PREAMBLE
The Reagan Administration poses a clear threat to the social, economic and environmental goals and values held by the Maine Democratic Party.
Maine ’s natural resources are threatened by Republican policies developed to promote short-term economic gain. Federal leadership in the development of a safe and secure national energy policy has been abandoned. High rates of unemployment have been created while programs that protect workers and provide employment opportunity have been slashed.
The Reagan Administration is turning its back on the most vulnerable among us, ignoring the social welfare and quality of life of the citizens of this country, denying the need for action in areas where a free market fails, attempting to destroy gains made over decades in the areas of justice and equal rights, and withdrawing its support from many areas of education. Tax loop-holes and windfalls for the privileged and large corporations have been created at the expense of most Americans. The Reagan Administration is moving us unacceptably closer to the brink of war, an unwinnable nuclear war that would destroy our land and life on earth as we know it.
The United States cannot turn back, through simplistic and regressive public policy, to a mythical golden age of laissez faire. We, as a united Democratic Party, must go forward and halt the spread of reactionary policies and programs which place our country on the brink of economic, social and environmental disaster.
Maine and the Nation face difficult choices in an era of fiscal constraint. We acknowledge that government cannot easily solve all social, economic and environmental problems. However, the Maine Democratic Party is committed to the development of a fair and equitable program which carries forward our historic concern for the protection of our most precious human and natural resources and the further evolution of an open, healthy and secure nation. While we recognize that decisions must be made in a climate of competing interests and values, we seek to meet the challenge of the times with foresight, compassion and a spirit of social justice.
The Maine Democratic Party has a strong and continuing commitment to those who are struggling to overcome disadvantages, disabilities or social arrangements which have denied them the full rights and benefits of our society. We support ensuring human rights and equal justice on the state, national, and international levels. We support national and state efforts to provide programs and services to our citizens in developing and maintaining an adequate and fulfilling quality of life. We support provisions which adequately protect and compensate the working men and women of Maine . We support sound education and equal educational opportunities, including those which recognize special needs.
The Maine Democratic Party has a strong commitment to world peace and to the development of a responsible and rational national defense policy.
The Maine Democratic Party has a strong commitment to the protection and stewardship of the natural environment. We support government involvement as a full partner in ensuring that our natural resources are managed, conserved and protected for the long-term public good. We recognize the need to promote the use of renewable resources and more efficient use of energy.
The Maine Democratic party supports efforts toward more efficient government through streamlining, coordination and consolidation of programs and calls for the end of unnecessary governmental regulation. We support open and participatory government and efforts to adequately regulate sectors of our society and economy which are vulnerable to exploitation or abuse.
The Maine Democratic Party has a strong commitment to an equitable system of revenue generation, based primarily on ability to pay and redistributive in orientation, which does not provide loop-holes for special interests and large corporations.
Let us go forward together and send the Reagan Administration a message in November that the path it is following is clearly unacceptable to the American people.
Chapter 1 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Preamble
The Maine Democratic Party recognizes that the continued development of a strong Maine economy is essential. We are committed to the creation of new employment opportunities for residents without causing the degradation of the natural environment. Small business must be promoted and existing businesses aided to survive and grow. Maine must provide a well-maintained infrastructure and an equitable system of taxation. We support the creation of jobs which add value to ’s natural resources.
Section 1.1 Capital Availability
1. We support the efforts of labor organizations to gain greater control over their pension funds and urge these organizations to invest in the economic development of Maine .
2. We encourage the deposit of State government revenues in banks that invest in ’s economic development.
3. We support banking and financial regulations that favor small business loans.
4. We support state funding of a revolving loan program to assist Maine based industries undertaking expansion programs; this fund should be used to create new jobs and attract new private development.
5. We support taking all prudent steps necessary to recover AAA bond rating.
Section 1.2 Assistance/Incentives
1. We support increased state funding of the State Development Office to improve its ability to provide technical assistance to localities, small businesses and non-profit development corporations in such areas as product development, production and marketing.
