Listen to the podcast HERE or find it on Apple Podcasts

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Office of U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today released the May episode of Senator King’s “Inside Maine” podcast, in which Senator King and his guests discussed policy solutions that could address the rising costs facing Maine people. Senator King was joined by Maine Chamber of Commerce President Dana Connors and University of Maine economist Travis Blackmer. During the conversation, Senator King and his guests highlighted the difficulties inflation has caused Maine families and businesses, break down the driving factors behind rising prices, and talk about what Congress and President Joe Biden can do to address the pressing issue.

“From gas prices to groceries, the rising cost of living is one of the most pressing issues facing Maine people and businesses,” said Senator King. “Congress, the White House, and the Federal Reserve have a responsibility to work together to tamp down the causes of this inflation while keeping our economy strong and employment up. It was a pleasure to sit down with my dear friend Dana Connors and UMaine economist Travis Blackmer to discuss what’s behind rising prices and learn more about how we can address this challenge. I look forward to their continued work and partnership on this issue.”

Dana Connors is the CEO and President of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce where he oversees a broad range of activities, including advocacy efforts, economic and workforce development initiatives, and a wide variety of member services for the business community. A Maine native, he received a bachelor's degree in public management from the University of Maine in 1965.  He began his career as the city manager of Presque Isle and later served as Commissioner of Transportation under two governors and as leader of your transition team before becoming president of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce in 1994. Connors most recently served on Governor Mills’ Economic Recovery Committee, which examined and prepared policy recommendations to help Maine emerge from the financial toll of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Travis Blackmer is an economics lecturer and Undergraduate Advisor at the University of Maine where he teaches introductory level micro and macro economics. A native of Dedham, Travis focuses his research on the intersection of economic, environmental, and social values. Along with his teaching and research, Travis advises all first year students in the Economics and Financial Economics programs (including internal transfers and double-majors) coordinates the Internship Program, and is responsible for all recruitment, assessment, and curriculum facets of the Economics program at UMaine.

Senator King has worked to address the causes and impacts of the global supply chain issues and rising prices challenging Maine communities. He’s cosponsored legislation to ease the effects of supply chain challenges on Maine car dealerships facing higher costs, a bipartisan bill to improve America’s access to the critical minerals required for technology production, and helped pass the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act which would invest in American production and manufacturing.

The “Inside Maine Podcast with Senator Angus King” is a 30-minute program that aims to help keep Maine people informed about issues of the day, how they affect life in the state, and how they factor into Senator King’s work as one of two independents in the U.S. Senate. Senator King’s podcast builds on his existing radio show that airs on Newsradio WGAN in Portland, Maine between 10 and 11 a.m. typically on last Saturday of the month.

To listen to the May edition of Senator King’s podcast click HERE or find it on Apple Podcasts.