-- Press Release --

Senate Leader Calls Editorial Writer’s Comments Irresponsible

AUGUSTA—Assistant Senate Majority Leader John L. Martin, D-Aroostook County, today called comments made by the Kennebec Journal’s Editorial Board irresponsible for encouraging people to dump beer, wine, and soda into the Kennebec River.

“The head of the KJ’s Editorial Board used to serve as a lobbyist for Maine Rivers who advocated for the protection of our natural resources.  I am shocked that their board would be encouraging people to pollute our rivers with beer and soda,” said Senator Martin.

“Maine lawmakers have had to make many tough choices this legislative session.  Some of those choices may be unpopular at times, and not to the favor of a few behind closed doors at the KJ’s editorial board.  We stand by our decision to develop a more sustainable funding source for the Dirigo health plan as well as market reforms.  Dirigo currently insures 18,000 people who work for Maine small businesses,” added Senator Martin.

“There is a clear connection between raising the excise tax on beer, wine, and soda and lower health care costs.  This point and the legislature’s plan to fund Dirigo are supported by Governor Baldacci’s bipartisan Blue Ribbon Commission on Health Care as well as organizations like the American Diabetes Association, Maine Medical Association, Maine Insurance Companies, Maine Hospital Association, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Students Against Drunk Driving, and all others who are concerned about the health of Maine people,” said Senator Martin.

Senator Martin added, “It is unfortunate that the KJ’s editorial board missed this important point. Furthermore, the board should ask the beer, wine, and soda lobby why they are so against a modest increase in the excise tax now, when they were the ones suggesting that the legislature increase the sales tax on beer, wine, and soda up to ten percent instead.  That kind of tax increase, which lawmakers rejected, would have had a stronger impact on consumers and businesses.”

“If the Legislature and Governor Baldacci failed to act or lead on Dirigo, then 18,000 people would have been knocked off the insurance rolls and faced with few options,” concluded Senator Martin. “Fortunately, this legislation will give Maine people more choices.  It includes market reforms and a new pilot program to provide health insurance cheaper to young adults who might not otherwise purchase a plan.  Combined, this work and these initiatives will lower health care costs for all Maine people because the more people who have affordable access to health insurance, the more costs go down.”

Senator Martin also pointed out that it is untrue for the editorial board to suggest that the legislature is making big decisions in the night.  The truth is that the legislature makes big decisions that impact the people of Maine during the day and night.  The legislative session is not a sprint, it is a marathon, and sometimes these issues are debated at night towards the end of the session.  The debate is always open to the public in a variety of ways.  Maine people can watch or listen to the debate over the Internet and the doors to the statehouse are always open for any member of the public to watch while the legislature is in session.

Senator Martin added, “I would like to invite the KJ Editorial Board to come over to the legislature to meet with lawmakers to better understand the difficult choices we are challenged with.”