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Legislative Council to examine MPBN proposal for State House Channel
December 11, 2012
AUGUSTA –Democratic leaders said they will be moving towards implementing greater transparency in the State House during the next two years. Legislative leaders will be discussing the process for establishing a free over-the-air channel devoted to covering the State Legislature through the Maine Public Broadcasting Network (MPBN) during a meeting of the Legislative Council on Wednesday.
“We strongly support transparency and public accountability,” said Speaker Mark Eves, D-North Berwick, who chairs the Legislative Council, which is the administrative body of the State Legislature. It is comprised of the 10 Democrats and six Republican legislative leaders.
Eves added, “MPBN’s proposal already has strong bipartisan support from Republicans and the governor. It would be an area where we can find common ground to better serve Maine people.”
The legislative leaders will hear MPBN’s initial proposal for the State House channel from network officials during the hearing tomorrow at 3:30 p.m. in the Legislative Council chambers in the State House.
"I am often asked about what goes on in Augusta. This proposal is a direct connection from the State House in to people's homes," said Senate President Justin Alfond, D-Portland. "This will allow for greater transparency and accountability between lawmakers and the people we serve."
Funding for the State House Channel would come from MPBN’s 2013 operating budget. It would not be subsidized by the annual support appropriated to MPBN by statute from the State of Maine.
Contact:
Jodi Quintero (Eves), m. 841-6279; Ericka Dodge (Alfond), m. 232-5892