Survey Responses Needed

I just mailed out my 2019 Constituent Survey, which highlights some of the bills which became law this past legislative session. I’m hoping to hear from as many people as possible for the survey portion at the end. After the survey arrives, please fill it out and mail it back, or go to MaineHouse.Org and type in "21" for the survey code. Thank you! Heidi

The first regular session of the 129th Legislature has concluded.  The session saw the return of one party government for the first time since 2011. As your representative, I voted to defend your opportunities to succeed and provide for your loved ones focusing on policies that benefit all of Maine. 

There were a few bright spots, notably reaffirmation of Maine’s health insurance law protecting those with pre-existing conditions and the ability to keep children on insurance policies until age 26. The budget includes property tax relief measures by increasing the homestead exemption and revenue sharing. Regrettably, the state budget increased 11% from the previous administration’s budget ($7.1 billion to $8 billion), including $128 million spending on surpluses.  The Maine House consists of 151 individuals, (89 Democrats, 56 Republicans, and 6 Independents).

In addition to what was passed into law, legislative success can also be measured by what is defeated and prevented from becoming law. This is true in single party government and as the minority we voted unanimously to stop tax increases on home heating fuel (LD 1231), gasoline (LD 434), and beer, wine, and spirits (LD 1070). We were also able to protect Maine’s voice in presidential elections by unanimously voting against a proposal to have Maine disregard the election outcome in Maine for whoever won the national vote (LD 816).

Contrary to federal statutes, this legislative session saw Maine move to allow taxpayer funding of elective abortions and the elimination of the requirement that only doctors can perform the medical procedure. Inside please find more details about the first session of the 129th Legislature along with a short survey of opinion on important policy questions.

I continue to appreciate the feedback, advice and support I have received from the people of District 21. It is an honor to represent you in Augusta.

Sincerely,

State Representative Heidi Sampson

Reforming the Citizens Initiative Process

LD 1209, (HP873), “An Act To Require Legislative Hearings on Citizen-initiated Legislation”

LD 1209 requires a citizen’s initiative, once it has been certified by the Secretary of State to be submitted to the Legislature for consideration, to receive a public hearing before a joint standing committee. The public hearing must be conducted in the same manner as other public hearings, and this requirement can only be waived by a 2/3 vote of the House and Senate. This change will ensure the public has a more complete look at what the passage of each initiative would really do, and gives opponents, proponents, and legislators an opportunity to address unintended consequences and mistakes prior to being presented to voters on the ballot.

LD 1209 received nearly unanimous bipartisan support and was signed by the Governor.  

Property Tax Relief

Crafted by House Republican members of the Appropriations Committee, the “Keschl-Millett Proposal” provides $75 million in property tax relief. As part of the plan: Maine’s Homestead Exemption is increased by $5,000, allowing residents to exempt $25,000 from their property taxes without negative impacts on local municipalities. Revenue sharing is increased in both years of the biennium, reducing cuts proposed in the Governor’s budget. Finally, the Property Tax Fairness Credit’s (a replacement of the “Circuit Breaker Program”) tax-to-income threshold is reduced from 6% to 5%, allowing 13,000 more Mainers to receive a partial refund of their property taxes.

Supporting Spouse-Caregivers

LD 84, “Resolve, Directing the Department of Health and Human Services To Allow Spouses To Provide Home and Community-based Services to Eligible MaineCare Members”

Requires the Department of Health and Humans Services to submit a request to the Federal Government to allow certain individuals receiving home and community based services to have those services provided by spouses.  This will provide more of Maine’s elderly, and adults with disabilities, to maintain their independence and remain at home with their families.

LD 84 received a unanimous report of “ought to pass as amended” from the Committee on Health and Human Services, and was passed by both the House and Senate with no objection before being signed into law by the Governor.

Expanding Fish Stocking Programs

LD 1579, “An Act To Allow Municipalities To Stock Ponds in Their Areas with Fish”

The Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife may issue a written limited permit to allow a local government to introduce fish. The permit may be issued only if the local government identifies public access to the great pond that is at least suitable for the hand carrying of boats to the water, and includes a parking area. Additionally, the pond must be marked with signage adequate to ensure public awareness of the public access.

Creating Trauma-Informed Schools

LD 1168, “Resolve, To Improve Maine's Response to Childhood Trauma”

This bill directs the task force convened by the Commissioner of Education in developing guidance for K-12 administrators on appropriate training and responses to childhood trauma.