The Democrat leaders of the legislature announced their concern about the exodus of young people from Maine, which has created the fourth oldest U.S. state population. They will convene a task force to find ways to induce young people to stay.

Is Maine a nice place to live? Of course. Then why are these young people leaving? Answer: There are not enough jobs that show promise for the future.

Why don’t we have these jobs? Answer: Businesses provide these jobs. Maine ranks 49th for being business-friendly. We have seen one business after another fail or move away. There are few replacements. Our taxes, unemployment funds paid by businesses, license fees, worker compensation costs and the regulatory climate are some of the reasons not to do business in Maine.

The young people would not leave Maine if there were opportunities here. But our state has legislated too many oppressive regulations, caved in to self-serving labor and environmental groups, and has enacted expensive social programs that require considerable tax revenues. It is difficult for a business to succeed here with these burdens.

Wake up, majority party.We must attract businesses with good jobs, and stop punishing businesses. Wake up labor force. You should promote your employer’s business and stop treating the guy who gives you your paycheck as an enemy.

The answer is obvious. The majority party should admit that changes are needed in the business climate. Until our youth see good jobs here, they are going elsewhere.

Rep. Thomas F. Shields, Auburn