abbreviations Dictionary, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Who is really paying what???
Rep Mason said "Mindful that we needed to lead by example, we cut the Legislature's budget by nearly $8 million for the biennium" Now are you just talking about the 35 Senators and 151 Rep's, I think not.
these cuts came out of the pockets of many hard working public employees.
Would Rep. Mason please provide how much money just the 35 Senators and 151 Representatives were cut out of the $8 million.
You see many people think that cutting the Legislative budget is just the Senators and Representatives and that the total of 186 Rep's and Sen's gave up $ 8 million. and this is far from the story.
where is your proof?
Mr Shields Said "The expenditures for personal pleasure and other unrelated items are astoundingly large, as well as the excessive cost of each housing unit." Now really there is no proof of this -just a list from the MHPC proving nothing !! When the non partisian investigation is done you will have the truth-- you do not have it now .
Mr. Shields said "The previous Maine Turnpike Authority director (a Democrat) has confessed to the misuse of funds and will serve prison time. The previous Democrat majorities chose to ignore his expensive expenditures for personal pleasure." But they had a Board of Dirctor made up of Republicans and Democrats to watch over the MTA looks like we can blame both for this mess.
I do not find maybe cutting 65,000 peole off DHHS in a depression- in a state where we have a very high elderly population and our wages are below the country average-- a great idea. Maine does have a lot of the working poor. I am glad the Legis . makes laws not the Governor
cost shifitng again!!
As Maine cuts DHHS the people will still need health care -- so -as happened in the past the Hospitals will have to shift the cost of paying for those who can not pay to those who do pay for health insurance. As the Governor said in his meeting at the Green Ladle the hospital will shift the cost to those with insurance causing our premiums to go up. So I will get a very small tax cut and a raise in my health insurance cost . The last time this happened the Health insurance cost increase was MORE than the tax cut !! I would have been better off if they kept my tax money and paid the hospitals with it .
Remember you will PAY -- the best thing to do is what makes me pay the least!!! As the State keeps shifing cost you need to made sure the shift ends up with you getting MORE moeny in your pocket not less.
Cutting income taxes-- resulting in cutting aid to cities and towns causes property taxes to go up-- If your property tax is more than the tax cut you are not winning. If the DHHS cut causes the lose of 1000's of jobs in the medical fields are we helping or hurting the economy?
threats ? bully? sound bites?
Gov. Lepage has again shown he does not know the Maine constitution or Maine Laws. He shouts ,points,bullies and spreads fear for no real reason.
Yes we have a problem -- all sides agree to that and are working to a solution. Stamping your feet and demanding you get your way is for 2 year olds not for governors. With all the help the governor gets from the MHPC you would think they could research the laws and help him learn the Maine constitution and laws. The governor makes big /false or partically false sound bites--- states them loud and clear and never makes the corrections. I am glad the Maine constitution gives the power to make laws to the Legislative branch not the executive.
earnings stolen????
Mike , retired public employees are required to pay 6-7+% of every paycheck into the retirement fund --we pay in for 25-40+ years . A lot of the money we receive is not out of your check it is from the retirees years of putting money in . Do you pay into social security? Having also worked in the private section I have had to pay SS but will not be able to collect 2/3 of it because it is taken away by the Fed. gov't. I pay State and Federal income taxes, sales taxes and property taxes just like you -- I am not stealing from you
"sharing the Sacrifice" WHAT?!
As a member of the Maine Public Employees Retirement System --We have been forced to "sacrifice" much higher than anyone else. Our COLA's frozen for 5 year (this is year 3) , our future COLA's capped , and our health insurance payments reduced by the State just at the time premiums went up. Retired people have had the government take $1000's! We have been "taxed" under the idea of "Shared Sacrifice" more than any other Mainer. A tax is when any level of government takes your money and uses it for a government purpose. Beware of taxes wrapped in “sacrifices”.
The cuts to the 70,000+ retired public employee's makes up over half of the Shared cuts, this is a very strange kind of “sharing”. While people making $800-900 month in the retirement system saw their checks go down this year the people making $500,000 + saw no decrease in their checks (where is their “Shared Sacrifice”?) If everyone did really “Share the Sacrifice” things would be much better. I do not see this happening
oh my
Larry, Try replacing George Bush everywhere you have Obama's name and you will know how many of us felt when George Bush was president .
