The Legislature is in full swing. More than half of the 1,500 bills submitted by lawmakers have been printed and referred to committees, which are holding public hearings and reviewing the legislation before making their recommendations to the full Legislature.

 

The state budget is one of the major areas of focus. The governor's budget proposal is a complex one that includes major changes to state tax policy, including proposals to lower income tax rates, eliminate most income tax credits and deductions and expand the sales tax with the goal of exporting a portion to out-of-state visitors. The budget would also eliminate revenue sharing to local communities beginning in the second year of the budget and impose property taxes on certain non-profit organizations in the state.

 

I have serious concerns about the inevitable impact some of these proposals will have on property taxpayers, as well as how vulnerable Mainers will be affected by proposed cuts to programs that help the elderly pay for health care and medication and that serve children with mental illness and autism.

 

The Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee is in the midst of public hearings on various parts of the governor's proposed budget. Many Mainers have testified about their priorities for our state. I encourage you to weigh in.

 

The full budget proposal is available at www.maine.gov/budget. You can also follow the budget process here.

 

Crafting a balanced budget that works for the people of Maine is one of our most important jobs as legislators. You can be assured that I will analyze this budget very carefully and with my constituents in mind.

 

As always, please do not hesitate to contact me with questions, concerns or thoughts.

 

Sincerely,

 

Paul Gilbert 

State Representative