Members of the 124th Maine Legislature took office Wednesday in an atmosphere of political openness and optimism, despite the fact that when they reconvene Jan. 5, the grim work of budget balancing will dominate the agenda.
Friends and family members of the legislators packed both chambers of the State House, which met simultaneously to transition from the former Legislature to the current one. Wide-eyed children sat on the laps of parents and grandparents who took the oath while flashes popped from the crowds that surrounded them.
Republicans, who hold the minority in both chambers, signaled a bipartisan stance by supporting the nominations of Hannah Pingree, D-North Haven, as speaker of the House and Elizabeth Mitchell, D-Vassalboro, as Senate president. Both women were elected unanimously.
Mitchell, an attorney who has served nine terms in the House and two terms in the Senate, dared her colleagues to take risks and work together to solve the daunting tasks before them, which include closing a $140 million revenue shortfall in the current fiscal year and a $330 million drop for the next two years.
In most years revenues track upwards, which means that the Legislature will have to cut more than $500 million in services in the next budget or raise taxes.
“We must recognize that no political party or single elected officials has a monopoly on good ideas,” said Mitchell. “We must capitalize on the opportunities before us and carry out the fundamental mission of government, by tending to the needs of our most vulnerable and ensuring all Maine people have access to clean air, clean water, safe transportation, great schools and an amazing quality of life.”
Sen. Kevin Raye, R-Perry, the Senate minority leader, said he was “filled with optimism” when he seconded the nomination of Mitchell.
“In new beginnings, there is always hope. That hope is tempered by the daunting challenges we face,” he said. “All of us serving in this body must recognize our obligation to downsize state government to a level taxpayers can afford. When the heat of the election is over we can come together to solve the problems that face us.”
Mitchell and Pingree identified the environment as a major focus of the Legislature’s agenda. Both announced a plan to create a joint select committee on energy to explore the use of alternative fuel sources and create businesses and jobs in the industries that produce them.
“While fuel prices have dropped, we still face a long-term energy crisis,” said Pingree during her acceptance speech. “Dependence on fossil fuels is a long-term threat to the stability of Maine’s businesses and the well-being of its people.”
Now that the members are sworn in, Pingree and Mitchell will focus on assigning members to Legislative committees. Meanwhile, Gov. Baldacci is developing a supplemental budget proposal that he will submit by Dec. 15. Following an $80 million budget curtailment last month, the supplemental budget must eliminate another $70 million in revenue shortfalls. The Legislature will face the supplemental budget soon after it convenes Jan. 5.
In other business Wednesday, the Legislature confirmed Rep. Janet Mills, D-Farmington, for the position of attorney general. Mills’ District 89 seat will have to be filled with a special election.
The Legislature also re-appointed David Lemoine as treasurer, Matthew Dunlap as secretary of state and Neria Douglass as state auditor.
(State House News Service)
