With the Legislature in full swing, I am excited to be back in Augusta working on your behalf. Despite this short session, there are many bills that could have a wide-ranging impact on the State for years to come.

Community Update
On January 18th, I joined activists, elected officials, and community members who braved one of the worst storms this winter to celebrate the life and work of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

We were joined by special guest, Princeton Associate Professor Melissa Harris-Lacewell, who spoke about Dr. King’s work fighting war and poverty. It was a great event and a wonderful way to celebrate this American hero.

Haiti Update
In my last email, I recommended a few charities you could contribute to in order to help the nation of Haiti as it goes through an unprecedented crisis. I received several emails about other charities that do great work in Haiti. Even if you’ve already given, please consider another contribution of any size to help rebuild a nation.

Konbit Sante
Konbit Sante is a Portland-based organization that has been working in Haiti helping build a medical infrastructure for ten years. This work is even more important now that the medical infrastructure in the country has been decimated.

Partners in Health
Partners in Health was the first organization to introduce public health systems in Haiti several years ago, work they continue to this day.

Maine State Nurses Association
The MSNA is working to send registered nurses to Haiti to help the men, women, and children affected by the earthquake.

Dissecting the Supplemental Budget: Health & Human Services
Most people in Maine are aware that we are faced with a $438 million shortfall in revenue. Governor Baldacci submitted a supplemental budget in December that cuts heavily from education and health and human services, and forces additional efficiencies in state government, but does not raise any additional revenue.

Too often, the public is left out of these important decisions. Last week, I discussed in detail the proposed cuts to education. This week, I’ll discuss Health and Human Services. This agency is receiving the largest potential cut in the 2010-2011 supplemental budget with a potential loss of $128.3 million.

Closing
As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts on what’s going on in Portland and in the Legislature, especially on bills coming before the Senate or my committees.

-Justin