PORTLAND (AP) — Republican Gov. Paul LePage says he’s “disappointed but not surprised” that Forbes magazine has ranked Maine the worst state for business for the third year in a row.
Despite Maine’s ranking as 50 overall, the state showed improvement in lowering business costs, rising from 44th in 2011 to 40th in 2012. But LePage said the state still has to get serious about lowering energy costs, improving education and paying its bills.
Forbes cited Maine’s corporate tax burden — 16 percent above the national average — high energy costs and aging population as negative factors.
LePage quipped that without bold changes the state could end up ranked even lower, 51st, in reference to Puerto Rico’s recent resolution in favor of statehood.
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