AUGUSTA – Lawmakers made their return to the Maine State House Wednesday morning as the second session of the 129 legislature begins.
People on both sides said they have new ideas for the people of Maine.
Senator Stacey Guerin said she plans to focus on the people of Maine and the businesses. To start, she said checks will be sent out to households throughout the state.
“When we had collected too many taxes that would go back to the tax payers,” Guerin said.
The Republican party is trying to create a climate where Maine workers and businesses will be prosperous.
“I think we have to have policies that support economic growth and that is usually less government intervention. Let our employees and employers do what they do best in their businesses and let the government step aside,” Guerin said.
Senator Jim Dill said, “As a democratic caucus we have a lot of different priorities this year.”
Dill said he has three main focuses this year. The first is to expand broadband.
“The speed of the internet in our area is very poor. It’s very difficult for students and other people to work at home,” Guerin said.
With better internet, Dill said, it may bring in more people to the state who want to work from home.
Second, Dill said he plans to work with students to figure out ways to keep them in Maine. Also, to reduce college debt.
Dill’s third priority is to look at domestic violence and the safety of children. Just in the past year, Dill said, it’s become a serious problem.
“I think if we work with [the Maine Department of Health and Human Services] we may need more social workers, but certainly better training,” Dill said. “That type of thing is what we’re looking at.”
