This is the first of a series of regular monthly columns I’ll be doing for the Journal Tribune. I feel that it is very important to keep in touch with my constituents, and I’d like to thank the Journal Tribune for this wonderful opportunity and for their commitment to keeping its readers informed about the issues in Augusta.
We are now headed into the busiest time at the Legislature, with more than 1,500 bills to be worked on before June.
I am fortunate that the voters of Saco have chosen to return me to the State House. I serve as House chair of the Judiciary Committee, which oversees policy on the judicial system and criminal and civil procedure. The committee works with bills related to a broad range of critical issues such as the public’s right to know and civil rights. In my past legislative service, I have served as both House and Senate chair of this committee, and I am very proud of the work we were able to accomplish. I also think that my experience as a lawyer and as a legislator will be valuable to the committee.
One of the major tasks we have before us this session is the creation of a balanced budget to keep the state functioning for the next two years. The Appropriations Committee, which is responsible for crafting the final budget, is in the midst of public hearings on the governor’s proposal.
The Judiciary Committee will be making its recommendations to the Appropriations Committee on the Attorney General’s budget, the Judicial budget and state funding for the Maine Human Rights Commission, the Commission on Indigent Legal Services, the Tribal-State Commission and Pine Tree Legal Assistance.
I have heard from many of you on this budget. I know that you have concerns about some parts of the governor’s bill, especially the end of revenue sharing to help communities pay for necessary services and keep property taxes in check. This idea was soundly rejected last year, and I have hopes it will be again this year. Rest assured that my colleagues and I from both parties will work towards a responsible budget that is as fair as possible to all Mainers. I am confident that we will be able to work out a good compromise.
I am a firm believer in open government, and I like to remind people that the State House really is “the people’s house,” and that all legislative sessions and committee proceedings are open to the public. You are certainly welcome to visit Augusta and watch the action here, but if you can’t there are ways you can stay at home and still stay informed. Most legislative activities, from Senate and House sessions to committee hearings and work sessions are available online. Simply go to the website: http://legislature.maine.gov/committee/#Audio and choose from the list of selections under “Legislative Room Audio.” This makes the State House as close as your computer.
Another website I’d like to recommend is the State Treasurer’s list of unclaimed property. Many people are unaware they have unclaimed property. Mainers lost more than $20 million in unclaimed property in 2014 alone. These funds could be from unpaid wages, dividends, rebates, checking accounts and other sources. Just go to www.maine.gov/upsearch to check. It’s free and only takes a few minutes to search.
Please feel free to contact me at barry.hobbins@legislature.maine.gov. I’ll always be glad to hear from you.
— Rep. Barry Hobbins represents part of Saco, and is in his eighth (non-consecutive) term in the House. He has also served five terms in the Senate. He is currently the House chair of the Judiciary Committee.
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