Highlights of the 127th Maine Legislature

To the Editor:

It has been an honor and privilege to serve in the first regular session of the 127th Maine Legislature. The first session was marked with some rather unique scenarios, but despite the distractions some good work was accomplished.

The 127th Maine  Legislature processed nearly 1,500 bills in the first regular session.  We are scheduled to re-convene on January 6th.

Following are a few highlights:

The budget agreement passed by the legislature includes $171 million in income tax relief that will benefit ALL Mainers.  Military pensions will now be exempt from state taxes making Maine more attractive to military retirees. The estate tax was lowered to conform to federal rates. The first $5.5 million will now be exempt. Over the next two years, nursing homes will receive an additional $2 million with a federal draw down of $16 million. While income tax relief is admirable, it must be noted that the overall budget has increased.  It remains to be seen whether or not existing revenue sources will be sufficient to fund the budget. I am concerned with the ongoing affect on the property tax, and will address those concerns in a future letter.

While we were prevented from achieving all that we wished to regarding welfare reform we did implement an important piece of legislation in that area.  We will now have a “tiered” welfare payment system that will allow people to transition from welfare to work without experiencing a financial “cliff”.  This will reward the efforts of those good folks that are willing and able to work.

I am pleased to report that the Legislature passed Constitutional Carry.  L.D. 652 – “An Act To Authorize the Carrying of Concealed Handguns Without a Permit” is now public law.  I would strongly encourage anyone considering purchasing or carrying a handgun to diligently follow all safety practices and to seek out training from a qualified instructor.  Maine and Piscataquis County have excellent safety records, but even one needless tragedy is too many.

Mainers may now buy ethanol free gas.   L.D. 1435 – “An Act Regarding Ethanol-Free Motor Fuel” was passed and signed by the Governor. No distributor of gas in the State of Maine may prohibit the sale of ethanol-free gasoline. While it may take some time before we see this product at the pumps, it will be welcome to many of us that have struggled with the affect of ethanol laced fuel in our small engines.

Please remember that our schools are back in session and our most precious commodity will be walking and riding the buses. No texting while driving and please slow down around the various schools and campuses.  We all wish to enjoy another beautiful Mainefall.

Rep. Paul A. Stearns

House District 119