by James Cyr | Jun 13, 2017 | Uncategorized
AUGUSTA – Maine Senate President Michael Thibodeau (R-Waldo) today appointed three members to a committee of conference in an effort to reach an agreement following an impasse over the state’s biennial budget that begins on July 1, 2017. Joint Rules of the Maine Legislature allow a committee of conference to be convened when there is a disagreement between the House and Senate over a particular bill. According to the rules, the committee includes three members of each chamber who voted on the prevailing side of a bill. Lawmakers, thus far, have been unable to reach a budget agreement that will garner the necessary two-thirds majorities needed to pass a state budget by June 30, 2017. Senate President Michael Thibodeau said, “There are a lot of good people working to make sure we are successful. I am confident that the members of the committee will work tirelessly to find a solution.” The Senate members of the committee of conference are: Senator Michael Thibodeau (R-Waldo) Senator Roger Katz (R-Kennebec) Senator Cathy Breen (D-Cumberland) The committee of conference will begin its work at 7 pm this evening, June 13, 2017, at the State House with an organizational meeting....
by James Cyr | Jun 13, 2017 | Uncategorized
“Richard Rosen is, without question, one of the most respected voices on financial matters at the State House, and his presence will be sorely missed. “I have had the privilege of serving with Richard in the Legislature and he has been a friend for years. Very few people are as knowledgeable about budget issues and the legislative process. Richard’s calm, reasonable approach to financial matters was always greatly valued and appreciated by Republicans, Democrats and Independents, alike. “Richard’s work has resulted in a better...
by James Cyr | Jun 7, 2017 | Uncategorized
“Last week Senate Republicans put forth a responsible budget proposal. It includes the largest increase in education spending in the state’s history and funds education at 55 percent, according to Maine state law. It includes no tax increases and protects small businesses by eliminating the job-crushing surtax. “We appreciate the Democrats offering a counterproposal. But it increases the tax burden on the people of Maine, and we have already demonstrated that we can fund education at 55 percent with existing resources and without raising taxes. “Republicans have been at the table throughout this process and will remain at the table. While we are all passionate about our positions, we cannot allow that passion to become on obstacle to finding common ground and passing a responsible budget for the people of Maine.” Senate President Michael Thibodeau...
by James Cyr | Jun 2, 2017 | Uncategorized
AUGUSTA – Maine Senate President Michael Thibodeau (R-Waldo) today announced Republicans have found a way to reach the long-sought-after goal of the state funding 55 percent of local education costs, and that it can be done without the new highest-in-the-nation tax bracket, a distinction no one in our state wants to hold. Since last November, Senate President Thibodeau has said that Maine voters made it clear that they want more state resources for local education, but he does not believe that they wanted to harm Maine’s economy in the process. “We are in a very fortunate position right now,” Senate President Thibodeau said, “The amount of revenue coming into the state will allow us to allocate an additional $100 million towards education in the next budget cycle with existing resources, and without the new tax on Maine job creators. That will finally get us to the 55 percent threshold that voters demanded more than a decade ago. This is a breakthrough we should all be very proud of. “It is a budget that pays our bills and won’t bankrupt our state.” The Republican budget proposal would eliminate the new highest-in-the-nation tax bracket on Maine’s small businesses, doctors and other professionals. Maine’s Office of Policy and Management estimates this tax increase on certain Mainers will result in the loss of as many as 4300 jobs, a drop of as much as $600 million in real disposable income and a population decrease of as much as 1400 people. “Reaching the 55 percent threshold is something we can all celebrate,” Senator Thibodeau said. “To be sure, there is much work to be...
by James Cyr | May 1, 2017 | Uncategorized
AUGUSTA – Maine Senate President Michael Thibodeau (R-Waldo) today testified in support of his bill that is designed to address the shortage of emergency responders in rural Maine. LD 1462, “Resolve, To Establish a Pilot Project to Facilitate the Acquisition of Basic Emergency Medical Training in Rural Communities in the State,” is currently before the Legislature’s Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee. It would direct the Department of Public Safety to establish an emergency medical services apprenticeship pilot project to expand the pool of available emergency medical services personnel. Apprenticeship programs would be established in four geographically diverse towns that have 5,000 or fewer residents and provide accessible and affordable basic emergency medical training classes in those towns. Senate President Thibodeau said, “In emergency medical situations, where seconds count, having a qualified medical professional nearby can mean the difference between life and death. The intent of this bill is to expand the number of qualified emergency medical responders in rural Maine where they are most needed.” The Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee will consider this bill in the coming weeks before sending its recommendations to the full...
by James Cyr | Apr 27, 2017 | Uncategorized
Senate President and House Republican Leader Say Budget Cannot Include Highest in the Nation Tax Bracket AUGUSTA – With the state budget deadline approaching, Maine Senate President Michael Thibodeau (R-Waldo) and House Republican Leader Ken Fredette (R-Newport) today announced any two-year budget agreement cannot include an onerous three-percent surcharge that will give Maine the dubious distinction of having the highest tax bracket in the nation. Republican leadership has been meeting on a regular basis at the State House to address Maine’s tax issues while Democrats continue their listening tour that is not scheduled to conclude until May 11. “It is the responsibility of our elected representatives to act in the best interest of the people of Maine which I believe does not include having the highest income tax rate in the nation,” said Rep. Fredette. “I believe that Republicans will not endorse the 3 percent surcharge and we will find a solution that will allow us to pass a 2-year budget.” Senate President Thibodeau said, “We stand ready to meet with Democrats to discuss our budget priorities. But any agreement must include a repeal of the punishing three percent surcharge that is already prompting Maine businesses and professionals to leave the state. “I am certain we can honor the spirit of what voters asked for without hurting our businesses and discouraging investment in Maine. We need a budget that won’t bankrupt Maine’s economy,” Thibodeau said. Senate President Michael Thibodeau: Contact Jim Cyr – (207) 287-1501 House Republican Leader Ken Fredette: Contact Rob Poindexter – (207)...
