District 8 Legislative Update - June 12th, 2009
June 12, 2009 -
Today we put the finishing touches to the first session of the 124th legislature. Even as you read this, there are numerous issues whose fate is still undecided, including: finding revenue for the Highway Fund and a bond package.
Last Week's Top Issues
1) LD 1088, a tax reform bill;
2) LD 1438, a charter schools bill;
3) An increase in the gas tax.
Thank you for your interest, and keep it coming!
My First Bill Signing with the Governor
On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to invite and host homeless youth advocates, youth, and legislative co-sponsors to my first bill signing with Governor Baldacci. It was a thrill to see LD 1127, "An Act to Define Services for Maine Runaway and Homeless Youth," signed into law.
"This is a very important and efficient piece of legislation," Governor Baldacci said. "It provides the oversight while continuing to provide the resources. The law enables us to better address homelessness among our youth."
I want to thank the wonderful coalition of providers for all their work, including the incredible people at Preble Street Resource Center and Teen Center.
Final Spending Bills
As a freshman Senator, it has been fascinating to watch and participate in the committee process. Bills that pass in a committee and have a fiscal note (bills that cost money) eventually end up on the Special Appropriations Table.
The Appropriations Committee this year had $643,615 to fund all of the bills pending in their committee, but there are 80+ bills costing over $75 million. You can imagine the intensity the thirteen Appropriations members faced from other legislators and advocacy groups because they ultimately decide what will be funded and what will not.
Transportation Funding
Thank you for the e-mails about the proposed $0.05 surcharge on fuel. The response was overwhelmingly in favor of the surcharge, and many even said that $0.05 was too little. Sadly, my colleagues across the aisle (both in the Senate and House) are not supporting the revenue surcharge.
What does that mean for Portland? It means our roads will continue to deteriorate and there will be intense pressure on the City Council to raise our property taxes. Why? Towns and cities that have over 6,000 residents have urban compacts and must maintain all state roads within their town borders with money from their property taxes and other municipal revenue. The maintenance responsibilities include snowplowing, fixing potholes, and maintenance surface treatment. Portland has 68.4 miles of roads that it must maintain.
I am hopeful that we can get meaningful legislation passed in today. Stay tuned!
Closing
This will be my last email while the Legislature is still in session, and I want to thank all of you for you input, support, and most of all, the privilege of representing you in the State Senate. When I ran for the State Senate, I pledged to report back, and I see these emails as one way of doing so.
Have they been helpful? What should I change? What could I improve? As always, I'd love to hear from you. Thank you!
-Justin