I am always amazed at the propaganda techniques that can be used in a letter- this one has 1. Name-calling -Marxist 2. card stacking- stating one negative statement on top of another without any proof
3. Glittering generalities-- just broad statements that sound good but have little real meaning 4. Just plain folk-- I am 72 .. spend time defending the country . The 7 major propaganda techniques are usually taught in a Civic or Goverment class so citizens will not be misled, usually by interest groups trying to promote a particular viewpoint.
Mark ,
I should have been more clear I put a / between the two issues
supply side eco. and taxes for the rich -- I did not mean to have them as one thing . I do not believe that supply side eco, has helped the middle class but it has really helped the very few at the top. As for lower the taxes on all-- no -- taxes on the middle class need to go down --but taxes on the top 3% could go up. Remember if the people have less money to spend than businesses will not expand .
As for the need to leave the foundation of democracy ( Majority rule) in favor of 60% rule in the Senate -- I do not favor it for ALL bills . The filibuster was established to deal with bills that were so terrible that the minority had only one weapon left to use-- the filbuster . Maybe it would be best to go back to the original constituion and let majority rule.
mark,
As you stated the House and Senate made and passed the bill and the President signed it -- So I quess your saying should be the "House , Senate and president" have plowed over the constitution??? Not really -- the constitution is working just like it is suppose to work -- the House ,Senate and Pres. have had their say now the Judicial branch (Supreme Court will check things out -- if the law as passed stands the consitution was followed -- if the law falls the constitution was followed -- Appears all is good in constitution land
plowing over what?
Just what is Obama "plowing over" in the Consitution? please provide specific parts (ie Art. 3 sec. 1 ) Statements about breaking the Constitution are made all tot often with little proof provided , but it makes a great sound bite. Can you tell me where you find "filibuster" in the US Constitution?
congress /legislature MAKES laws
The 435 member of the House of Rep. and the 100 member of the Senate MAKE LAWS-- the spending is being done by the laws being passed. The House is controlled by the Republicans and although the Democrats have over 50% of the Senate the Republicans have decised to filibuster everything making it take 60 votes or 60% to pass a bill (this is the first time in US History that the filibuster has been used this way) Remeber when you were taught majority rule --well not any more according to the Republicans. .
So if you believe that Obama is passing laws you have another think coming. The best he can do is Veto and then that can be over ridden.
Republican supply side economics/ no increase in taxes on the wealthy is removing the middle class and making a very small percent of the people control most of the money in the USA.
What?
The governor was NOT talking about welfare and it had nothing to do with the $220 MILLION PROPOSED CUT? Lets see-- Governor LePage lies and then his staff lies to cover it up and Forbes tells the truth but LePages lie is correct?? Governor LePage tried to use a Forbes report to make things fit the way he wanted it to -- but he got caught in the lie and now his spin doctors are trying as hard as they can to make these lies come out as truth -- Not telling the truth is neither Republican or Democrat-- it is dishonest
the constitution?
The US constitution gives the power to deal with immigration to the Federal governemnt not to the States . I am sure Dr. Sheilds knows that in Federalism some powers are given to the Federal gov't, some to the State gov't , some to BOTH and some to NEITHER. That is our system set up by the writers of the US Constitution. If any state could just ignor the US constitution and do whatever they wanted our whole system would be in jeopardy. Arizona must follow the US Constitution. (Observation -- when times are good we are happy to have the illegal immigrants working in jobs we do not want to do for below min. wages and everyone looks the other way..BUT when times are tough we need to blame someone so the immigrants are an easy target and farmers can not find people to do the jobs for the low wages. Yes we need to find a way to "fix" the current border issues but lets be doing it for the right reason.