2. We support tax incentives and other means to encourage processing Maine products within the State.
Chapter 2 NATURAL RESOURCES
Preamble
The Maine Democratic Party recognizes that our state’s rich natural resources provide the foundation for a strong and healthy economy. These resources mist be managed on a long-term, sustained yield basis. Fragile ecological areas must be adequately protected. Small scale agricultural, forestry and fisheries operations must be encouraged.
Section 2.1 Resource Management
1. We support increased funding to insure the proper management, conservation and protection of Maine’s natural resources and public health.
2. We support state operated hazardous waste disposal sites for Maine generated non-nuclear wastes.
3. We support a mining tax at a reasonable rate with revenues to be divided among a public trust fund, relief to municipalities which incur mining activity related expenses, and the state’s general fund.
Section 2.2 Food, Fiber and Fisheries
1. We support state efforts to improve the marketing, quality control and value added processing of Maine ’s agricultural, forestry and fisheries products.
2. We support state encouragement of organic methods of farming to reduce the use of non-biodegradable pesticides and herbicides, including the training of agricultural agents in organic methods and research.
3. We support funding a central grain terminal as approved by the voters in November 1981.
4. We oppose using state funds for spraying to control gypsy moths, spruce budworm and other pests on private property.
Section 2.3 National Issues
1. We support aggressive action against point sources of acid rain.
2. We support maintaining and enforcing the Federal Clean Air Act.
3. We support a ban on the importing to Maine of Canadian seed potatoes and table stock imported as seed potatoes.
4. We support increased funding for the Coast Guard in Maine including an in-state air-search and rescue unit.
5. We support a moratorium on offshore oil drilling off the coast. We support ’s fishing industry and express our concern about the safety and effects of offshore oil drilling.
Chapter 3 ENERGY
Preamble
The Maine Democratic Party recognizes the opportunity to gain control of our state’s energy future through the development of our abundant renewable energy resources, including sun, wood, wind and water, and more efficient use of energy. At the same time, the development of our energy resources must be conducted with care to protect the environment.
Section 3.1 State Issues
1. We support a mandatory residential and commercial energy building code to replace our voluntary code for all new construction.
2. We support state funding of the Office of Energy Resources.
3. We support state funding for solid waste recycling centers and converting solid waste into energy.
4. We support public utility rate reform to encourage conservation.
5. We support state funding for continuous radiation-emission monitoring of Maine Yankee, which is not presently being done.
6. We support the phasing out of Maine Yankee within 5 years.
7. We support the construction of Lincoln Dam.
8. We support the establishment of a state operated public power authority.
9. We urge no further expansion of the spent-fuel storage capacity at Maine Yankee.
Section 3.2 National Issues
1. We support the reestablishment of adequate federal funding for solar and other renewable, safe energy programs.
2. We urge Congressional action giving states the legal right to prohibit nuclear power generation.
Chapter 4 LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT
Preamble
The Maine Democratic Party reaffirms its traditional support for all workers. We seek to promote full and fulfilling employment, fair and adequate wages, and equality in the workplace. Workers must have the right to a safe and healthful working environment. The unemployed must be aided and the standard of living of the retired maintained. All Americans should be encouraged to buy American made union products.
Section 4.1 State Issues
1. We support legislation guaranteeing public employees the right to binding arbitration on all negotiable subjects of bargaining or, alternatively, the right to withhold services.
2. We support legislation revising the so-called “Mini-Hatch Act” to give state workers full political rights as citizens of Maine .
3. We strongly support the continued solvency of the Maine State Retirement System and employee participation in its operation.
4. We strongly support educational programs at the workplace to reduce the incidence of alcohol and drug abuse.
5. We support adequate funding for programs to train and employ displaced homemakers. We support the development of programs to train and employ handicapped persons.
6. We oppose any attempt to weaken public employee collective bargaining laws by removing subjects from negotiations through legislative action.
7. We support a state-run Worker’s Compensation Fund. We will not support any changes in current workers compensation laws that will erase hard won rights by injured workers as a means to reduce workers compensation costs.
8. We support the strengthening of legislation that provides workers and communities with reasonable notice and compensation upon plant closings.
