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 [...]
On March 9th I will participate with 7 other local community leaders in the "Dancing Like the Stars" event to benefit the Susan G Komen Maine Foundation. The event features novices (like me!) paired with experienced dance instructors from the Back door Dance Studio in Eddington, Maine. We will perform several routines which we have [...]
In December of an election year the incoming members begin their work of selecting leadership, choosing constitutional officers; Secretary of State, Attorney General, State Treasurer and every four years, state auditor. Maine is the only state where all constitutional officers are still selected exclusively by the Legislature. Selected Officials-selection-term 2011 (See the attached chart showing [...]
The November 2012 elections saw once again a significant change for the Maine Legislature and for me personally. Voters were confronted with several major decisions; a national election for President, a United States Senate race in Maine to replace our long serving and well respected senior Senator Olympia Snowe, a citizen's ballot initiative to allow [...]
As we look back at the second year of the 125th Legislature, the fact that Mainers granted Republicans the right to lead the Legislature saw many positive contributions. Most are just going into effect in the fall of 2012 and the benefits to our citizens and communities is yet to be seen. Below are a [...]
On Wednesday January 4th the second session of the 125th Legislature began. Some of the highlights included the swearing in ceremony for David Slagger who becomes the third member to represent a native American tribe, the Houlton Band of Maliseets. Rep Slagger was then seated the following day with many tribal members present including the [...]
Assistant Majority Leader to run for open District 33 State Senate seat HAMPDEN- Representative Andre Cushing announces his candidacy for the Republican nomination to the Maine State Senate in District 33, to represent the 17 Penobscot County towns of; Carmel, Charleston, Corinth, Corrina, Dexter, Dixmont, Etna, Exeter, Garland, Glenburn, Hampden, Kenduskeag, Levant, Newburgh, Newport, Plymouth [...]
As we begin the 125th Legislature there are major changes occurring. For the first time since 1974 Republicans are in the majority and therefore will oversee all operations of the Legislature, its chambers, committees and operations. This will be a significant change for all involved. As no one currently serving has taken on these responsibilities [...]
It was an historic day as the 125th Legislature began under new leadership with the 100th Speaker of the House Robert Nutting presiding. The atmosphere was charged as both parties settled into their new roles facing the need for a supplemental budget to deal with new projections showing revenue shortfalls and a still unsettled economy [...]
On November 12th members of the Republican caucus of the incoming 125th Legislature met to select their new leadership team. For the first time since 1974 we will elect a Speaker of the House. There are five candidates running for the position; Paul Davis of Sangerville, Robert Nutting of Oakland, Meredith Strang Burgess of Cumberland, [...]