"Rain Fee"
Yes the rain fee is a tax my another name -- but the intent was to get the many many places in Lewiston that pay no property taxes , like the hospitals, the colleges etc. to pay something to the running of the city . This fee is collected from them also and this helps keep the property taxes down for us who do pay. Maybe the city could tell everyone how much is collected now that was not collected before from
the hospitals, colleges Etc. and if it realy has helped keep the property taxes down.
balanced budget Amendment
That old gimmic is back again--- a great sound bite -- but not based in todays reality. In order to Balance the Budget -- you would have to ruin Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and many other programs that help the people. While the Republicans would have you believe this "sound bite "is the "golden" answer the devil is in the details. It is easy to propose something you know will never pass. It would sure help all the wealthy and would do great harm to the middle class and the ever growing poor in America. Stop the gimmics and save the middle class. We do not need more talk we need jobs!!
Hi Bob
!. I am pretty sure you can not outlive your earned benefit in Social Security ,(source Social Security Admin )
2. you may want to ask Sen. Snowe or Collins to get you the amount of money Social Security has "invested" in US Bonds and at what interest rate over the years.
3. I have been actively working to receive my fair share of the 20+ years of Social Security I have paid in for 10 years -- All four of Maines Congress people have helped , both parties agree it is "unfair" but both parties will do nothing but lip service. Many People do not believe that the Scoial Security Offset is real but it it is very real
4. MePers has also raised the retirement age from 60 to 62 and last year for new hires to 65.
5. According to MePers news Fall 2011 the legislature changes in the plan reduced the cost for 2012-2013 by $508 million dollars -- yes that is money right out of the income of State, teacher, legislative and Judicial members of the Maine retirement system .
6. I really do want Social Security to pay it earned benefits and we all should hold every politician in office responsible - I will be fighting to save Social Security and will not vote for anyone who will be taking away your earned benefits.
heres your answers Mr. Stone
I am 60 years old( retired because of health issues-- I paid into both Social Security and , the Maine Reirement systems because I worked several jobs besides teaching to make ends meet like many others .-- I started paying Social Security at age 14 and Maine State retiremnt at age 23 when I earned my degree which I worked to pay for. I paid 34 years to Maine retirement and 20+ off and on to Sccial Security.. I Paid over 7% of each of my checks to Maine retirement so a lot of the money you are calling MAINES in MINE and other retires --we paid it in just like you paid in to Social Security. Social Security has money in the form of Billions in US BOND -- so you will lose your money only if the USA defaults on it BONDs. I am sure you will work to make sure this does not happen.
If your are in Socail security you have an earned benefits agreement with the USA -- you paidabout 6% per check and have earned a benefit based on the agreement- you should be holding your US SEn. and Reps to the agreement. I will not be able to collect my earned Social Security like you -- because I paid into the Maine system the Federal govt' will take 2/3 of my earned benefits from the money I paid in for years to Social Security . So I am so lucky I have the Federal govt taking away my social security (Social Security OFFset Law) and the State of Maine taking MY COLA -- I really hope you fair better with your Social Security .
Maine does not reserve money for the private sector because you did not pay into the maine retirement system
What ?
The COLA for the Maine State Reitremnt system is determines by the Maine Legis.since it is a state program and we also have had no COLA for now three years and may have two more year to go without. If you are talking Social Security that is a Federal gov't program controlled in D.C. and the Fed. Legis. Social Security will recieve a COLA of 3.6% COLA increase starting in Jan 2012.
So I have paid the State of Maine a lot in missing COLAs (This is a State tax)
Highest tax ever
Gov. Lepage and the republicans passed the highest ever Tax on Maines public retired people ever seen. The dictionary defines a tax as government taking income from the people and using it for government uses. Maine Public Retired people in the required Maine retirement system lost there COLA (income) currently set to go up for those in the Federal Social Security retirement system by 3.6%. Maines retired have been outragesously TAXED by well over $200 million dollors this year to go to other government programs. I wonder how many other Mainers would like to be taxed an extra $1000 this year. While retired people on a fixed income get MORE taxes the very wealthy get LESS taxes. In what world would this tax burden be called FAIR?
Has standing behind Gov. LePage cost you over a $1000?
"Chicken Little"
Do you remember the story of "Chicken Little" who ran around yelling "the sky is falling, the sky is falling, after being hit on the head with and acorn. Chicken Little caused fear and panic with his constant repeating of "the sky if falling" Well, it is the Chicken Little Strategy that is currently being used on question one.
