Election Day is coming around quickly. We all know about the race for the governor’s office. But here are some other things businesses might be concerned with as Nov. 4 comes around.Business funds in the hands of votersIf you’re a business owner or have a vested interested in business, here are some ballot measures that […]
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Election Day is coming around quickly. We all know about the race for the governor's office. But here are some other things businesses might be concerned with as Nov. 4 comes around.
If you're a business owner or have a vested interested in business, here are some ballot measures that may be of particular interest on Nov. 4.
• Question 2, regarding agriculture and natural resources: If approved by voters, the measure would allow the state to issue $8 million in bonds to support Maine agriculture and facilitate economic growth in natural resource-based industries, according to the state's website. It would also pay for the creation of a lab, administered by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Service, which would monitor the health threat of ticks, mosquitoes and bedbugs.
• Question 3, regarding small business: If approved, the measure would provide $4 million to insure parts of loans to small businesses, with the intent of spurring investment and innovation. It would also allow the state to issue $8 million in bonds that could be used for “flexible” small-business loans aimed at creating jobs, revitalizing downtowns and strengthening the rural economy.
• Question 7, regarding marine businesses: If approved, the measure would allow the state to issue $7 million in bonds to invest in marine businesses and related enterprises that create jobs and make the industry more sustainable. The investments would require dollar-for-dollar matching funds.
Two other measures on the ballot could yield nearly $30 million for life-sciences research.
• Question 4, regarding genetic research: With the nod from voters, $10 million in bonds would be issued, matched by $11 million in public and private funding, to be used for research to find solutions for cancer and diseases of aging.
• Question 5, regarding a bio lab: The measure would free up $3 million in bonds, matched by $5.7 million in public and private money, to modernize and expand a bio lab specializing in tissue repair and regeneration.
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