(D-Houlton)
In my first term as your state representative in Augusta, I was fortunate to participate in some exciting events. I saw my first bill become a law. We crafted a bipartisan budget that meets the needs of residents without raising taxes. With voter approval of the bond package passed by the legislature, we are continuing our work toward improving education infrastructure, stimulating Maine’s economy, and cultivating our natural resources. Finally, we made some changes for students that will hopefully make affording a college education a little easier. The first session of the 123rd legislature ended on the first day of summer. And while summer has admittedly been quieter than spring legislatively speaking, the last day of summer deserves notice as well. September 20, 2007 marked the ninetieth day after the end of session – the day the laws we enacted during session went into effect.
When I’m not serving in Augusta I am an attorney, and I know the frustration when a case turns on a technicality. For years, this has happened with drug abusers behind the wheel. Prosecutors have had to contend with loopholes that allow those caught operating under the influence of something other than alcohol to avoid punishment. With the new law I was very pleased to sponsor, drugged drivers as well as drunk drivers can be punished for driving under the influence, and the technicality that used to set them free no longer exists.
As a member of the legislature, I serve on the Business, Research and Economic Development (BRED) Committee. You may remember the vote in June on the first part of the bond package, including money for transportation and drinking water crafted by the legislature. The second portion of the bond package is up for vote this November and includes three questions aimed at stimulating Maine’s economy through research and development, improving higher education, and cultivating natural resources in our area.
The research and development portion of the bond package includes $55 million for research that will help to create quality, high-paying jobs in Maine’s workforce. Through the Maine Technology Institute, research and development projects will be undertaken with the goal of creating long-term, sustainable jobs. In particular, specific areas such as biotechnology, aquaculture, and information technology will be advanced, to create high-paying skilled jobs for Maine workers. These jobs will bring with them the continued need for a well-trained work-force. Matching funds of an additional $50 million will also become available in this process, giving us a 100 percent return on our investment from the start.
With the creation of these new, high-skill jobs, we want to ensure that Mainers are trained to fill the open positions. The education portion of the bond package includes $40 million for the University of Maine System, Maine Maritime Academy, and the Maine Community College System for building renovations – updating and maintaining the infrastructure of our colleges and universities so that when Maine students are in the classroom, they have technology and resources available to them to succeed, not a dilapidated building. In addition, $3.5 million would go to the Department of Education’s school revolving fund for repairs and renovations and the Maine State Cultural Affairs Council for capital improvements on museums, historical facilities and libraries.
Finally, there will be a question about natural resources. This question seeks approval for $35.5 million for land conservation, water access, wildlife habitat, outdoor recreation opportunities, farmland and working waterfront. A portion of these funds will also be invested in state parks, historic sites, riverfront, and community and farm infrastructure. If approved, this measure will also include public and private matching funds of nearly $22 million. Maine’s unrivaled beauty lasts because of our long-standing tradition of protecting Maine’s treasures. This proposal will ensure that tradition continues and we preserve the things that make Maine a special place to live for future generations.
Even out of session, the legislature is hard at work. I’m still attending committee meetings in Bangor and Augusta, and I’m also available to you. Recently the BRED committee conducted its first ever public hearing in Houlton and your feedback was much appreciated. If you have questions about any of the new legislation that went into effect on Sept. 20, about the bond questions on the November ballot or about any state issues please contact me. I will continue to work hard for you, and I welcome your input about any other concerns.
Rep. Richard Cleary can be reached at 532-7526 (w) or 532-2905 (h) or by e-mail at rccleary68@hotmail.com.