9. We urge that all levels of government negotiate in good faith with all their employees.
10. We support state legislation to ensure equal job opportunities for persons over 40 years of age.
11. We support the maintenance and enforcement of state laws barring discrimination against disabled workers under the Maine Human Rights Act.
Section 4.2 National Issues
1. We firmly oppose so-called “right to work” laws. We support repeal of section 14(b) of the Taft-Hartley Act.
2. We support a minimum wage of at least $4.50 per hour.
3. In light of the damage to ’s agriculture industry caused by foreign imports, we urge that national policies controlling imports give more protection to Maine ’s industries and workers.
4. We support improvements in the unemployment compensation system to provide uniform and adequate protection to workers during difficult economic times.
5. We support improved enforcement and expansion of federal and state health and safety laws including the extension of protections to workers not presently covered.
6. We support legislation revising the Hatch Act to give federal workers full political rights.
7. We support the maintenance and strict enforcement of Section 503 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act barring discrimination against disabled workers by businesses with federal contracts.
Chapter 5 HEALTH, HOUSING AND HUMAN SERVICES
Preamble
The Maine Democratic Party reaffirms its deep and continuing commitment to those members of our society who require aid and support in order to secure an adequate quality of life. We believe that government has an obligation to provide health, housing and human services which promote dignity, self-respect and maximum independence. Health care and other basic services must be available to all regardless of ability to pay.
Section 5.1 Human Services
1. We support greater consolidation and coordination of human services programs and the development of adequately funded, locally oriented social service systems.
2. We support legislation which would require that money “saved’ as a result of federal budget shifts remain in the human service system in Maine .
3. We support state legislative efforts to fund shortfalls in human services programs created by federal budget cuts.
4. We encourage state and local programs which provide welfare recipients with job training, support services, incentives and opportunities to enter or re-enter the job market.
5. We support subsidized, comprehensive day care facilities with fee schedules based upon ability to pay. We support the development of a mechanism to allow income tax relief for child care expenses incurred by individuals who do not normally itemize deductions.
6. We support continued development of programs which provide services to the mentally and physically disabled and elderly in the least restrictive setting appropriate to individual need, without regard for ability to pay. These services should include appropriate levels of care and emphasize community based care, mainstreaming, and independent living.
Section 5.2 Health Care
1. We support the development of additional health maintenance organizations and other prepaid medical care plans.
2. We support public education programs in the areas of family life education, health promotion and disease prevention, and consumer affairs.
3. We support a national health insurance program.
Section 5.3 Housing
1. We support the construction of public housing that does not segregate low-income, elderly or handicapped individuals from their fellow citizens. We support legislative changes that would create financial incentives for the construction or rehabilitation of socially integrated housing.
2. We support the rehabilitation of existing structures as the proper vehicle for providing quality housing units for low and middle income and elderly citizens.
3. We support programs that provide assistance to low and moderate income people for the purchase or rental of suitable housing.
4. We support continued funding of fuel assistance and weatherization programs.
Section 5.4 National Issues
1. We recognize the need for a nationally organized and funded system of health, housing and human services which ensures both equal treatment under the law and adequate resources to meet the basic human needs of all recipients.
2. We support adequate funding of human services programs including A.F.D.C., food stamps, Medicare and Medicaid and support payments to programs such as AFDC and Disability that more closely reflect the Department of Labor Cost of Living.
3. We support efforts which will assure the stability of the Social Security System. We oppose any reduction of benefits or a freeze on cost of living adjustments.
4. We urge removal of all provisions of the Social Security Act which prevent disabled persons from engaging in substantial gainful employment.
5. We support increased funding for further spinal cord research and development for the handicapped and other medical research programs where there is inadequate private funding.
Chapter 6 JUSTICE AND EQUAL RIGHTS
Preamble
The Maine Democratic Party reaffirms our strong and traditional support of individual rights and freedoms for all our citizens. We are appalled by the Reagan Administrations attempts to significantly erode human and civil rights. Equal justice under the law is an ideal which shall not be compromised.
Section 6.1 Equality Before the Law
1. We support an Equal Rights Amendment to the Maine Constitution.
2. We believe that birth control and abortion are matters of personal conscience and should not be regulated by government.
