The first session of the 126th Legislature is now adjourned and as we look back at the results there are some accomplishments we can be proud of and others that leave great room for improvement. Payment of the long overdue hospital debt to the tune of almost half a billion dollars is a major step forward for our community hospitals, and our state. This long overdue debt was dragging on Maine’s financial health and crippling the ability of many local hospitals to function properly. The very smart plan developed by the governor with the help of key members of his cabinet assures that we move forward in a positive way financially and releases funds for many long delayed projects as well. Thus injecting into our communities much needed construction related jobs.

On the down side it was a year marked by much impasse between the Legislative leadership and the Governor’s office. A marked change from just two years ago when many important reforms in the areas of regulations, taxes, our pension system, education, health insurance and welfare were reformed and improved. Many bills found themselves in the governor’s veto stack because of an unwillingness for leadership to go down and talk to the chief executive in a productive manner. The Governor took some strong positions, and while I may not agree with his style, I did support his objectives of getting Maine’s financial house in order and keeping government costs in check.

When it came to this year’s budget some very hard choices had to be made and I commend the members of the Appropriations Committee for their dedication. I was disappointed in the final product and could not support a budget as presented with several key points; an item that called for $40 million dollars to be funded in “savings” from the elimination of tax credits or what is being called “tax expenditures”. Also a requirement for the Governor’s new office of Planning and Management to identify over $30 million dollars in savings for the next two years. This added to the increase in the sales taxes of 10% and the meals and lodging tax of 14% did not offer a clear solution to Maine’s financial picture. I don’t have all the answers but I know it is best to be honest about the problem and not keep pushing it down the road. We finally adjourned on July 9th, but will need to come back for a special session to deal with the bond proposals.

I look forward to an enjoyable summer (or what is left of it)