In 2009, Republican legislators stood on the banks of the Kennebec River to pledge our commitment to leading Maine in a new, more prosperous direction if given the chance to govern. We promised to create a state government that is: Caring, responsible, efficient, affordable, transparent and effective. Last fall, we were given a historic opportunity to deliver on our promises when both the Maine House and Senate changed hands along with the governorship.
I am pleased with the results that we realized this past session, but first I want to give credit to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle. Working together in a bipartisan fashion, we addressed Maine’s most pressing needs in these extremely difficult times. We did so while avoiding a government shutdown and the polarizing situations that have occurred in states like Wisconsin. Leadership made the decision early on in the session that we would insist on a two-thirds majority vote on the budget, and we would create a culture of inclusion, respect and consensus. This decision has allowed us to put the state on the road to economic recovery as we are sending a message across the country that Maine is truly “open for business.”
In the end, members of the 125th Legislature worked together to enact several reforms:
Ӣ Regulatory reform: We took a first step in changing the culture at all levels of state government to one that makes good jobs and economic opportunity the mission of every department. It begins an ongoing process that will result in future job creation, job retention and expanded opportunities for Maine people.
Ӣ Health insurance reform: We passed landmark health insurance reform legislation that allows people to purchase insurance across state lines, increases competition, lower premiums and deductibles for everyone, and promotes greater access to health care for the 133,000 Mainers who currently do not have health insurance.
”¢ Maine Turnpike Authority: A bipartisan review turned up questionable spending by senior officials and a lack of official oversight by the MTA board. A criminal investigation by the State Attorney General’s office is underway. The legislature will insist on more transparency and accountability and exert more oversight over how our toll dollars are spent.
Ӣ Education: The biennial budget increases state funding to local school districts by $65 million. In contrast to other states, which drastically cut higher education funding, our budget made no cuts to higher education.
”¢ Legislative Budget: To lead by example, Republicans cut the Legislature’s own budget by $8.3 million. This is the largest reduction from a previous year in the history of the Maine Legislature.
Ӣ Pension reform: We ensured the solvency of the state pension system for retirees by reducing the unfunded liability by $1.7 billion. Changes will save Maine taxpayers $338 million in pension costs.
Ӣ Tax policy: We enacted the largest tax cut in Maine history. It provides tax relief to working families and eliminates 70,000 low-income filers from state income tax liability entirely. Our tax plan also promotes job creation and retention.
Ӣ Welfare reform: We made structural reforms and adopted initiatives that will help people escape welfare and ensure scarce resources assist our most vulnerable people. Changes include the establishment of a five-year limit on TANF benefits (consistent with federal law); an end to MaineCare benefits for all legal non-citizens; imposition of strict sanctions for people who violate TANF rules; and required mandatory drug testing for convicted drug felons who receive TANF benefits.
Gov. Paul LePage also deserves credit for challenging the legislature. Sometimes it takes an outsider to shake things up, look at the status quo in a different way, and then provide an outline of needed changes. While he is far from polished, the governor will continue to “crunch” the legislature to make tough decisions. In response, we will continue to be deliberative and work together to move Maine forward while protecting our most vulnerable residents.
When you consider these and the numerous other accomplishments the legislature achieved this session, the results are nothing short of remarkable. Back in December, many doubted we could attain anything substantive with the challenges we faced. The fact is, Republicans and Democrats couldn’t have done it alone, but together we were able to do it. I believe when history looks back at our work this past session, our achievements will be remembered. We kept our promises, made the tough decisions together, and took Maine in a different direction that will be more prosperous, affordable and responsive to all Maine citizens.
— Sen. Jon Courtney, R-Sanford, represents Maine Senate District 3 which includes the York County communities of Alfred, Limington, Lyman, Sanford, Springvale and Waterboro. Courtney is the Senate Majority Leader and is the Senate chair of the Joint Select Committee on Regulatory Fairness and Reform.
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