Section 6.2 Civil Liberties
1. We oppose efforts to infringe fourth amendment protections through the use of such devices as preventive detention, strip searches and wiretaps.
2. We support the principle that people should not be denied their civil rights on account of sexual preference.
3. We support current laws preserving the right of public access to government records; and proceedings including judicial proceedings whenever appropriate.
4. We are dedicated to the legal recognition and practical enforcement of the rights of the mentally ill and handicapped and support a strong system of advocacy.
5. We support the continuation of a system of assistance to victims and witnesses appearing before the Courts.
Section 6.3 Legal Processes and Institutions
1. We support state funding for the continuation of legal services for the poor in the absence of federal funding.
2. We support funding for shelters for victims of domestic violence and call for vigorous enforcement of current laws relating to child abuse and domestic violence.
3. We support administrative streamlining of the court system to permit speedy trials.
4. We support appropriations to provide secure and humane confinement facilities which are as conclusive as possible to rehabilitation.
Section 6.4 National Issues
1. We reaffirm our support for the Equal Rights Amendment to the United States Constitution.
2. We oppose dilution of the Voting Rights Act, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and Affirmative Action Programs by the Reagan Administration. We support the inclusion of disabled persons as a protected class under the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
3. We oppose efforts of Reagan Administration to dismantle legal services for the poor.
4. We oppose the efforts of the Reagan administration through the Bush Task Force on Regulatory Reform to circumvent the practical effects of Section 504 and of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act and call for the strict enforcement of those regulations.
Chapter 7 EDUCATION AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS
Preamble
The Maine Democratic Party believes that a full and proper education is basic to a sound democracy and a secure future. We believe that educational opportunity must be available to all citizens including those with special needs. Whether an individual enters the workforce from high school, the University, or one of Maine ’s outstanding vocational schools, we must provide high quality education through adequate funding of programs. We assert that the federal government must maintain some responsibility in ensuring quality public education programs and services. We condemn the Reagan Administration’s plan to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education and undermine important educational programs.
Section 7.1 Education Policy
1. We support funding a comprehensive nutrition program that includes both school meals and nutritional education.
2. We are committed to the concept that every handicapped person should have a full and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment.
3. We urge required U.S. Government and Civics courses on the political system and the benefits of participation in the political process.
Section 7.2 Education Funding
1. We urge that public education funding be based on a more equitable tax structure, one that reduces dependence on local revenue.
2. We support the continuation of the state scholarship program and the establishment of a state funded guaranteed loan program for Maine students who attend Maine post-secondary public schools.
3. We oppose tuition tax credits for private school education, K through 12.
4. We believe that special education funding should be reimbursed in the same year of expenditure.
5. We strongly believe that government support and assistance for students seeking to continue their education at the post-secondary and graduate levels is a valuable and worthy investment of our financial resources, and strongly oppose any attempt to reduce or weaken our nation’s commitment to programs designed to meet those goals.
Section 7.3 Cultural Affairs
1. We urge the State Department of Education to redefine “basic education” to include arts education at the elementary and secondary levels.
2. We recognize that artists of all disciplines are legitimate workers and contributors to the economy and as such deserve just recompense for their labor.
3. We support increased state funding for the expansion of cultural programs provided by the State Museum and the State Library.
4. We oppose Reagan Administration cutbacks in federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and support increased state funding for Maine Public Radio and Maine Public Television.
Chapter 8 GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATION & PUBLIC FINANCE
Preamble
The Maine Democratic Party supports open, effective and efficient government. While we support the elimination of unnecessary and burdensome regulation, we oppose erosion of government involvement in such areas as public health, occupational safety and environmental protection. We oppose new federalism provisions which disproportionately affect Maine and support an open policy-making and planning process for the allocation of block grant monies. Government must be funded through an equitable system of taxation based primarily upon ability to pay.
Section 8.1 Government Organization
1. We support the existing “Sunset Law” and its strict enforcement.
2. We support limiting the use of outside consultants except where specialized knowledge does not exist within the government agency.
