When we consider the enormous challenge our governor and lawmakers face in attempting to provide tax relief to those who need it most and craft a balanced budget that honors Maine’s commitment to our most vulnerable, I am reminded of circumstances that contributed to this predicament.

Maine’s challenges are not unique. Most states are struggling with financial woes, and who might we look at as one of the largest contributing culprits?

The Bush administration.

That’s right.

Consider the tax cuts that were marketed as stimulating the economy. Those tax cuts went to the wealthiest 1 percent of our population – to those who needed it least.

What might these people do with their rebates? Re-invest in their private investment funds?

Now Bush is telling us that the sky is falling with Social Security and people must invest privately. Our seniors’ safety net will be gone. The safety net of future generations will be gone if that proposal passes.

The president’s $2.5 trillion budget will adversely impact municipalities throughout our state and country.

Our towns and cities will have to carry the president’s water. Our Community Development Block Grants will be severely compromised and subsequent matching funds will be lost.

Our governor and lawmakers are attempting to do the very best for Maine, in spite of the dismal set of circumstances passed down to us from Washington.

I’m convinced that Democrats in Augusta will do what is right for all of us here in Maine.

Marianne Stevens, Kingfield

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