125th Maine Legislature - First Half, December 2010 - June 2011

MTU Political Director, Scott Lansley, summarizes the essential results of the Session:

LD 1 -"An Act to Ensure Regulatory Fairness and Reform"

As part of Governor LePage's "red tape tour" speaking with business owners throughtout the State to help reduce reduce or eliminate unnecessary and burdensome regulations. A YES vote supports MTU position.

Emergency enacted, June 7; signed by the Governor, June 13th.

LD 1333 - "An Act to Modify Rating Practicing..Purchasing Health Insurance.

This bill allows the the purchase of of insurance of health insurance across state lines, opening the market up to competition, which will reduce premium costs to Maine citizens. MTU supports a YES vote.

Enacted May 16th; signed by the Governor May 17th.

LD 181 - "An Act to Promote Fiscal Transparency in State Government"

Requires the Legislature to set up a searchable website for citizen's to check and follow all state spending. A YES vote supports MTU position.

Placed in Legislative File - DEAD.

LD 1248- "An Act to Require Approval by the Voters of Legislation to Enact or Increase a Tax of Fee"

This bill would require a referendum vote to go out to the people for ANY tax or fee created or increased by the Legislature. MTU supports this bill.

 Unanimous Ouught Not to Pass by the Committee on State and Local Government.

LD 309 - "An Act to Make Membership Voluntary in Public Employee Labor Organizations in the State."

This bill would put a stop to the forced collections of "fair share"fees by the State.  The MSEA-SEIU would be required to collect their own fees. Currently, the State automatically withdraws the "fair share" fee with out employee's written permission.  MTU supports this bill.

Held over for the 2nd half of the Session.

LD 1043 - "An Act Making Unified Appropriations and Allocations for Expenditures of State Government"

The Governor's Budget included Welfare Reform and Pension Reform, which were not implemented to the extent needed.  It also included a tax cut of $153M, which will not take effect until 2013.

Emergency enacted, June 16th; signed by the Governor on June 20th.