In my last email, I discussed the Barber Foods layoffs and the Rapid Response teams deployed by the Department of Labor. These teams work with recently laid off employees to find them new employment or get them into job training, as well as assist with applying for unemployment benefits and COBRA. Two Thursdays ago, I joined the teams at Barber Foods and was amazed at their professionalism and efficiency. This is just another example of government working positively in people lives.

Community Update

Bayside Trail Link Will Be Built
I have been a big supporter of the Bayside Trail as a way of connecting neighborhoods and creating more pedestrian-friendly space in Portland. When advocates heard that Exit 7 of I-295 was going to be redesigned as a part of the Franklin Arterial Redesign, we knew this was a once in a lifetime opportunity to connect the Bayside Trail and the Back Cove Trail. After nearly one and a half years of work with community advocates, the City of Portland, the Maine Department of Transportation, and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree’s office, I am proud to say that the connector will be built! This is a huge step towards making Bayside a more livable neighborhood.
Buy Local’s Indie Biz Winners
Last Tuesday, October 19th, I ventured to the 4th annual Maine Indie Buz Awards at Space Gallery. I’m proud to represent such a diverse community of small business. I want to congratulate all of the winners and nominees.

Inside Augusta

State Revenues Above Projections
For September, the State’s General Fund revenues were $14.9 million above projections, and for the first quarter of 2012 the State is running $5.9 million above projections. This is positive news for the State. However, The highway fund revenues were $1.4 million below projections for September and now are running $2.4 million below after the first quarter.

Bills for Second Session
While the vast majority of bills submitted for each two-year legislature happen in the January after the election, legislators have the opportunity to submit bills halfway through the term. To become a bill, these legislative requests must receive a majority vote of the Legislative Council (six votes out of ten members), of which I am a member.

On Monday, October 31st, the Legislative Council will meet and determine which legislative requests will become bills. Are there any requests you think should become a bill?

Click here for a list of all legislative requests.

Referendum Questions

The Secretary of State’s Office offers an informative booklet for the referendum questions. The Maine Citizen’s Guide to the Referendum Election (PDF) includes the following information:

  • Legislation each question represents,
  • A summary of the intent and content of the legislation,
  • An explanation of the significance of a “yes” or “no” vote, and
  • An estimate of the fiscal impact of each referendum question on revenues, appropriations and allocations.

Question 1:  People’s Veto of Voter Registration Law
Question 1 reads, “Do you want to reject the section of Chapter 399 of the Public Laws of 2011 that requires new voters to register to vote at least two business days prior to an election?”

A YES vote would overturn the law, and allow Maine residents to register to vote on Election Day. A NO vote would uphold the law and require Maine residents to register at least two business days before an election.

Question 2:  Biddeford and Washington County Slot Machines Question 2 reads, “Do you want to allow a slot machine facility at a harness racing track in Biddeford or another community within 25 miles of Scarborough Downs, subject to local approval, and at a harness racing track in Washington County, with part of the profits from these facilities going to support specific state and local programs?”

A YES vote would allow these two facilities to be built, and a NO vote would reject the proposal.

Question 3:  Lewiston Casino
Question 3 reads, “Do you want to allow a casino with table games and slot machines in Lewiston, with part of the profits going to support specific state and local programs?”

A YES vote would approve construction of a casino in Lewiston, and a NO vote would reject it.

Question 4:  Redistricting Constitutional Amendment
Question 4 reads, “Do you favor amending the Constitution of Maine to change the years of redistricting the Maine Legislature, congressional districts and county commissioner districts after 2013 from 2023 and every 10th year thereafter to 2021 and every 10th year thereafter?”

A YES vote would put the redistricting schedule into the Constitution, and a NO vote would leave the schedule in state statute.

Closing

Next week, I will give a profile of the city elections happening here in Portland. Have a Happy Halloween! -Justin