District 8 Legislative Update - The Budget and more
November 12, 2009 -
Hi everyone,
Last Tuesday's election results left me with mixed feelings. While I was relieved that Questions 2, 3, and 4 failed, the passage of Question 1 was devastating to me and so many other Mainers.
However, I know our state will eventually pass a marriage equality law - it's a good sign that we already have the support of over 260,000 voters. As Dr. King once said, "the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice."
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In The News
Maine has a "part-time Legislature." While Legislators are elected to serve a two-year term, we only spend about 10 months in Augusta. While not in session, there is still plenty of work to do. A couple of weeks ago, I was in the news because I started communicating with my Education Committee colleagues through email in an attempt to prepare for an upcoming meeting. My actions began a debate regarding public disclosure laws, as you can read in this PPH article. What do you think about the Legislature discussing public policy through email? I would like to hear your thoughts and comments.
Did you know that we lose over 3,000 K-12 students in Maine each year? These students drop out for a variety of reasons: lack of interest, jobs, substance abuse, etc. In addition, there are many barriers in State statute that make it even harder for students to stay in school. I have introduced a bill for the second session, starting in January, to address many of these obstacles. What do you think we can do to help keep kids in school?
Budget Update
With a weak economy and declining revenue, it is likely that the Legislature will be required to reduce the current budget by about $300 million. Revenues won't improve, however, until the economic health of Maine improves as a whole.
According to many state economists, the Maine economy is expected to slowly improve beginning around May 2010. While we know there is a light at the end of the tunnel, this information isn't good news for those struggling during these difficult times.
With an incredibly difficult budget year upon us, there will be tough decisions, and everyone in the state will share the burden. I will keep you up-to-date on the budget as information comes to me, and I would love to hear your thoughts and comments as this process moves forward.
Education Committee Update
Once the Legislature reconvenes, the Education Committee will need to tackle not only the budget shortfall, but also several educational policy issues.
During the first session, the Education Committee saw several problems with the implementation of the school consolidation law. However, we were unable to make any changes because a people's veto to repeal the law had been placed on the November ballot. With the defeat of Question 3, the Education Committee will begin to improve the existing law.
Closing
The second session will be starting in January, and I will need your input more than ever to ensure Portland's needs and priorities are heard. See you around town!
-Justin
