Action 110 ~ MAINE Legislation May 12-16

First, take a deep breath and read these words from Robert Hubbell:

“   Life is the unending battle against entropy, creeping disorder, and backsliding. It is difficult in the moment to see that we are winning. Only when we measure our success over the long term does it become clear that we are winning.
    We all remember the first two weeks of Trump's second term. The pace and scale of his executive orders were disorienting. We felt as though our leaders were flat-footed or unable to comprehend what was happening. Now, however, we can see some tangible results every day. And there are results we cannot see, results that are accreting in a stepwise fashion, building momentum and heft that will serve us well in 2026.
    Every effort makes a difference, no effort is wasted. At the very least, our actions prevent us from slipping into helplessness and despair; at best, they inspire and encourage others to believe that we can and will win. Creating that confidence and hope in the future is the first step in reclaiming the rule of law.”

May you have a fine weekend!  Then, on with the work!  As usual, you can view text of any numbered bill at https://legislature.maine.gov  and the whole legislative calendar at https://legislature.maine.gov/Calendar/#PHWS

Instructions for testifying are at  https://www.mainelegislature.org/testimony/. 

Thankfully, the introduction of new bills seems to be slowing down* but the number of work sessions is staggering!

Monday, some Republicans want Maine to conform to federal standards on forever chemicals.  Do we trust the federal standards under the Trump administration?  Shouldn’t Maine set its own, better standards?

Tuesday there is a bill (LD 1829) which would override some local land use decisions in order to foster housing.  While we do need more housing, is removing local controls the best way to achieve it?  Speaker’s bill, no co-sponsors.

We already discussed in detail (Action 108) two important bills to get the state moving on universal health care.  The hearings are on Wednesday.  Be sure to submit testimony and/or contact our legislators to support these bills ~ LD 1269 and 1883.  Maine AllCare has a toolkit to help you prepare testimony, accessible by QR code:

Wednesday also includes LD 1818, an unnecessary and duplicative Republican constitutional amendment “...to prohibit new or increased taxes, increases in fiscal spending beyond the rate of inflation or increases in debt unless those new or increased taxes or that increase in fiscal spending or debt is approved by the voters...” (we, or our elected reps, already do that!  Otherwise, why have a legislature with a taxation committee?)

Thursday sees a bunch of child care bills in the Health and Human Services Committee: LDs 1428, 1728, 1736, 1859, 1955.  Interesting that almost all the sponsors of these child protecting bills are Democrats, whereas all the sponsors for LD 1867 (protecting firearm purchasers) are all Republicans.  Speaks volumes about priorities, doesn’t it. 

Friday morning brings a slug of taxation bills.  They include several to help people in traditional Maine resource-dependent work (agriculture, forestry, fishing, food processing, waterfront protection – LD’s 1617, 1694, 1879, 1951).  Curiously in the mix is LD 1899 proposed by the infamous Laurel Libby. It seems to allow for a deduction of medical expenses not compensated by insurance. Good idea, but one wonders, what’s the catch?  It doesn’t specify a mechanism for verifying the validity of the expenses.  It has no co-sponsors.

Friday afternoon brings a bipartisan LD 1810, establishing a Commission on Judicial Conduct.  (Say, Justice Roberts, what about something similar for the U.S. Supremes?)  Also, two more child-friendly bills (LD 1832 and LD 1842) with only Democratic sponsors, and a Republican bill that would weaken public education (LD 1853).

Extra Credit:

*E.g., there are no public hearings this week on new bills submitted by Hancock Co. legislators, although they appear as co-sponsors of several new bills. It looks like the Legislature has sessions scheduled through June 18: https://legislature.maine.gov/house/house/HouseActivities/SessionScheduleFull?Legislature=132