There has been much discussion lately concerning legislators’ Maine Economic Research Institute ratings. Supposedly, high ratings mean good for business and low ratings mean bad.

Here are some votes that gave me a low score:

I think the Androscoggin River should be clean; MERI doesn’t (LD1450).

I think senior citizens work because they need the income and should be allowed full unemployment if layed off; MERI doesn’t (LD490).

I think drug manufacturers should have to release clinical trial information even if harmful to their business – it can mean life or death; MERI doesn’t (LD1618).

I think companies that use hazardous materials should be subject to inspections; MERI doesn’t (LD1238).

I think people who have to work part-time (many mothers) to help their family should be able to collect unemployment if layed off; MERI doesn’t (LD309).

I think that people should be able to petition their government, and if they think the government did something wrong, be able to collect signatures and vote on it; MERI doesn’t (LD1481).

There is also a part of MERI’s ratings that includes subjective input by lobbyists, so I am sure that my support for increasing the minimum wage was also included in my score.

Don’t be fooled by their talk. The MERI ad published in major newspapers didn’t even print the bills the group used to judge us. The reason? Because when people see the bills used they realize a low score from MERI is a good thing.

I’m happy with mine.

Rep. Will Walcott, Lewiston