While we were sworn in in early December, the legislative session actually started early this week.  As most of you know, the budget is not in good shape and appears to be getting worse.  This means that we will be spending a lot more time on the budget as we try to preserve essential programs and services, but yet cut the state budget dramatically.

The Governor released his budget proposal Friday, and it has enough cutbacks to assure that many people will be unhappy!  The legislature will be working hard to try and minimize the impacts upon Maine’s citizens, but it isn’t going to be pretty.

I am serving on the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee, and it will be a very active committee.  While most of us believe that education is a long term investment in our future, it is a significant part of the state budget and will see some significant cuts.  I would appreciate your comments on education or any other issue, so please feel free to post here or to call me to discuss your concerns!

Steve