If you run around asking “there is voter fraud, there is voter fraud or there could be voter fraud, there could be voter fraud “-- you can panic, cause fear and get people to believe.
The Chicken Little Strategy continues even after all the investigations, data gathering, and fact checking shows Maine does not have a problem with voter fraud.
Just like Chicken Little learns that an acorn falling on his head does not mean the sky is falling, the people of Maine have learned that using the Chicken Little Strategy on the voter registration issue makes no sense -- the sky is not falling!
Vote Yes on 1--
LD1333, blame,???
It will be interesting to see all the insurance companies who rush into rural Maine, with its small populations, low wages and at times high unemployment. Most insurance companies like large groups to help keep the cost down. Time will tell and I hope people do not get hurt.
Almost all the budgets passed in Augusta have been bipartisian budget requiring a 2/3 vote -Republican hands are not shiny clean and they hold some of the "blame".
As for the current situation I believe a republican (Pres. Bush was in office) when the finanacial mess was made and the great crach happened?
Blaming the Democrats for everything is not correct-- the Crash caused a great deal of the current situation.
blame is easy-- results are what counts-- where are the jobs?
Be careful bowing down to the golden idol of business it may only lead to business getting richer .
Vacation during session???
Has anyone ever heard of a Governor of Maine taking a vacation during a session of the legislature while they are working on the budget? I can not find any refernce to it before.
After a few months in office he is so tired he needs a vacation? Do we pay for his security to go with him? You would think he could at least help the Maine vacation industry. doe anyone know if this daughter also went?
Labor cleansing step1
STep 1-the historical murals of labor in Maine have been "cleansed "from the Dept. of Labor
Step 2 - the rooms will be renamed to "cleanse" the historical labor people like F. Perkins the first Sec. of Labor under FDR. who was from Maine .
Step 3 ??? Renamed to the Department of Business?
Step 4 who or what is next??
Maybe the sign down in Kittry should read
Maine open for business
closed to Labor.
No REX
Gov. LePage did not go the Dept. Of Labor and say "these painting are beautiful and really deserve a bigger better placement they should really be shown off " he said "a few businees people complained "and I want them to come down now . And the Labor names on the rooms must go --we must be business friendly .. I am waiting for the new name the Dept. of Business. What is going on is so transparent and is clearly a slap at labor unions.
How did the SJ miss it?
laborphobic
Gov. Lepages and staff have decided to do labor cleansing in the labor department.
Gov. Lepage seems to be laborphobic . He wants labor history taken off the walls because some business people had a problem, well how many and who are these very offened people --remember his government was to be transparents? Do you think the SJ could find out and interview them? There is a union labor history in Maine or are we going to rewrite history also. There seems to be a lot of blank wall in the Capitol building lets move them there. Middle class workers are the backbone of Maine both union and non union.
who is next?
fact not correst
Both Republicans and democrat since 1940's have not paid the bills owed to the fund .
since the 1995 constitutional amendment required payment ---all bills have been paid by the Democrats !
missing facts
your view failed to contain the changes made in the Maine retirement system in the 1990's
increasing the retirement age and increasing the early retirement penelty by over 4%, creating a two tiered system to lower cost to Maine. Public sector COLA have also been frozen for the last two years also saving Maine a good deal of money. You fail to understand the great cost shifiting going on .Maine was to pay 5.5% into the retirement fund the next two years but they are only going to pay 3.5%per year shifting the other 2% they owe to the general fund to pay for other programs. The Bill Maine owes to the retirement fund has had 2% shifted to have the very people they owe the bill to pay . The average MePERS payout is 19,300 per year about the same as social Secuirty average payout. Public sector works pay taxes also -- but this plan taxes us more than anyone else. Many public sector retirees have medicare and have paid the increases just like the private sector. The fund is not broke it has over 10 Billion dollars in it right now --the sky is not falling and there are way to deal that do not over burden the tax payers-- Lepages scare tactic are not completely based in fact but are set up to do the most hurt to a very small group of Mainers .