With the elections behind us, I want to thank everyone who voted! Portland voters came out in force and most liked Instant Run-off Voting. I also want to congratulate all of the candidates for office and the organizers behind ballot question campaigns for their hard work. Finally, congrats to Mayor-elect Michael Brennan. I look forward to working with him over the next four years!
| Community Update
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In my last email, I discussed the devastating news that Milestones would need to cut its beds from around sixty to sixteen or risk losing Medicaid funding. On November 1st, Preble Street began filling the loss of beds by acting as a temporary emergency shelter. Last week, we received some incredible news. Our Congressional delegation brokered a deal with the federal government to keep all of Milestones’ beds serving our community. This news is a life-saver for clients needing social services in our community. I’d like to thank all of the tireless advocates who fought to keep these beds open.| Streamlining Commission Gets to $25M Goal
On November 8th, the Streamlining Task Force came to a preliminary decision on the $25 million of the cuts. The task force will meet again to refine their cuts and take their final votes. The Task Force’s official recommendations will then be sent to the Appropriations Committee. From there, the Appropriations Committee will vote on which changes to make, if any, to the plan, and offer a recommendation to the full legislature. Among some of the proposed new cuts are: $50,908 from the Maine Technology Institute, $177,000 from the Department of Labor, $159,699 from the Public Safety Department, and $850,000 from Child Development Services. A $2.44 million cut to Head Start was tabled and will be reconsidered on November 21st, when the task force meets again. To read more about the Oct 28th and November 8th meetings, click here. |
| Bringing All Job Creators to the Table
Yesterday the Portland Press Herald published a column I wrote regarding nonprofits and the economic benefits they provide for our state. My article stresses that we must have collaboration between the private sector, non-profits and government to support our economy. I would enjoy hearing your thoughts and comments. |
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Education Funding Formula
On Monday, November 14th, The Forecaster published a column I wrote regarding the changes in the education funding formula from last session and its effects on Southern Maine communities. Bottom line: the new law was unprecendented and it does not bode well for Southern Maine. What do you think about the changes? |
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Legislative Council Update
On October 31st, the Legislative Council met to discuss the 276 bills that had been introduced for the second session of the Legislature. Of the 173 Republican bills introduced, 89 passed and will be considered next year, 80 failed to pass the Council, 3 were tabled, and 1 was withdrawn from consideration. Of the 103 Democratic bills introduced, 26 passed, 70 failed, 5 were tabled, and 2 were withdrawn. This Thursday, November 17th, I will be with my other Legislative Council members to consider the bills that were tabled and to hear appeals from the sponsors of bills that failed. |
Closing
I want to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving and I hope you enjoy your time with family and friends. My next eblast will be the last week of November.-Justin
