District 8 Legislative Update - March 6th, 2009
March 6, 2009 -
Happy March Everyone! The old saying, "In like a lion, out like a lamb," proved at least half true this week, and the storm on Sunday and Monday shut down the legislature and state offices. Here is a brief overview of February highlights and some current updates from the Legislature.
Greater Portland CA$H Meeting
In early February, I was pleased to announce that CA$H Greater Portland offered free tax preparation to those who earned less than $50,000 in 2008. CA$H Greater Portland is a community resource that offers free tax preparation to qualified filers during tax season, as well as helping employers bring financial education tools to their employees, and educating residents about how they can achieve long term financial stability.
To learn more, visit the CA$H Greater Portland website: www.cashpg.org.
Education & Cultural Affairs meets with Appropriations & Stimulus Updates
On Feb 24th, 25th and 26th the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee had joint meetings with Appropriations about LD 353 the Biannual Budget. Every agency came and spoke about the governor's budget and what the affects. Again, the whole conversation had the back drop that the stimulus details for education is still unknown at this time. Here are some challenging pieces of the biannual budget for me:
Read more about appropriations for the Education & Cultural Affairs Committee.
Read my thoughts about education and the stimulus funds.
Here is an article from the PPH regarding education and stimulus funds:
Stimulus won't halt most city school cuts
Marriage Equality Response
I have been a long-time supporter of marriage equality. Fundamental fairness under the law was an issue I ran on during my campaign for the State Senate, and I am proud to support "An Act to End Discrimination in Civil Marriage and Affirm Religious Freedoms" in the legislature. While I am steadfast in my support of equal marriage rights, it's great to know that my district overwhelmingly supports my position. I received nearly 100 emails from constituents on the issue, and about 99% of them encouraged me to support the bill. It is, by far, the one issue most constituents have contacted me about.
Passing this bill will be a hard fought battle, and EqualityMaineand the Freedom to Marry Coalition will need all the help they can get. If you want to help the effort to get this bill passed, please consider volunteering for EqualityMaine. Click here to contact EQME.
Maine and Taxation: A New Reform Proposal
With the Stimulus Package numbers still be sorted out, it is time to focus back on a big issue affecting Portland and the State - taxes.
During the week of February 23rd, 2009, Senator Joe Perry, Senate Chair of Taxation Committee, shared the preliminary tax reform package. I know some people like the big details while others like every detail. Here's a bit of both:
Read more about the proposed package and my thoughts
Read more about the tax-related questions that will be on this November's ballot.
Four of five proposals set for fall ballot
Closing
I want to take this opportunity again to thank you you all for your thoughts, opinions, requests, and words of encouragement. Since this is my first email newsletter, I'd love to hear what you think. Just hit reply to this email and let me know about this, or anything else you need.
Thanks,
-Justin
