This past weekend, I had the pleasure of attending the second inauguration of President Barack Obama. I attended his first inauguration four years ago, just six weeks after I had been sworn-in as a new state senator. It was great to be a part of the huge crowds and participate in our country’s democracy.

Clean Water Clean Growth

On Thursday, I met with supporters of Clean Water, Clean Growth, an initiative by the City of Portland to improve out sewer and stormwater infrastructure. With our aging infrastructure, it is imperative we make critical investments now;
  • Economic Growth. Business depends on public infrastructure — sewer, water, energy, communication or transportation — to deliver goods and services. The 2011 Portland Economic Development Vision + Plan calls for more attention to the City’s infrastructure to ensure economic growth into the future. Investments in utility infrastructure contribute directly to growth in the local economy, creating jobs, encouraging development, and preventing future problems.
  • Protecting Casco Bay. Portland is the city it is today because of Casco Bay. It is the largest seaport in New England, has a vibrant working waterfront, and is a coveted tourist destination. Casco Bay is in trouble, and one of the reasons is that Portland’s wastewater system simply is too small and too old to prevent sewer spills.
  • Flood Control. Many Portland neighborhoods, such as Bayside, flood frequently. These floods depress property values and threaten residents and property. If you or a neighbor has ever experienced a flooded basement, you know that flooding is a serious issue.
For more information, visit Clean Water Clean Growth.

 

Select Committee on Maine’s Workforce and Economic Future

This week, business and community leaders came to the State House to speak in favor of the new legislative committee created to strengthen Maine’s economy. Dana Connors, president of the Maine Chamber of Commerce expressed his appreciation to legislative leaders for working together and for making jobs , the economy, and our economic future a priority. I was glad to see Jennifer Geiger, the director of Main Street Bath, speak about the importance of investing in our Main streets and downtowns, and Susan MacKay, the founder and CEO of a cleantech company in Orono, talk about her experience creating and growing a small business.
The committee will hold its first meeting next Monday, in Augusta. The committee will also be holding public meetings around the state to make it easier for community members to share their thoughts on strengthening Maine’s economy. I will update you on meetings scheduled in or near Portland.

Radio Address

Last week, my colleague Senator Troy Jackson delivered the radio address. He spoke about the budget, his concerns about the governor’s proposals to eliminate property tax funding, and encouraged Mainers to take the opportunity share their thoughts and concerns about the budget.  You can listen to the address here.

Earned Income Tax Credit

Maine households can find out if they qualify for the EITC by having their federal and state income taxes prepared for free by IRS-certified volunteer tax preparers across the state. The service is provided by members of CA$H Maine and AARP Tax-Aide, a collaboration of eleven statewide coalitions comprised of 50 non- and for-profit partners.

 

The collaboration offers free tax preparation events to help residents apply for tax credits while avoiding high-priced filing fees and predatory lending loans. Last year, CA$H Maine and AARP Tax-Aide helped Maine residents save more than $1.7 million in filing fees and claim $5.67 million in Earned Income Tax Credits while getting $20 million back in federal income tax refunds.

 

To get connected to a free tax preparation event, residents should contact 2-1-1 Maine by dialing “2-1-1″.

Closing

Many of you have reached out to me about the Governor’s liquor proposal. The Governor is introducing a bill that is currently in the Revisor’s Office. Once it is released, I will share details as they become available.

 

-Justin