State Rep. Joyce Fitzpatrick posts perfect voting record

    AUGUSTA — State Rep. Joyce Fitzpatrick, a first-term legislator from Houlton, compiled a perfect voting record during the 125th Legislature. She was present for 100 percent of the roll call votes taken in the Maine House during the 117 days it was in session.
    “I take my duty of voting very seriously,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick, who serves on the Insurance and Financial Services Committee and the Government Oversight Committee. “The citizens of my district expect me to be their voice in Augusta. Legislators have many duties, including a lot of constituent service and committee work. However, voting is the most critical thing we do.”
    During the two years of the legislative term, members dealt with 2,049 bills. Of these, 700 became law, ranging from large bills, such as the state budget, to minor technical changes. Many bills are voted unanimously to either pass or fail out of committee, and the House usually follows the committee lead with a unanimous vote on the floor that is not recorded. This procedure is called passing a bill “under the hammer.”
    The House held 369 roll call votes, which form the basis for a voting record.
    Rep. Fitzpatrick said she is proud of the work of the 125th, which includes reform of the public pension system, regulatory relief, welfare reform and the largest tax cut in Maine history. The Legislature also reformed Maine’s health insurance law to promote competition and bring the system more in line with the American mainstream. Early results show the new approach is holding down or reducing rates in the individual and small-group markets.
    Rep. Fitzpatrick’s district includes Amity, Hodgdon, Houlton, Orient and Cary Plantation.