The Second Regular Session of the 131st Legislature reconvenes in January 2024. Between now and then, our citizen legislature is focused on constituent work and committee meetings. Since our break in July, legislators have had committee meetings on a number of important topics. These include: The Innovation, Development, Economic Advancement and Business Committee, the committee …
The Legislature is adjourned until January 2024. It did so on July 26 after passing another budget that brings total spending to an estimated $10.3 billion. The budget that was passed did not include broad-based tax relief and it also eliminated the senior property tax stabilization program. I voted against the budget because it does …
The Legislature is still in Special Session, having adjourned prematurely last March. That was done to avoid lowering taxes for low-to middle income earners. Because the budget does not address the needs of all Mainers, especially those struggling to pay bills, I voted against it. Since the Legislature was unable to complete its work, many …
The Legislature continued its work in June after adjourning in March, then immediately going into Special Session in order to prevent a Republican backed income tax proposal that would have returned some of the projected surplus to taxpayers by lowering income tax rates. While I remain disappointed that there is no relief for taxpayers, especially …
The Legislature is still in Special Session after adjourning last month in order to prevent a Republican proposal to give $200 million in income tax relief targeted to taxpayers, especially low- middle income earners most impacted by runaway costs for everyday items needed to live in Maine. Since my last report, the Revenue Forecasting Committee …
Rep. Caleb Ness (R-Fryeburg) State government takes in too much money from individuals and families struggling to make ends meet. Our government continues to grow while working people have less money to cover rising bills. In January it cost an additional $625 a month more than January of last year for an average Maine household …
Legislature passes a budget with no tax relief, then adjourns Read More »
Rep. Caleb Ness (R-Fryeburg) Work continues on the biennial (two-year) budget. Governor Mills began the process when she submitted a $10.3 billion budget proposal to the Legislature back in February. The Appropriations Committee has held public hearings and received budget recommendations from all legislative committees. That process has traditionally involved both political parties in order …
A state budget with input from all parts of Maine Read More »
The 131st Legislature is nearly halfway through its’ First Regular Session. Legislative work and session days become more intense in the days and months leading up to the statutory adjournment of June 21, 2023. As a new member, I have learned a lot about the process and the issues of concern to Brownfield, Fryeburg, Lovell, …
Legislature is close to halfway through its’ schedule, but not halfway through its work Read More »
The 131st Legislature is underway, with over 2,100 bills being introduced and referred to the legislative committees that will schedule public hearings and issue recommendations to the full legislature. I have been appointed to serve on the Joint Standing Committee on Innovation, Development, Economic Advancement and Business. Commonly referred to as the “IDEA” committee, it …
Legislature will consider over 2,000 bills and develop a state budget Read More »
On December 7, 2022 members of the 131st Legislature raised their right hand and swore an oath to uphold the Constitution. I again thank those who placed their trust in me over the next two years. I will do my best to represent everyone, regardless of political party or persuasion. The first legislative day is …
High energy costs will need to be addressed when the Legislature reconvenes Read More »
