Radio Address
Date: 02/21/09
Greetings. This is Senator Jerry Davis of Falmouth and it is my honor to deliver this week's Republican Message.
I want to talk to you today about the 787 billion dollar federal Stimulus Package.
Now that it is law, the focus shifts to making sure that the funds are spent wisely and responsibly, and that there is transparency allowing the public to know where the money goes.
Maine Republicans believe that the State Legislature has a responsibility to ensure such a process. How we in Augusta respond will have an impact on the success or failure of this package in Maine. It is now up to us to be faithful stewards of your money.
Weeks prior to the President signing the Stimulus Package, Republican leaders on the Appropriations Committee, namely Senator Richard Rosen of Bucksport, and Representative Sawin Millet of Waterboro, pushed for full disclosure of all monies that might come to the state.
I am pleased that Governor Baldacci and Ryan Lowe, Commissioner of the Department of Administrative and Financial Services, readily agreed. Republicans appreciate that, this week, Governor Baldacci issued an executive order that engages the Legislature in helping to oversee stimulus funds that pass through State government.
Recognizing the vast sums of federal money that are aimed at the emerging energy sector, the Legislature passed a measure on Thursday that establishes a process for the legislature to approve how funds are spent on energy initiatives.
In the Senate, our leader Kevin Raye spoke for all of us when he said that we must ensure that these funds are not spent to create new programs that will make future budgets unaffordable. We must recognize that the Stimulus funding is one-time money intended to stimulate the economy quickly, put people to work, and result in long-term benefit through improvements to Maine's infrastructure.
Clearly, this will be a big task. Hundreds of millions of dollars will flow rapidly into Maine, and the Stimulus law directs that they be spent quickly. Some of the money will come to state government, and some will go directly to municipalities and school districts. Regardless, it is incumbent upon us to keep track of all the money, and to do everything that we can to insure its wise investment.
As we work toward that goal, one area of focus is education. Maine is expected to receive around 313 million dollars, part of which must be used to restore the 27 million dollars which had been recently cut from education.
Commissioner of Education Susan Gendron has been working with Superintendents on how this one-time restoration of funds might be used to create future savings, such as installing energy efficient and green technology. It is crucial that school districts plan responsibly for the future, when federal stimulus funds will not be available to sustain current spending practices.
In addition to restoring general purpose aid, Maine will have millions of new dollars to fund special education, Title I reading and math programs, and school building renovations. Education dollars are not just for our K through 12 system. With the leadership of Senator Collins, the Stimulus also provides an additional 15 million dollars of Pell Grants for Mainers pursuing college. And there will be money available for much needed job training.
The Stimulus package will also provide vitally important funds for infrastructure improvement - an anticipated 133 million dollars for investing in our roads and bridges, and another 50 million dollars for our water and sewer infrastructure. Not only will it assist with the much needed improvements to our infrastructure, but it will also create immediate jobs.
A significant portion of the Stimulus package is in the form of tax relief, and some of the provisions that will provide the most direct and immediate tax benefit are due in part to the hard work of Senator Snowe.
Most working Mainers will receive an income tax credit of $400 for single filers and $800 for joint filers. Even better, we won't have to wait until next April 15th to benefit from the credit. Instead, there will be a few more dollars in our paychecks.
Senator Snowe also helped ensure that folks collecting unemployment will not be taxed on the first 2,400 dollars of benefits. And the Stimulus law incorporates much of Senator Snowe's 10 Point Small Business plan; a plan meant to put money in the hands of our small businesses - the backbone of the Maine economy. When our small businesses get to keep, manage and invest more of their own money, they create jobs - much needed jobs for Maine citizens.
As the stimulus package unfolds in the days and months ahead, you can be assured that we Republicans will do our part to maximize its effectiveness in Maine. We will be vigilant in pushing for a process that is transparent, fair and thoughtful. This is not manna from heaven. It is your money. You have the right to know where every last penny goes. We will be a consistent voice that these are one time funds - that they cannot be used to expand or create new government programs that you - and your children - can't afford to maintain when the Stimulus money is gone.
This is Senator Gerry Davis, wishing you a safe and healthy week ahead. Thank you for listening.
Contact:
Bonnie Gould
Maine Senate Republicans
Tel: (207) 287-1505
Fax: (207) 287-1527