Augusta report: Bills proposed on choosing education commissioner, changing hunting rules

Piscataquis County’s delegation to the 128th Maine State Legislature continues its work this session.
“The supplemental budget was passed out of the appropriations committee but I haven’t been briefed on it as of yet,” State Sen. Paul Davis (R-Sangerville) said. “I do know it contains funds to reimburse the state’s fish hatcheries. This is something that is badly needed.”
“The legislature has established a special committee to deal with implementation of the marijuana law,” he said, mentioning this committee has not yet met.
Davis said on Monday he was scheduled to present two bills to the taxation committee. “One will establish a tax credit for caregivers,” he said, with a press release on this proposal appearing on the front page of the Feb. 22 issue of the Piscataquis Observer. “The other bill would give a tax credit to retail business that collect sales tax.”
State Rep. Norm Higgins (R-Dover-Foxcroft) said last week was quiet with no sessions of the Legislature.
Higgins had previously identified his key legislative areas as ensuring that property taxes are the first priority for tax reform; supporting education funding to reflect the needs of rural schools; protecting rural health clinics and hospitals from proposed reductions in reimbursements; and supporting initiatives to assist seniors with adequate housing, transportation and in home telehealth monitoring.
State Rep. Paul Stearns (R-Guilford) said one of three bills he is working on has been been scheduled for a hearing. “I will testify on Wednesday, March 1 on my bill, LD 333, which would change the way that the commissioner of education is appointed,” Stearns said.
He had said the bill would have the commissioner of education be appointed by the state board of education, in consultation with the governor, and confirmed by the legislature. The commissioner would serve a 3-year term, and the state board would have the option of extending that term by one year after an annual evaluation.
Stearns said there are three others bills “of more immediate concern that are on my schedule in the more immediate future.” On Feb 27, “I will present LD 398 to the Education Committee. This bill would focus on making certain that our students have the opportunity to gain specific computer science skills, including coding, as part of their program. There are many great career opportunities and we need to match our preparatory efforts with workforce needs.
“Feb. 27, I will testify before the environment and natural resources committee on LD 182. This bill would eliminate harmful fire retardant chemicals from furniture. These chemicals are known as particular hazard to firefighters, as they are routinely exposed to the toxins. What makes this bill of particular importance to our area is the fact the True fabrics, located in Guilford, is a company that produces these materials without the harmful chemicals. To me, it is a ‘win-win’ situation any time that we can protect the environment, improve safety and support jobs and industry in the area.”
Stearns said Thursday, March 2 is “Deer Hunting Day” in the inland fisheries and wildlife committee. “Our committee will hear several bills involving Sunday hunting, hunting methods and antlerless deer permit allocation and other topics related to the hunting of white tail deer. It is safe to say there will be passionate testimony from various viewpoints on these matters.”