Hello, this is Representative Beth O’Connor of Berwick. Recent Republican radio addresses, have focused on the economy, onerous new taxes, unfunded mandates, burdensome regulations, anti-business attitudes, debt, and the state budget. Clearly, there are differences between the political parties in these areas over how to improve Maine. This week, my address will focus on an area where we should, and did agree – UNANIMOUSLY. No more ethanol in our gasoline! My bill,… Read More

With a Stable Economy, Governor Mills needs to set budget priorities Hello, I am Nate Wadsworth from Hiram, a House Republican member of the legislature’s Appropriations Committee. In previous radio addresses, a number of my colleagues have expressed concern over the state budget proposed by Governor Mills. We believe that the 11% increase where she has proposed to spend 99.995% of all available monies, relies on one-time funds, understates future costs, includes… Read More

Vetoes unanimous ban of Ethanol greater than 10% at behest of connected lobbyist STATEHOUSE – Maine House Republicans expressed disappointment at Governor Mills’ first veto – LD 822, An Act To Prohibit the Sale of Motor Fuel Containing More than 10% Ethanol. The legislation, Sponsored by Rep. Beth O’Connor (R-Berwick), received a unanimous recommendation from the Environment and Natural Resources Committee and was unanimously adopted by the Maine House and Senate. “Legislative… Read More

Augusta – Today’s release of the May revenue forecast saw an increase in one time money for the current fiscal year and a steady economic outlook for the next two years. Republican leadership in both houses and in the Appropriations Committee hope that this forecast will be used as an opportunity to set priorities for state taxpayer funds. House Republican Leader, Representative Kathleen Dillingham (Oxford) said, “The one time money of $66.7… Read More

GOPAC’s 2019 Class of Emerging Leaders is made up of promising legislators selected for their potential and ability to impact their state. “We welcome being a part of the success that this year’s Class of Emerging Leaders will achieve. These men and women will contribute much to our mission to build a roster of Republicans ready to lead in their state legislatures and run for higher office,” said GOPAC Chairman David Avella. The Emerging… Read More

ONE PARTY RULE THREATENS MAINE FAMILIES Hello, I am Kathleen Dillingham, the Maine House Republican Leader from Oxford. For the past 8 Years, Republican leadership has improved the lives of Mainers through responsible fiscal discipline and policies. By lowering taxes, restraining the growth of government, lowering debt and improving state finances, we have improved the budget for families in Maine. Low unemployment, higher wages and historically high workforce participation is and should… Read More

Hello, this is Jeff Hanley, the State Representative from Pittston. Living in Maine is more expensive than many parts of the country. Our size and location require Mainers to pay more to heat our homes in winter and to travel longer distances to and from work. In spite of this fact, Maine Democrats in the legislature seem to be relentless in their pursuit of taxing our fuels. They are seeking to tax… Read More

Education Republicans oppose cutting vocational education to fund more bureaucrats  STATEHOUSE – Republican members of the Legislature’s Education and Cultural Affairs Committee voted unanimously to fully fund Maine Career & Technical Education (CTE) schools. Governor Mills has proposed cutting CTE schools and adding 36 new hires at the Maine Department of Education, 16 of which are non-teaching positions to “build staffing capacity.” Committee Republicans voted for $3.89 million in CTE funding, Democrats… Read More

Public Hearing on LD 1231 scheduled for Wednesday, April 3 @ 1:00 p.m.   STATEHOUSE – Rep. Jeff Hanley (R-Pittston) is alerting the public to a proposed new carbon tax on all fuels sold in Maine. LD 1231 – “An Act To Fund Energy Efficiency Programs through a Fee on the Sale of Unregulated Heating Fuels,” introduced by nine Democrats, imposes “a new fee [tax] of 1% on the wholesale sale price… Read More

Hello, this is Amy Arata, the State Representative from New Gloucester. Governor Mills has proposed an $8.04 billion dollar General Fund budget. That is an 11% increase over the current $7.2 billion dollar budget. Governor Mills promised that this tremendous budget increase will be “sustainable” and that the massive expansion of Medicaid for able-bodied, child-less adults would be paid for without new taxes.  I wish that this were possible, but the evidence… Read More