I hope everyone had a great St. Patrick’s Day!

Are you familiar with the tactic of leaving the most difficult tasks for last? Well, this is exactly where many of the policy committees are in Augusta. Budget negotiations are coming to a close in Appropriations, Education is dealing with the Essential Program and Services bill, and Utilities and Energy is working on rural fiber and off-shore wind issues. There are just three more weeks to go in the 124th Legislature!

Community Event
Last week, I attended the Parkside Neighborhood Organization’s monthly meeting. It was great to catch up with folks in Parkside and hear about their concerns and opportunities, ranging from the community policing update to spring trash pickup day.

Additionally, the meeting reminded me of what can happen when you get involved in your community. Just over a year ago, I met a young woman at the Parkside Neighborhood Association meeting. It was her first meeting and she asked a lot of questions. Today, this woman is the president of the PNA. It was awesome to watch her engage others and run a great meeting.

Last Bills in Committee
As I shared earlier, the final bills are coming out of committee. Among these last bills are some that have generated the most interest and controversy for the entire session. Here is a brief rundown of some of these bills:

Solitary confinement
LD 1611, “An Act To Ensure Humane Treatment for Special Management Prisoners,” was introduced by Rep. James Schatz and would limit, with some exception, a prisoner’s stay in solitary confinement to 45 days. It would also prohibit solitary confinement for those with severe mental illness. The Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee was divided on the issue, with some voting against it, some voting to turn it into a resolution, and some voting for an amended version of the bill. The bill now goes to the House for a floor vote.

Saltwater fishing registry
LD 1432, “An Act To Create a Saltwater Recreational Fishing Registry,” was introduced by Sen. David Trahan. This bill was heard in the Marine Resources Committee and also received a divided vote, with the majority voting in favor of a Maine State fishing registry. The bill’s key component appears to be whether the State of Maine or the Federal Government should create this registry. If Maine creates a registry, then all the fees would stay within the state. The bill has not yet been voted on in either the Senate or the House.

Essential Programs and Services
LD 570, “An Act To Improve the Essential Programs and Services Funding Formula,” was introduced by Rep. Edward Finch. The Essential Program and Services Funding Formula contains over sixty-three variables for determining how much money a community gets for its schools. These variables include such things as pupil count, the community valuation, percentage of free and reduced lunch, and labor markets.
During our deliberations in the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee, it has become clear that the reasoning behind much of the formula could use an overhaul. However, trying to address the complexity of the formula in one session is unreasonable. This is the third time the Education Committee had tried to change the formula since it was passed in 2004-2005. There is still no committee vote yet.

Quick Budget Update
As you may know, the Appropriations Committee is working on voting out the supplemental budget. Their process is to work through all policy committees’ recommendations, beginning with the unanimous votes and then tackling the divided or not accepted items. The committee appears to be getting closer, and some of the final sticking points are around the Health and Human Services cuts. I will keep you updated on what happens with the budget, and I encourage you to contact the Appropriations Committee members to tell them what you’d like to see in the final budget.

Closing
As always, I hope that you contact me with any questions and concerns. You are my eyes and ears in Portland while I’m up in Augusta, so please be in touch.

-Justin