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)...
by James Cyr | Apr 21, 2017 | Uncategorized
The Maine Labor Department reports the state’s unemployment rate of 3 percent is the lowest it’s been since 1976. Below is a statement from Maine Senate President Michael Thibodeau. “Over the past six years, Republicans in the Maine Legislature have worked tirelessly to lower taxes and enact other policies to promote job growth and investment in our state. This historically low unemployment figure is validation of those efforts by legislative Republicans and the governor, and the people of Maine are better off as a result. “These figures are particularly encouraging when you consider Maine’s seasonal summer economy has yet to begin. “Maine still faces enormous challenges, but we are blessed with the most creative, talented and hard-working people in the nation, and I believe our best days are yet to come.” Senate President Michael...
by James Cyr | Apr 3, 2017 | Uncategorized
AUGUSTA – The Maine State Legislature will host Scout Recognition Day on Tuesday, April 18, 2017. The annual event was created to honor the youth and volunteers involved in Maine’s scouting programs. Scouts and their families are welcome to set up display items in the Hall of Flags where they may meet their local legislators. There are also opportunities for scouts to serve as pages in the House and Senate, lead the Pledge of Allegiance, sing the National Anthem and lead the opening prayer. Senate President Michael Thibodeau (R-Waldo) said, “Scouting is a time-honored tradition in Maine that helps instill important leadership qualities in our young people that benefit them and their communities later on in life. I always look forward to seeing the young leaders of tomorrow at the State House, and I would encourage all of Maine’s scouts to attend this terrific event.” The Hall of Flags will feature presentations of Eagles Scout projects and Gold Award recipients as well as information about scout camps and other programs. We will also honor the 2016 Class of Eagle and Gold Award recipients. All Maine scouts are invited to tour the Maine State Museum and the State House and have the opportunity to earn a Citizenship and Nation Badge! Those who are interested are encouraged to reach out their scout leaders for more information or contact Pine Tree & Katahdin Council of Boy Scouts -Chuck: cmahaleris@gmail.com, (207) 400-9850 For the Girl Scouts of Maine, contact: Patti: pmontana@gsmaine.org, 989-7474...
by James Cyr | Mar 29, 2017 | Uncategorized
“Waldo County and other coastal Maine communities have been very fortunate to have Geoffrey Rushlau as district attorney for more than two decades. I am certain that his experience and temperament will be a tremendous asset to Maine’s court system, and I look forward to his nomination coming to the Maine Senate.” Maine Senate President Michael Thibodeau...
by James Cyr | Mar 10, 2017 | Uncategorized
AUGUSTA – Maine Senate President Michael Thibodeau (R-Waldo) has announced his appointments to the Maine Legislature’s “Task Force to Address the Opioid Crisis in the State.” The Maine Legislature established the committee following a record amount of opiate overdoses in Maine last year. On average, more than one person a day died from a fatal overdose in 2016. The task force will examine current state laws regarding law enforcement, prevention, treatment and recovery. It will also review the report and recommendations of the Maine Opiate Collaborative issued on May 6, 2016 as well as initiatives that have been successfully undertaken in other states. An initial report to the Legislature from the task force is due on April 30, 2017, and a final report will be issued by December 6, 2017. Lawmakers will use the reports to submit legislation during both sessions of the 128th Legislature. Members of the committee will include lawmakers, members of law enforcement, the medical community, and drug treatment specialists. Senate President Thibodeau’s appointees are: Maine Senate: Senator Andre Cushing (R-Penobscot), Chair Senator Scott Cyrway (R-Kennebec) Senator James Dill (D-Penobscot) Senator Geoffrey Gratwick (D-Penobscot) Other appointees: Katie Fullam Harris-Opioid Treatment Facility Dr. Steven Diaz- Augusta Administrator of Hospital Gordon Smith-Association of Physicians Sherriff Jeff Trafton-Law Enforcement Senate President Thibodeau said, “I am pleased all of these individuals have made a commitment to help solve this epidemic, and I look forward to the results of their...
by James Cyr | Mar 1, 2017 | Uncategorized
AUGUSTA – State Senator Dana Dow (R-Lincoln) has sponsored legislation to roll back the three percent surtax on business owners and households earning more than $200,000. If passed, LD 571, “An Act To Eliminate the 3 Percent Surcharge on Certain Income and Provide an Alternative Funding Source for the Fund To Advance Public Kindergarten to Grade 12 Education,” would eliminate the new income tax designed to increase funding to K-12 education, replacing the funds with taxes from other sources, such as the those collected from the sale of recreational marijuana products, on Airbnb stays and from Amazon sales, until the state has met the 55% funding obligation. “The people of Maine voted to make education funding a top priority over a decade ago when they voted on a referendum to require the State to pay 55% of the cost of education,” said Sen. Dow. “Last year, they again voted to increase education funding with the passage of Question 2. Unfortunately, to fund this increase in support, Question 2 raised Maine’s income tax rate significantly, making it the highest in the country. “This new income tax rate makes our state uncompetitive, both on a regional and national scale. As a result, we’ve already started to see businesses, health care professionals and other affected citizens leave our state, taking jobs and resources with them, because they can’t afford to operate here under these conditions. “We have heard the people’s message loud and clear in Augusta; funding our schools will continue to be a top priority. But we can’t reach this goal off the backs of Maine’s employers and small businesses. That’s...
by James Cyr | Feb 27, 2017 | Uncategorized
Appropriations Committee Passes 2017 Supplemental Budget AUGUSTA – The Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee today voted in support of an amended version of the proposed 2017 Supplemental Budget, unanimously. The amended supplemental budget, which largely remained the same, includes: $4.8 million ($3 million from the General Fund and $1.807 in federal money) to support opioid addiction treatment for uninsured and MaineCare patients through the Opioid Health Homes program $155,000 for the Secretary of State’s office to cover a gap in funding for the June election $5,050,000 for the University of Maine System to continue the tuition freeze $2 million for the early college program $35 million for the Budget Stabilization Fund (Rainy Day Fund) $13.99 million as a one-time payment to the Maine Public Employee Retirement System (MPERS) $7 million for Maine Military Authority Restructuring $2.98 million for the Grand Lake Stream Fish Hatchery $2.5 million for the Casco Fish Hatchery $524,151 for Maine Emergency Management Agency to go towards disaster assistance programs $375,000 for Veterans service grants $150,000 for the Attorney General to improve opioid detection in autopsies “It was encouraging to see everyone come together to agree on measures of great importance to our state such as combating the opioid crisis and keeping the cost of higher education affordable for students who chose to attend a public college in Maine,” said Senator James Hamper (R-Oxford), Senate Chair of the AFA Committee. “I am hopeful that we will continue to build on this momentum during our work on the governor’s biennial budget proposal.” The 2017 Supplemental Budget will now go to the Senate for...
