Working for the citizens of Old Orchard Beach in Augusta is a task that I am really enjoying as we work though the thousands of bills that are submitted. It has been a busy month in the State & Local committee as we have worked on a few constitutional amendments, dealt with bills that affect county government and have gone through the budget that is part of our committee’s jurisdiction.
The State of Maine’s $6.2 billion biennial budget was crafted, first and foremost, to find ways to help Maine families prosper. Through the budget development, a significant effort was put forth to help improve the business climate and attract new opportunities for employment. The economy has a great effect on the budget, and we are in for a rough road.
At the committee level, each committee goes through the pieces of budget that are part of their jurisdiction. For the State & Local committee, we have oversight of government operations. Our committee deliberated with the office of Commissioner Sawin Millet, who is the state finance officer. His job is to build the budget, and he will testify in front of all of the committees in the Legislature.
The budget process is quite interesting. Each committee makes their recommendations about cuts or additions that are under their purview. Then those recommendations are submitted to the Approp-riations Committee, which vets the entire budget.
As a representative, we do not see line items or what is purchased, we simply get a lump sum appropriation for each department. We had one public hearing with the Appropriations Committee and two work sessions on our section of the budget, then we were done and off it goes to appropriations. The decisions that we voted on in committee are just recommendations ”“ which essentially mean nothing, as appropriations deliberates and they have the right to change anything they want. It is an odd process, and not too fulfilling, to be completely honest.
One thing that we all need to realize about the state budget is that we really need to rethink how we pay for things. Each municipality in the state is struggling with the loss of revenue sharing, but though it is a painful reality, we need to figure out how to deal with the loss at the local level. Each municipality should be talking with their neighbors to see how to share services to help each and their property taxpayers.
Now is the time, with good solid leadership, that we as communities can really work to rethink how government operates. It is going to be tough, and I will still fight for a piece of the revenue sharing pie, but perhaps we should take this as an opportunity to open the dialogue to see what sharing of service opportunities we could implement. Sometimes, in the face of great adversity, solutions can be found.
Talking with our legislative neighbors is the first step. I can honestly say, I have found working with my closest legislative neighbors in Saco and Scarborough has been terrific. The willingness to listen to each other, regardless of our party affiliations, continues to be refreshing. I do believe that we have an opportunity in our area to share services and save money, which could help offset the revenue sharing loss.
— Rep. Sharri MacDonald, R-Old Orchard Beach, represents District 132 and is chairperson of the Old Orchard Beach Town Council.
Comments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
