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How did local legislators score?
MERI ratings for business support are out

Maine's percentage of tax burden is higher than any other state in New England at 13% and among the highest in the nation. In 2005, Maine had the highest property taxes in the nation and was among the highest tax states in terms of Personal Income tax, Capital Gains tax and Corporate tax. The Maine Economic Research Institute (MERI) is a non-partisan organization that promotes economic improvements for the state. MERI tracked 19 votes cast by the Maine Legislature during the first half of the 122 session and rated lawmakers on their support for economic growth based on how they voted on those 19 items.

The following are the ratings for local officials:

House of Representatives
Rep. Mike Vaughn (R-Durham, Lisbon, New Gloucester) 90.5%
Rep. Terry McKenney (R-Cumberland, Long Island, Yarmouth) 96.5%
Rep. Susan Austin (R-Gray) 95%
Rep. Mark Bryant (D-Windham, Gray) 15%

Senate
Sen. Karl Turner (R-Cumberland) 76%
Sen. Lois Snowe-Mello (R-Poland) 94.5%
Sen. Bill Diamond (D-Windham) 42%

www.me-ri.org