A national report card gave Maine grades that at best would be considered average. Measuring three broad indexes, the report gave Maine a B for economic performance, a C for business vitality and a D for development capacity. The grades clearly were not an honor roll performance.
News reports about the ratings offered differing accounts.
The Portland Press Herald characterized it as slightly worse. Mainebiz's headline was the most dramatic. Differing interpretations are nothing new in the news business. Clearly there are many ways of interpreting the report, especially since it covers more than 70 indicators. One view emerges if you look just at the latest data in the report.