We are almost midway through this year’s legislative session, and our focus continues to be on how to save jobs and improve the economy. I hope you find this information helpful about our struggle for solutions.

Community Action
On Tuesday, I had the pleasure of joining Senate President Libby Mitchell, House Speaker Hannah Pingree, and Representative Anne Perry to call upon Senators Snowe and Collins to pass the Jobs for Main Street Act. The bill, which has passed the US House, would invest $48 billion in transportation infrastructure, school renovation, and housing. The bill would also provide $27 billion to retain municipal employees such as teachers, firefighters, and police officers. The bill is currently awaiting a vote in the U.S. Senate.

Please reach out to both of Maine’s U.S. Senators and urge them to vote for this bill so that we can protect thousands of Maine jobs.

Special Education Rules
All week, the Education Committee has been reviewing changes to policies and procedures around special education. There are over 30 changes that we are reviewing: changing eligibility to receive services, capping Medicare rates to providers, delaying response to intervention until 2012 and creating abbreviated school days. According to the Governor and Commissioner, this could save $3.8 million, all of which are not part of the budget cuts.

In committee, I have heard compelling testimony on both sides of the bill. We will hold a work session on Friday  regarding the bill. I’d love to hear what you think before it comes up for a vote.

Revenue Generation
As I’m sure you’re aware by now, we have a budget crisis demanding huge cuts to services. To compound the problems we face, the Governor has announced that he will veto any budget that contains tax increases, greatly decreasing our chances of passing any sort of equitable budget. We are left with few options; either we accept the cuts or try to pass a budget with targeted tax increases and risk a gubernatorial veto.

Rep. Anne Perry of Calais wrote a great editorial on Tuesday, trumpeting what a growing group of Legislators believe; it is not our job to rubber-stamp the budget. As Senate Chair of the Education Committee and receiving the second highest cuts, I am painfully aware of the need to find new revenue to preserve jobs and our social structure.

Right now we are looking at several ways to increase revenue and mitigate some of these cuts. One idea is an increase of the tobacco tax, which could generate $60 million. Another is to either create fees for all Limited Liabilities Companies or Partnerships in the state. A third idea is to allow cities and towns to create a local-option sales tax to give some of the hardest hit communities the ability to make up some of what they’re losing from the state.

In these tough times, we can’t afford to ignore any idea. So, I propose the question to you: “Where do you think we can find additional savings or raise new revenue to help keep our budget balanced?”

Closing
Please consider taking the actions above to contact Snowe, Collins and myself. Every contact is so important, and truly matters. Thank you!

-Justin