After meeting for 24-hours straight, the 131st Legislature adjourned April 18, 2024. All that is left is one more legislative day to act on vetoes from Governor Mills.
I am disappointed that this Legislature did almost nothing to address the everyday concerns of Mainers burdened by the rising cost of living. Despite record tax receipts, Democrats refused proposals to let people keep more of their hard-earned money by lowering taxes. They also refused Republican proposals to lower energy costs, even when we were able to get support from some elected Democrats.
At 3 AM on a Saturday morning, after the press and the public had left the State House, Democrats attempted to raise taxes on retirees by rolling back planned reductions proposed by Republicans and supported by Democrats last year. Thankfully, public outrage caused them to reverse the cuts in their final budget.
Appropriations Democrats also voted to eliminate a bipartisan highway funding provision passed last year. Had that not also been reversed, $60 million would have been taken from roads and bridges to create new programs. I am glad this did not happen, but $11 million was still diverted from needed transportation projects.
Details on the Supplemental Budget that Democrats passed, without input from Republicans, are still being revealed. I hope that the trend of passing partisan budgets without input from legislators representing all parts of Maine does not continue. It does not reflect well on the party in power or the growing sense that everyday citizens do not have a voice in the political process.
I am optimistic that people are starting to realize that Maine is not California and that there is a growing divide between people that can afford to pay 20% more to live in Maine and those who are struggling to pay their bills.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of assistance with state matters. I can be reached at Jim.Thorne@legislature.maine.gov or call 207 287-1440.
Thank you for the opportunity to represent you in the Maine House. I love hearing your thoughts and concerns, and appreciate your input!
Sincerely, Rep. Jim Thorne