by James Cyr | Feb 28, 2018 | Uncategorized
This week, Maine’s Revenue Forecasting Committee announced revenues coming into the state will be approximately $128.5 million higher than original estimates. Below are statements from Senate President Michael Thibodeau (R-Waldo) and Senator Jim Hamper (R-Oxford), who is the chair of the Maine Legislature’s Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee. Senate President Michael Thibodeau “After years of budget deficits under Democrat leadership, it is encouraging to now see surpluses that are the direct result of reforms made by Republicans in the Maine Legislature. I am certain that we would not have seen these impressive revenue figures had we not repealed the job-killing surtax on Maine’s small businesses during the previous session. Nevertheless, far-left groups, funded by out-of-state interests, continue their efforts to write tax policy in Maine via referendum. We need to remain vigilant against these misguided efforts so we can continue to grow Maine’s economy and bring our young people back home.” Senator James Hamper “This surplus is the direct result of years of hard work and tough choices made by Republicans on the Appropriations Committee. With the help of our leadership, we reduced income taxes, eliminated the job-killing surtax, payed off our hospital debt and have kept new spending at bay – and the economy is responding with record low unemployment and regular budgetary surpluses. It’s critical that we continue on this track of sound fiscal health while considering future spending and tax...
by James Cyr | Feb 9, 2018 | Uncategorized
“The people of Washington County deserve better than this. Maine Senate Republicans are currently looking at all available options. “The Maine Legislature’s commitment to keeping this facility open has been consistent. In addition to fighting for funding in the budget, legislators in 2016 reached agreement on a government facilities bond that mandated a correctional facility exist in Washington County. This action appears contrary to the agreement that was reached.” “Furthermore, the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee this week overwhelmingly approved a bill to keep the Downeast Correctional Facility open. “We remain committed to the people of Washington County.” Senate President Michael Thibodeau (R-Waldo) Senate Majority Leader Garrett Mason (R-Androscoggin) Assistant Majority Leader Amy Volk...
by James Cyr | Jan 5, 2018 | Uncategorized
The 128th Maine Legislature resumed its work on January 3, 2016. Senate President Michael Thibodeau (R-Waldo) presided over the opening day of the Second Regular Session of the 128th Legislature. The Legislature is expected to tackle numerous issues such as tax conformity, Medicaid expansion and marijuana legalization, as well as hundreds of bills that were introduced before the session began or are carryovers from the previous legislative session. The Maine Legislature is scheduled to have its work completed in April....
by James Cyr | Nov 13, 2017 | Uncategorized
The First Regular Session of the 128th Legislature adjourned on November 6, 2017, after convening for a special session to take up items such as ranked-choice voting and implementation of retail recreational marijuana sales. The Second Session of the 128th Legislature will convene on January 3,...
by James Cyr | Sep 6, 2017 | Uncategorized
“We are all deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Representative Gina Mason. Gina was a tireless advocate for the people she represented in Lisbon, serving in local government and at the State House in Augusta. We will fondly remember her disarming approach to solving problems in Augusta and for her extraordinary efforts in organizing the annual Moxie Festival Parade in Lisbon. “Gina had a close relationship with her entire family. The bond she shared with her son, Senate Majority Leader Garrett Mason, will be sorely missed in Augusta. Stacy and I join the entire Maine Senate family in sending our thoughts and prayers to the Mason family during this difficult time.” Maine Senate President Michael Thibodeau...
by James Cyr | Jun 29, 2017 | Uncategorized
AUGUSTA – The Committee of Conference appointed by the Maine Legislature to reach a budget agreement tonight approved a proposal to send to the full Legislature. The committee vote was 5-1. The agreement includes an additional $162 million in education funding, achieving the 55 percent state contribution threshold for the first time. It also includes education reforms to put more resources into the classroom, particularly in rural Maine. The proposal also fully repeals the surtax on Maine’s small businesses, which was a top priority for legislative Republicans. Maine Senate President Michael Thibodeau said, “This budget incorporates priorities from all legislative caucuses by repealing the job-crushing tax on Maine’s small businesses, providing the largest education increase in Maine history and, for the first time, fulfilling the state’s obligation to fund K-12 education at 55 percent. “A significant portion of the increased education funding will go directly to property tax relief. “It also includes significant reforms to education spending to ensure the increased funding makes its way into the classrooms.” “It also directs additional resources toward services for Maine residents with disabilities. “While I don’t believe this is a perfect document, we are hopeful this will avert the harm that would result from a government shutdown.” Senator Roger Katz (R-Kennebec), a member of the Committee of Conference said, “While no one will be thrilled with this budget, it is the result of a compromise we hope will garner the two-thirds support necessary for passage. The people of Maine are counting on us to deliver, and I believe we are now in a position to pass a budget.” The budget proposal will...
