On Tuesday, I'll Be Voting Yes on Questions 2, 3, and 4

November 1, 2024

Hello, this is Governor Janet Mills, and thank you for listening.

Well, the election is right around the corner -- finally -- and there are a number of referendum questions on the ballot in addition to the candidates you'll be voting for.

People often ask me how I'm going to vote on the referenda, and while I don't feel the need to speak to every question, there are a few that I should talk about.

For instance, I'm planning to vote yes on Question 2, Question 3, and Question 4 at my polling place on Election Day. Let me tell you why.

Question 2 is a General Fund Bond Issue for Research and Development and Commercialization. When you talk to people who are experts in business or on the economy, they'll tell you that research and development is one of the most important forces for having a strong economy.

What is "research and development", or "R&D", as it's often called? The term sounds kind of boring, but actually is very interesting. It's basically the process of creating new products, Maine products, taking things we may already have and improving on them to make them better and more useful. It's how we end up with new products.

Take that little thing called the iPhone that's in most of our pockets now. Well, here in Maine, you've got a lot of companies and entrepreneurs who are working hard every day to improve their products and services or create new breakthrough. For example, Tanbark in Southern Maine is transforming wood products from Maine trees into sustainable packaging that could replace single use plastic. Food packaging. Supporting that innovation by investing in research and development can create economic growth and good paying jobs for Maine people.

In fact, our ten year economic development plan calls for both expanding our workforce and increasing investment in R&D. We've made some progress, but still, sadly, last year, Maine ranked 44th in the nation for R&D investment as part of our budget. So we've got to keep at it.

That's where Question 2 comes in. It's a $25 million bond that will be awarded through a competitive process to Maine public and private institutions to invest in research and development in some of the most important sectors of our economy, like advanced materials and precision manufacturing, renewable energy, forestry, agriculture and aquaculture and marine technology.

Bonds like this work. The last R&D bond that was approved by the voters in 2017 was for $45 million. And that bond generated $224 million in matching investments from the private sector and $1.4 billion in economic impact for Maine. We know that the companies that receive that funding through the bond are outperforming in their industries. So Question 2 has the potential to drive meaningful economic growth and job creation across the state, and that's why I will vote for it on Election Day -- and I hope you'll join me.

Now, I'll also be voting for Question 3 to restore Historic Community Buildings. That's a $10 Million bond, but it also requires a 25% local match, and I think that's a good investment in community buildings that otherwise may fall into disrepair and be vacant. We should preserve these buildings and facilities.

I'll also be voting for Question 4 which is a $30 million bond to design, develop and maintain multi-use trails statewide.

You know, outdoor recreation makes up nearly 4% of our economy, a greater percentage than any other state in the nation, almost. And it supports more than 30,000 jobs across the state. You know, Maine people have always valued the outdoors, and during the pandemic and since then, of course, a lot of folks have really taken to the outdoors and are able to enjoy the health benefits of it. That interest is great news for our economy, too, but it's put a strain on local trail infrastructure.

Question 4 will allow us to maintain our outdoor infrastructure for all people, residents and visitors alike, people who want to enjoy our state for years to come. That's why I'll be supporting Question 4 on Tuesday.

Finally, some folks have asked me how I'll be voting on Question 5, which is the flag issue. I know that's an issue on the top of everyone's minds, but you know what? It's up to you to decide that, and I'm not going to try to influence the vote.

State flags are a source of great pride, and however the vote turns out, I hope we can all support the outcome as a symbol of the State of Maine.

If you want to read the exact language of these questions or others that will be on your ballot, I encourage you to visit the Maine Secretary of State's website at maine.gov/sos. That's maine.gov/sos.

And remember, get out and vote on Tuesday. Your vote matters.

This is Governor Janet Mills, and thank you for listening.