By: Rep. Michel Lajoie, D-Lewiston
Over the six non-consecutive terms that I have spent representing Lewiston in the Maine House of Representatives, I have learned a great deal about the core issues that regularly impact our community – including rising property taxes that are making it difficult for older Mainers to remain in their homes and for young Mainers to purchase their first homes.
That’s why, when the Legislature passed a continuing services budget on March 20, I was glad to know that Mainers in our community won’t face any new taxes or lose access to the critical services that help to ease the financial burden of everyday life.
The final vote was 76-66 in the House and 18-17 in the Senate.
First and foremost, this budget fulfills the state's obligation to provide 5% municipal revenue sharing to every city and town in Maine. Without this critical state funding, the burden of municipal costs for our local services would directly fall even more on Lewiston residents and lead to an even bigger increase in property taxes, which our community simply cannot afford.
This budget also covers 55% of K-12 public school funding and provides breakfast and lunch for all students, a crucial program that has recently undergone cuts by the federal government. For many communities in Maine, public education is often the largest financial commitment municipalities make. Having the state step in to help offers much needed support to our local taxpayers.
This responsible continuing services budget also ensures the state pays its bills to our hospitals, nursing homes and pharmacies, making sure that patients can continue getting the care that they need.
While I am incredibly disappointed that we were unable to pass a bipartisan measure, the alternative would have resulted in a subpar budget that would harm many Mainers. If we passed nothing at all, we would have faced a government shutdown come July 1, which would have put our entire state in immediate crisis.
In the coming weeks and months, the Legislature intends to take up another budget bill to address additional important policy discussions. We still have a lot to do, and I’m looking forward to continuing to work to make life better for working families here in Lewiston and across our state.
This governing budget contains a core set of commitments to the betterment of all Mainers. During a time of deep uncertainty in Washington, D.C., I am focused on providing the financial predictability and stability our community needs.
As always, if you have questions or concerns regarding the budget or if you have ideas for future legislation, you can reach me directly at Michel.Lajoie@legislature.maine.gov or call my office at 207-287-1430. If you need assistance navigating state services or have ideas to improve our community, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Rep. Michel Lajoie, D-Lewiston, represents House District 96 in the Maine House of Representatives. He serves on the Legislature’s Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee.