|
|
Monday, January 1, 2007
Welcome to 2007 -- and the 123rd Legislature
BerryBlog #19
On January 3rd, the State Legislature will convene in full session to begin the work of the New Year. As you've
heard, over 2,400 bills had been introduced as of December 15th. Tax reform, needless to say, is at the top of the agenda.
The Governor's new budget, to be unveiled this week, will seek to reduce K-12 education spending at the administrative
level, in order to cut spending and taxes. Since it is likely that Maine will continue to lose federal funding for roads,
schools, and health care, I believe major tax cuts will be far harder than many realize. Last year, over 15% of the
state budget went to make up for federal funding cutbacks.
Gov. Baldacci's major tax reform proposal at this time would directly help families cope with rising property valuations,
by freezing the assessed value and adjusting only when the property is sold. Clearly, this would directly help our coastal residents
and those with fixed incomes. The most significant savings would be felt by those of us who remain in our home for a
long time. On the downside, the change would be felt gradually rather than immediately, and new homeowners would pay
more in proportion to the quality of their homes.
The mechanisms by which the valuation freeze would take effect remain to be worked out. One idea, similar to tree
growth, is to recoup some portion of the lost revenue at the point of sale. This would help keep local mil rates
lower, and level the playing field with respect to newer home owners, or those who due to their jobs are forced
to move frequently.
While I am generally supportive of the intent behind the Governor's budget and tax reform proposal, there are unresolved
details. In particular, it is essential that we find realistic and meaningful ways to create efficiencies and invest
in Maine's future economy. Maine's taxes are average, but our incomes are low. At the same time, our global
economic position as a country is evaporating. Wise investment in our future workforce and our economic infrastructure
is critical.
Over the next few weeks, I will have much to say about this with respect to my new committee assignment: Utilities
and Energy. As a member of this committee, I am in a position to work hard on Maine's electronic and energy infrastructure.
My hope is to move us towards greater energy independence, complete wireless connectivity, and a long-term positioning of
Maine as a major exporter of renewable, carbon-neutral energy for our nation's future.
Stay tuned!
All the best for a very Happy New Year,
Seth
|
|
Click on above dates for archived BerryBlogs
|
 |
HOW BAD IS IT, DOC? -- NY Times Interactive Map of State Budget Shortfalls in the U.S.
Note: most states have major budget shortfalls. Those that do not are largely states with strong fossil
fuel (TX, AK, WY, WV) or food (IN, SD, OR, WA) based economies.
|
| Bowdoinham's Steen Farm is for sale , protected by ME Farmland Trust. Click for Press Herald story. |
|
| Seth and his son at a new wind farm in Maine |
| HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS |
|
| Cpl. Cory McCollet of Bowdoin returned home in May from Iraq, & was reunited with daughter Isabella |
As your State Representative, I use this site as another way to keep
you informed and to hear from you. I believe strong communication and a willingness to
work across party lines are critical as we work to move Maine forward.
The BerryBlog is published at least twice a month when
the Legislature is in session. To read previous postings, please click on the archive dates below the current message.
|
| Rep. Berry receives the annual Healthy Air Award from the American Lung Association |
|
| Rep. Berry receives award from Major Hatt of the Maine National Guard |
|
| Representatives Standing Up for Children |
National Debt Clock (over $140,000 per family... and rising)
Public Hearings This Week
How To Testify at Hearings
| BASIC HEALTH CARE IS A RIGHT -- NOT A PRIVILEGE |
|
| Speaking to Richmond elders on schools, health care and tax fairness (see Seth in the News, 3/5/07). |
|
