The Lincoln County Republican Committee (LCRC) focused on the current legislative session in Augusta at its June meeting held at the town offices in Nobleboro.

According to Stuart Smith, LCRC chairman, “What we've had so far has been a very contentious session. We're seeing a return to the tax and spend philosophy that characterized previous Democrat-controlled legislatures. There's talk of increasing the sales tax and food and lodging taxes, for example. This does not bode well for the average working Mainer.”

Deb Sanderson, Representative from House District 52, reported on the two big areas of debate, that of the budget and the expansion of Medicaid (MaineCare). Most of the meeting focus was on the Medicaid expansion since Medicaid already takes such a large part of Maine's budget.

The expansion would cover able-bodied childless adults and be paid for with Federal Funds for the first three years. Not a penny of it can be used to cover the some 3,100 elderly and disable citizens on wait lists. But that expansion will cost Maine $7 million over the next biennium for administrative services alone and require 93 new employees.

And as recent history has shown, there is no guarantee that the promised federal funds will last the full three years. Then what about year four? And who is going to look out for the 3,100 elderly and disabled?

Smith also pointed out that Maine is already over the level the federal government wants for Medicaid and this expansion is over that level.

As Medicaid expenses mount, they take away funding for other vital programs in DHHS, as well as for infrastructure, education and municipal revenue sharing, said Sanderson.      

To date, Governor Paul LePage has used his veto power to dampen the Democrats' urge to spend.

Sanderson also noted that the tone of this session is in sharp contrast to the previous 125th legislature when Republican leadership made a tremendous effort to communicate with the Democrats respectfully. Not so with the Democrats. Their lack of respect has also shown up in public hearings, where members of the public have been poorly treated and shut off during testimony.  

In other business, the committee agreed to hold a pig roast in the August/September time frame as a fundraiser. Elizabeth Printy, Finance Chairman, said that Christiana and Jim Poole have agreed to hold it on their property in Newcastle. Printy is pursuing the governor's office to see if LePage can attend.   

Katie Winchenbach, Waldoboro Town Committee Chairman, said that she has been told that the state now is requiring the use of licensed caterers when food is to be brought into places such as the Legion and other social organization halls.

For more information about the LCRC, you can reach Smith at stuart@stuartsmith.us.