By Bonnie Washuk,Staff Writer

AUGUSTA – Comparing Maine to Red Sox fans hungry for victory, Gov. John Baldacci promised that great things are about to happen in Maine. He reminded residents that the state has taken on tough economic problems and is seeing progress. In the last two years, jobs are growing and the tax burden is falling, he said.

During his State of the State address Tuesday night, Baldacci unveiled initiatives to continue to get Mainers healthier and better educated, and eventually to put more money in their pockets through lower taxes and larger paychecks.

He announced legislation to prevent discrimination against gays; a large bond package to create jobs in tourism, health care, film and outdoor recreation; and pledged to continue to make government leaner.

While there’s no “quick pill” to cure health care problems, Maine will continue to lead in Dirigo Health and find ways to help Mainers lose weight, prevent illnesses and ensure that the sick “get the right care at the right time for the right price.”

Baldacci praised and highlighted the work of Lewiston and Auburn brothers and mayors, Lionel and Norman Guay, for their efforts in exploring how to combine services and save taxpayers money.

Calling Lewiston-Auburn “the L-A of the East,” Baldacci announced that the two mayors have won a $15,000 grant to support their work, which the governor predicted will lead to new opportunities.

Both mayors were seated in the second row of the balcony, and they were among several individuals that Baldacci asked to rise and accept applause from legislators.

While Lewiston-Auburn examines consolidating services, the state will continue to streamline this year by consolidating financial and administrative government, saving $11 million in the next two years, Baldacci said.

He didn’t name Logan Marr by name – the young girl killed while in state foster care, which prompted an examination of the foster system – but Baldacci announced that Maine has 13 percent fewer children in foster care than a year ago, a number he promised will continue to decline.

The state will protect children, but more will be supported “in their family and community,” Baldacci said. “Mainers know the value of a safe family, and our child welfare system must support, not frustrate, safe families.”

And saying it’s tough to talk on cell phones throughout much of Maine, Baldacci announced a “Connect Maine” program to ensure that all communities have quality wireless cell service by 2008 and that 90 percent of Maine communities have broadband access by 2010.

Saying Maine has to work to reduce its reliance on Middle Eastern oil, the governor talked about steps the state has taken to buy more energy-efficient cars, use “green” building standards, and heat state buildings with biodiesel fuel.

It’s time “to advance these kind of sustainable energy practices statewide,” and create “an energy-independent Maine that depends less on Mideast oil and more on the renewable energy resources within our own borders,” Baldacci said.

He announced he will introduce legislation to give Maine business owners and homeowners incentives to buy and install solar energy. Lawmakers responded with a standing ovations.

He spoke of how Maine citizen soldiers of the Maine National Guard deployed in Iraq have made sacrifices and are continuing to give. On Sunday, more soldiers in the 152nd Maintenance Company will leave for Iraq. With that, the Maine Army National Guard will have mobilized and deployed more than 65 percent of its troops, Baldacci said. Soldiers he has spoken with don’t want publicity, but have asked that their families be taken care of, Baldacci said. “And we will do our part,” the governor said.

Holding up an oversized license plate, Baldacci announced that a special license plate will be proposed, with funds going to supporting families of troops.

He ended his speech asking that Mainers dedicate themselves – just as the troops have – to work for a better future.