Section 8.2 Public Finance
1. We support the establishment of an equitable system for funding highway programs with users paying their fair share of the costs.
2. We support the passage of state legislation that enables municipalities to charge property which is tax-exempt for services rendered.
3. We support tax indexing of standard deductions and oppose inflexible tax ceilings.
4. We oppose the incorporation of all federal tax cuts into the state income tax structure since the Reagan Administration’s tax cuts unfairly favor the rich at the expense of working people and the poor.
5. We support an increased share of the state’s progressive sales, excise and income taxes to be provided to municipalities for property tax relief.
Chapter 9 NATIONAL DEFENSE & FOREIGN POLICY
Preamble
The Maine Democratic Party recognizes that our nation must be adequately prepared to defend itself in time of war; but, the overemphasis of the Reagan Administration upon development of weapons systems must be tempered. We must work to maintain peace and strive to support human rights throughout the world.
Section 9.1 National Defense
1. We call for legislation to give military personnel and veterans a right of action under the Federal tort Claims Act for damages arising from nuclear testing and from service related exposure to radioactive materials and chemical warfare agents including “Agent Orange”.
2. We oppose the development, production and deployment of nerve gas and other chemical and biological weapons.
3. We support legislation that enforces, vigorously, all state and federal laws for the training and employment of post World War II and disabled veterans in the state of Maine.
4. We oppose draft registration.
Section 9.2 Foreign Policy
1. We support an immediate, mutual, verifiable freeze on the development, testing, production and deployment of nuclear weapons and their delivery systems and endorse the goal of universal, verifiable nuclear disarmament.
2. We oppose further development and deployment of the neutron bomb, the MX missile and the B-1 bomber, the cruise missile and the Pershing II missile.
3. We recognize that the United States has the commitment to work for the success of the Camp David agreements.
4. We support a strong human rights emphasis in our foreign policy that is not dependent on the political or economic system of any nation.
5. We oppose military intervention in Central America .
6. We support the establishment of a U.S. Peace Academy.
7. We oppose all military aid to El Salvador, that only prolongs the killing and discourages the Salvadoran government from negotiating.
8. We support the World Health Organization Marketing Code on the sale of breast milk substitutes in the and we oppose the Reagan Administration’s negative vote on this issue in May, 1981.
9. We support the resumption of humanitarian aid for the reconstruction of Nicaragua following negotiated non-aggression pacts between the U.S. and Nicaragua and between Nicaragua and its neighbors.
10. We oppose covert activity aimed at overthrowing the government of Nicaragua .
11. We support the Polish people in their struggle for national independence and worker self-management.
12. We urge the United States to take the necessary diplomatic steps for the removal of martial law in Poland .
Source: Copy of the Maine Democratic Party Platform, Maine State Law Library.
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1982 CONVENTION PLATFORM COMMITTEE
Arthur Lerman, Chair
James Handy, Vice-Chair
Janet Mills, Secretary
Education & Culture
Jim Handy, Chair
David Ezhaya, Lacey Kellett, Pat Lemaire
John Parker, Abby Shawn, JoAnn Zayszly
Justice & Equal Rights
Jean Chalmers, Chair
Lyn Bennett, Anne Farrar, Irving Kellman
Janet Mills, Bob Mongue, Pat Ritchie
Katherine Smith, Paul Violette, Percy Willitte
Natural Resources & Energy
Bill Lotz, Chair
Linda Bright, Peter Crichton, Maria Holt
David Perkins, Frank Russell, Karen Tomey
Government Organization, Public Finance & National Affairs
Roger Hare, Chair
Michael Barrett, Arthur Clavet, Henry Haskell
Joe Mackey, Ruth Moss, Rodney Scribner
Labor & Employment
Irma Hawes, Chair
Richard Grandrnaision, Bing Gross
Tiny Huntington, Charlie Majors, Dick MçDonough
Larry Nash, Annette Stanwood, Harold West
Health & Human Services
Patti Davis, Chair
George Burgoyne, Everett Carson, Ed David
Anita Oliver, Judy Paradis, Louise Poliquin