Yesterday was the first day of the new Legislative session and it was great to be back! Now that we’re back in session, I aspire to send out a weekly email giving you a perspective you don’t often get from the media. Please let me know what you would like to learn.

Community Update
On Tuesday, I had the pleasure of attending the first meeting of a group called the Greater Portland Young Professionals and Leaders (GPYPL).

The GPYPL seeks to create networking and socializing opportunities for young professionals and leaders. It was fun being part of a group that represented Greater Portland – a hair stylist, an insurance broker, an eco-clothing designer, lawyers, non-profits workers, and so much more.

For more information, please send me an email at Justin@JustinAlfond.com.

Senate Survey
 The State Senate is working to craft our agenda and I want your voice heard! Please take a couple of minutes to take this survey. Our state has many challenges ahead, and sharing your priorities and opinions will help me immensely.

Starting the Second Session
Yesterday reminded me of the first day of school after an extended winter break. The Senate was quickly in and out of session. I then met with House colleagues about a carryover local option tax bill. At lunch, I met with the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House around the upcoming issues in Education. In the afternoon we had three public hearings around Maine School of Science & Mathematics, Maine Media College and Military Veterans Educational Assistance.

Here are some of the things the Legislature will be working on in the coming months:

* The Budget – As the economic forecast continues to grow bleak, the State budget will be the biggest focus of this session. We expect deliberations on how to cut $438 million from the existing budget to take us into late February or early March. I am hopeful that we can come up with a more balanced and fair way to distribute the cuts.
* Education – We will be tackling the K-12 reorganization law, the State funding formula for K-12, all three higher educational systems (Maine Maritime, Community Colleges, and University of Maine System) and early intervention and education systems.

My Bills for the Second Session
Due to the short session and restrictions on a legislator’s ability to introduce bills, I have introduced only three bills to be considered this year. I touched on them briefly in my last email, but each bill has been processed and placed on the State Legislature’s website, where the bill text can be read in full and its progress can be tracked.

I’d love to hear what you think about these pieces of legislation.

Closing
You, the residents of Portland, are my eyes and ears for how State government affects our city. I’d love to hear from you regarding any bills introduced in the Legislature or any challenges you may be facing. Click here to contact me.

-Justin