By Rep. John Eder
The 132nd Legislature is finishing its business, meeting one last time this week for Veto Day, where we will either sustain or attempt to override bills vetoed by Governor Mills. Among those the Governor vetoed is a moratorium on AI data centers, which I voted for because, as the architects of AI themselves have said, these data centers will have a devastating effect on our civil liberties and cause massive job losses in Maine as AI is poised to wipe out most clerical positions and replace people with robotics across manufacturing.
I was honored to be assigned to the Legislature’s Government Oversight Committee, where my fellow Republican members and I led investigations into the rampant fraud, waste, and abuse within the Department of Health and Human Services under the Mills administration. We Republicans repeatedly called the department to account for the healthcare agency billing scandals you’ve seen in the news. We were met with denials of obvious fraud, but because these issues were brought to light, payments to these agencies have stopped, whereas it would likely still be going on. Should I get reelected, I’ll stay committed to cleaning up fraud, waste, and abuse of our tax dollars and the most vulnerable citizens, especially children who have died in the foster care system. Whistleblowers working in the department have warned us we need new leadership at DHHS, but it won’t come while Democratic leadership is in charge.
There are tens of thousands of laws on the books in Maine that make life unaffordable and difficult for people and businesses. Although my fellow Republicans and I tried to block the Democratic majority from passing new wasteful programs, taxes, and fees, we lost by a handful of votes repeatedly. We did however manage to kill a bill to put speed cameras on I-95 that would have picked the pockets of
That being said, I passed a bill in line with my goal of educating youth for future careers, especially in AI-proof jobs in our languishing trades. I sponsored LD 967, “An Act to Reinvigorate Maine’s Workforce and Ensure Student Job Readiness by Providing Funds for the Career Exploration Program.” My goal was to help ensure this highly productive program continues to grow, benefiting our young people and communities. Students gain valuable opportunities to develop lifelong skills through job shadows, internships, and other hands-on learning experiences essential for a successful future. Although the bill passed both the House and Senate, it unfortunately died on the Appropriations Table because Democrats prioritized other initiatives. I will continue to work to keep and expand this program so our kids can stay in Maine and achieve their dreams of owning a home and having a family here.
I supported the constitutional rights of Maine citizens, especially the Second Amendment. I remain Committed to seeing that our outdoor hunting and fishing heritage is preserved for future generations.
I fought hard to put Mainers first over illegal aliens and make Maine more livable for working families, seniors, and others struggling to get by. I supported reducing taxes on tips, overtime, working families, and seniors by extending federal tax reductions to the Maine tax code. Despite record tax revenues and a budget surplus, majority Democrats excluded representatives from nearly half of Maine from the state budget process and raised taxes on those who can least afford it. Over the unanimous opposition of Republicans—including myself—they advanced a wave of new and expanded taxes on tobacco, cannabis, paint, streaming services, outdoor activities, and even senior pensions. Ultimately, the next Governor and Legislature will inherit a serious budget challenge that will impact Maine taxpayers.
If we are to turn this all around, we’ll need a Republican governor as well as majorities in the House and Senate. I pray to God we can do it.
No matter your political affiliation, I’m always here to help if you have questions or concerns about these issues—or any matter involving state government—please do not hesitate to reach out. My office is here to help. You can contact me at 207-283-5729 anytime. john.eder@legislature.maine.gov (mailto:john.eder@legislature.maine.gov).
Wishing you all a fantastic summer and brighter days ahead for the great state of Maine.