As small business owners, we advocate for policies that promote responsible economic development, environmental stewardship, and investment in community. We are the backbone of Maine’s economy, and we help provide a political voice for Maine’s small business community. We believe that good economic policy works both for small business owners and the customers they serve.
The Maine Small Business Coalition (MSBC), an organization representing more than 4,000 community-based business owners across Maine, today announced the hiring of Adam Zuckerman of Portland as its new director.
In order for our communities and local economies to thrive, everyone must have their basic needs like food, shelter, health care, and education met. These are basic human rights and necessary prerequisites to participating in society and the economy.
Join other Maine business owners in signing our letter to Poliquin and Collins, asking them to support policies that give all Americans - not just the top 1% - a chance to succeed and invests in Maine communities.
From MSBC director Will Ikard:
"Once again, with this budget, the President has shown a desire to destroy the American programs that ensure a functioning society. Massive cuts to food assistance, health care, and student aid will make our communities less stable and do nothing to help our small businesses. Only when every American has their basic needs met - food, shelter, health, education - can they live up to their full potential as workers, consumers, or entrepreneurs. This budget takes us further in the wrong direction.
Last week, Fox Business reported that six Wall Street banks - Goldman Sachs, Bank of America, Citigroup, JPMorgan, Morgan Stanley, and Wells Fargo - spent a combined $4 million on lobbying during the run-up to passage of President Trump's tax break bill. Maine Republican Representative Bruce Poliquin and Senator Susan Collins voted for the law. Independent Senator Angus King and Democratic Representative Chellie Pingree voted against it.
Low-income workers, young people, labor advocates, small business owners and others argued before a packed legislative hearing on Wednesday that the bill backed by Governor Paul LePage to reduce Maine’s minimum wage is not only counter to the wishes of Maine voters but would severely impact their lives. Fair pay advocates also cited employment and wage statistics over the past year as proof that the first minimum wage increase in eight years in Maine has benefited the state’s economy.