Under the auspices of the Legislative Council, these mini-forums are designed specifically for legislators to discuss critical issues with each other and researchers in an open, participatory environment.  Topics were chosen in cooperation with Legislative Leadership and focus on a select set of key issues for this session.

January 31

Investing in Economic Development: What, Where, How Much?
Lead presenter: Ed Cervone, Maine Development Foundation (MDF)

Download PDF (797KB): Summary of the Draft Report 
Inventory of Maine's Economic Development Programs

February 6

Getting a Handle on Maine's Prison and Jail Population
Lead presenter: Mark Rubin, Muskie School of Public Service, USM

Download PDF (137KB): What are the factors influencing 
Prison and Jail Populations

February 28

What Drives MaineCare Costs?
Lead presenter: Catherine A.  McGuire, Muskie School of Public Service, USM

Download PDF (191KB): What Drives MaineCare Costs

March 6

Energy Alternatives and Policy
Lead presenter: Jonathan Rubin, Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center, UMaine

Download PDF (409KB): Energy Alternatives and Policy

March 12

Maine's Mental Health Approach in a National Context
Lead presenter: David Lambert, Muskie School of Public Service, USM

Download PDF (140KB): Maine's Mental Health Approach in a National Context

Presented in cooperation with the Maine Development Foundation; Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center, University of Maine; Muskie School of Public Service, University of Southern Maine; and University of Maine School of Law under the auspices of the Maine Legislative Council with support from Maine Community Foundation.