Maine
Legislature
House Democratic
Office
EMBARGOED FOR
RELEASE ON FEB. 23
Feb. 22, 2013
REP.
FOWLE: BUDGET AND OTHER CHALLENGES REQUIRE BIPARTISAN COOPERATION
Good morning. I am Representative Lori Fowle. I’m honored to represent Vassalboro, Windsor and part of Augusta in the Maine House of Representatives.
I am excited to be part of a large group
of first-term legislators in the House. I am new to the State House, but I’ve
been active in local government for years. I served on the Vassalboro School
Board for nine years and I’m currently on the town’s budget committee.
Running for state representative was the
logical next step. I’ve seen the kind of budget hits that our towns and schools
have taken over the years. I realized that I needed to be in the place where
the laws were made – not just on the receiving end.
During my campaign, the people of my
district told me that they wanted their lawmakers to come together to find
commonsense solutions. I imagine that’s what Maine people all around the state
expect and want from us.
I’m happy I’ve seen lots of cooperation
at the State House. I’d like to think that the large group of first-term
members in the House has something to do with that. New members are finding
common ground as we learn and work together.
We’ve been sharing experiences about our
bills. I hadn’t anticipated how a bill could have a life of its own – in a good
way. Each needs nurturing and care. In my case, I’ve sponsored a bill to help
police locate stolen items sold to pawn shops and another bill to provide
disabled veterans with transportation to needed medical appointments. I’m
guiding my bills through the process and getting input from stakeholders
because I want them to become effective laws.
This week, the Legislature
overwhelmingly approved a supplemental budget for current fiscal year. The
budget-writing committee had the daunting task of dealing with a $153 million
shortfall.
The committee worked hard and reached a
unanimous decision on a budget that removed much of the potential harm
contained in Governor LePage’s proposal -- including cuts to important
social service and health programs. Still, the supplemental budget underscores
the need for efficiencies, a fair tax system and a balanced approach.
Moving forward, the two-year budget will
become an increasing focus at the State House. I know that both Democrats and
Republicans are concerned about it.
The governor’s proposal relies on a $425
million dollar tax shift to local communities. I’ve seen how difficult it is
for local communities to deal with cutbacks, even before they faced the burden
of the governor’s proposed tax shift.
Last year, Vassalboro property taxes
went up an entire mil and the school district seriously considered
significantly cutting back the hours of its sole librarian. Thankfully, that
did not happen.
The budget has the potential to hurt
every district, regardless of whether you’re a Democrat or Republican. We need
a budget that will strengthen our economy and our middle class.
I’m hopeful about cooperation between
lawmakers from both sides of the aisle. I’m working with other members of the
Augusta delegation and look forward to addressing the city’s concerns about the
upcoming budget.
You have to work together. It’s that
simple.
This is Representative Lori Fowle of
Vassalboro. Thank you for tuning in this morning.
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Ann Kim | Communications Director
Maine State House Majority Office
2 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333-0002
Phone: 207-287-1430 | Cell: 207-233-1838
Fax: 207-287-8338