After many months of tough negotiations, the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee has unanimously – and with bipartisan support from both Democratic and Republican leaders — reached a sensible budget for the state of Maine. When the Governor presented his version of the budget six months ago, we knew we had our work cut out for us. Since then, members ... Read More »
Lyme disease is in Maine, and it is here to stay. And, at the State House, Lyme disease has been the topic of a lot of conversation as we struggle as lawmakers to raise awareness about this disease that is easy to get, and difficult to diagnose. I have met several constituents in the past year in our district, and ... Read More »
Maine is a beautiful state, full of close-knit communities and hard-working people. Maine is also the oldest state in the nation. According to the latest census figures, Maine’s median age is 42.7 years, about five years higher than the U.S. median age of 37.2 years. In 2000, Maine’s median age was 38.6 years, so we have gotten older in the ... Read More »
Last week, in a vote of 20-15, the Senate passed an historic measure to address the costs of health care for Maine people and make the final payment on debt owed to Maine hospitals. I am proud to have been one of the twenty senators voting for this bill. The bill pays the debt owed to our hospitals in full, ... Read More »
Memorial Day is celebrated across America every May to remember those who served and lost their lives in service to our nation. Each year, as I march in parades and attend community events to remember those heroes, I find myself reflecting on the meaning of service and sacrifice. Both of my grandfathers served in World War II. My uncle served ... Read More »
Work on the state budget is well-underway, and as a member of the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee, I am right in the middle of it. In January, Governor Paul LePage proposed his two-year budget for the state. If you read this column regularly (and I hope you do!), or follow the news at all, I know you have heard ... Read More »
Last week, Governor LePage revealed his letter grades for Maine schools, labeling every public school in the state with an “A” through “F” grade. We all want the best schools for Maine kids, but this approach is top-down and out of touch with our teachers, our students, and our communities. I know teachers, students, parents, and leaders in the schools ... Read More »
Last week, the Legislature voted in favor of a bill to protect the identities of concealed handgun permit holders from public inspection through Maine’s Freedom of Access Act. The bill was a product of long negotiations and much hard work by the Judiciary Committee, and I supported the work of the bipartisan majority report by voting for the bill in ... Read More »
I hope you and your loved ones are safe in the wake of the senseless attacks on the Boston Marathon. As a runner myself, and someone with a sister and many close friends living in and around Boston, this tragedy hit close to home. My heart goes out to the victims and their families. In the face of this horror, ... Read More »
“Let’s have a conversation. Let’s talk.” This is a statement we hear a lot in politics. We want politicians to talk to one another in Washington, DC, and in Augusta. We talk to find solutions. We have conversations to better understand someone’s position on a topic, or to articulate how we feel about something. But one thing we do not ... Read More »
Exploring Lincoln Local Faces, Names, and News from the greater Lincoln, Maine area
