In Maine, referenda first have to come before the Legislature. At that point, lawmakers are prohibited from amending the language, but can vote either to accept it as is or to send it out as a question for the people.
When Question One came before the Senate this year as a piece of legislation, we did not vote on it but rather used a procedural maneuver called “indefinitely postponing” that resulted in the legislation being sent to the people of Maine to vote on in the form of a referendum. Had we been given the opportunity to vote on it in the Senate, I would have voted to send it to the people even though I disagree with the changes it would make to the public financing program.
Advocates of the proposal say that passage of Question One would increase transparency and accountability in government.
Opponents have been vocal about the fact that the referendum seeks to increase payments for political campaigns by three times, noting that money could be used for other priorities within state government.
House candidates who qualify for public financing will jump from receiving $5,000 to receiving $15,000, and in the Senate that will increase from $20,000 to $60,000 for candidates. In 2014, nearly $2 million in tax money was spent on campaigns. Should Question One pass, that will jump to $6 million.
Another interesting point raised by the opposition to Question One is that the group supporting its passage has spent nearly $1,000,000 on their campaign to “get money out of politics.” Over 80 percent of that money has come from out of state.
In addition to the increase in money for campaigns, the referendum would also require political advertisements from third-parties to disclose the top three donors funding that ad. However, that disclosure requirement could be easily averted through the creation of even more secretive groups with attractive-sounding names.
No matter how you vote in November, make sure you are informed. In addition to the referendum question on public financing there are also two bond questions on the ballot. A good way to start researching the issues is by using the Maine Citizen’s Guide to the Referendum Election, which is put together by the Secretary of State. It contains the language and a summary of Question One, as well as information on Maine’s debt as it relates to the two bond questions. You can access it online at: http:// www.maine.gov/sos/news/2015/ 2015guidetoreferendum.html.
As always, if you’d like to discuss Question One, the bonds, or any other legislative issue please don’t hesitate to be in touch. I can be reached at dcwoodsome@gmail.com or at 432-5643.
— Sen. David Woodsome represents Senate District 33, which includes Cornish, Limerick, Newfield, Parsonsfield, Sanford, Shapleigh and Waterboro.
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