Baldacci's fiscal policy receives a 'B'
A conservative think tank has given Gov. John Baldacci a grade of ‘B' on this year's fiscal policy report card, an improvement over the ‘D' he received two years ago, according to Capitol News Service.
In its report, Washington, D.C.-based Cato Institute graded governors in two categories based on their taxing and spending records, and gave Baldacci a high mark of 74 out of 100 for keeping Maine's per capita spending steady. But Baldacci scored lower in the taxes category, earning 45 out of 100 for doubling the state's tax on cigarettes, which the institute deems a negative, according to the report.
The Cato Institute praised Gov. Baldacci for his efforts to cut property taxes, eliminate property tax on business equipment and reduce the state's personal income rate, but reproved him for his tax increases to health providers and tobacco and alcohol consumers. Baldacci was one of 14 governors nationwide to receive a 'B' grade.
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