Public hearing process provides opportunity to directly influence a bill s outcome

Transcription

1 Big changes on the horizon for education in the state Commissioner unveils his plan for putting learners first The way Maine school children learn and the way teachers deliver instruction could face a massive overhaul. Education Commissioner Stephen Bowen outlined his detailed, five-prong plan to the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs this week. Under the commissioner s plan, schools would move to a standards-based learning system where students would have voice and choice in what they learn and how they learn it. Commissioner Bowen said the reform is needed to help Maine s students make it in the new information age economy where ideas and innovation move at the speed of light. Bowen cited a need for young people to be given the opportunity to build skills that promote both critical thinking and problem solving skills that are needed when students transition into the workforce. Last year, lawmakers voted to adopt the Common Core, a set of learning standards in the areas of Math and Language Arts. These rigorous standards would be used to drive instruction. In order for students to move on to the next standard, he or she would have to show proficiency. Data systems would be developed to track and measure student growth. Another key element of the commissioner s education reform plan is centered on creating great teachers and leaders. Under the plan, educators would face tougher evaluation and job performance standards. It would create statewide guidelines on teacher and principal evalu- ation that local districts can refer back to, as they build their own systems for grading their employees. Educational leaders say teacher training is essential in developing classrooms where students flourish. Rep. Mary Nelson (D-Falmouth) said, You don t learn how to be a teacher until you get into the classroom. Commissioner Bowen wants to give teachers more time to collaborate and learn from one and another. He says the education community needs to utilize its resources and technology to share their experiences and resources. Far too often, Bowen says, teachers receive their certification and are placed in a classroom and forgotten. Under this plan, the state would develop an online resource center where educators could share instructional best practices and professional development opportunities. Students would be given voice and choice in demonstrating their learning. The commissioner cited Shelly Moody, a teacher in RSU 18 and Maine Teacher of the Year, and the work she is doing with her fourth graders at Williams Elementary School in Oakland. Students in Moody s classroom progress as they demonstrate mastery of certain skills. The commissioner said this reform would present Maine kids with expanded learning opportunities. He said students should be given a wide variety of learning opportunities and settings Learning outside the class- Continued on Page 2... January 19, 2012 Plan to lower income tax rates gets approval Idea based on a 1997 law redirects surplus revenue During the first legislative session, the legislature passed a historic tax package that reduced the overall income tax rate from 8.5% to 7.95%. Though reduced only by a small percentage, this is the first time Maine s overall tax rate has ever been lowered, delivering a big victory for Maine s business community and moving our state s business climate in the right direction. With Senate Majority Leader Jon Courtney (R-York) now at the helm of the Joint Standing Committee on Taxation, it appears that this reduction may be only the first step an old idea for lowering Maine s income tax rate has resurfaced before Maine s taxation committee. Back in the mid-1990s, then-senate President Jeff Butland (R-Cumberland) introduced a bill that would capture any surplus revenue coming into the state coffers and dedicate 20% percent of that surplus toward lowering Maine s overall income tax rate from 8.5%, with a goal of getting to 4%. The bill was passed and signed into law. Of course, before the bill had a chance to have any impact, it was repealed during the next legislative session. If the law had stayed in effect, there is a very good chance that Maine s income tax rate would have been significantly lowered when we experienced budget surpluses during the late 1990s. Continued on Page 2...

2 Participate in Democracy... Public hearing process provides opportunity to directly influence a bill s outcome EDITOR S NOTE: The public hearing process is usually a well-ordered and polite exercise in participatory democracy. It is your opportunity to tell lawmakers face to face how a proposed bill will affect you. The public hearing process marks a critical point in the life of a bill, a point at which you can directly influence its outcome. It offers the best opportunity the general public has to meet with legislators as a group and debate the merits of legislation. Tips on testifying The prospect of presenting testimony to a legislative committee may seem intimidating the first time. It is, in fact, fairly easy if you ve done your homework. Presentations should be short and to the point. The most impressive and influential testimony is always concise and well supported by facts even illustrations. Legislators appreciate a quick and clean presentation. They also rely heavily upon information the public can bring to the hearing process, especially information which is Continued on Page 4... Education Reform... room should count. Bowen says an essential element of this plan is tying in schools with the community. Partnerships would be built with schools and the communities to create expanded learning opportunities for students. Bowen said he traveled the state talking with educators, superintendents and students before drafting his plan. He says Taxation Reform... The proposal has returned to the legislature just about every session since its repeal, but never came close to passing. However, it now appears that such a proposal may be headed for a different result. On Tuesday, the taxation committee voted along party lines ought to pass on LD 849, An Act To Provide Tax Relief for Maine s Citizens by Reducing Income Taxes, sponsored by former state Sen. David Trahan (R-Lincoln). Similar to the Butland bill passed back in the 1990s, LD 849 will dedicate 20% of any excess future revenues to lowering the overall income tax rate until our overall income tax rate is 4%. Though this bill looks ahead to better financial times to lower (Continued from Page 1...) he will likely hit the road again seeking their feedback on his proposal. The commissioner said he would like to see many of the reforms take place by the end of the legislative session. For more information on the education reform proposal, please contact Jessica Laliberte by calling (207) , ext. 111, or by ing jlaliberte@mainechamber.org. (Continued from Page 1...) Maine s income tax rate, it is this type of legislation that will help Maine improve its business climate as we position our state for better economic times. LD 849 is now heading for the full legislature and will undoubtedly make for a contentiously debated issue. It appears that it has the best chance of passing for the first time since the 1990s. The Maine State Chamber will keep you informed of the final result of LD 849. For more information, please contact Peter Gore by calling (207) , ext. 107, or by ing pgore@mainechamber.org, or Jessica Laliberte by calling (207) , ext. 111, or by ing jlaliberte@mainechamber.org. Inside Impact... Business Day at the Statehouse... p. 8 Education Reform p. 1 Legislative Committees.... p. 5 Legislative Social p. 4 New Legislation p. 3 Participate in a Hearing.... p. 2 Path of Legislation p. 7 Public Hearings p. 3 Taxation Reform p. 1 Vol. 46, No. 02 Impact (207) Impact (ISSN ) is published weekly January through June and monthly July through December by the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, 125 Community Dr., Suite 101, Augusta, Maine Periodicals postage paid at Augusta, Maine, and additional mailing offices. Maine State Chamber member companies are assessed $75.00 yearly for each newsletter subscription (subscribers or out-of-dues assessement). POSTMASTER: Please send any address changes to Impact, 125 Community Dr., Suite 101, Augusta, Maine Chairman of the Board of Directors: Frank McGinty President: Dana F. Connors Information in this newsletter is intended to provide guidance, not legal advice. Since exact language and definitions of key terms are critical to understanding the requirements of legislation, rules or laws, we encourage you to read each carefully. Articles and information contained in this newsletter may be reprinted with attribution given to: Maine State Chamber of Commerce. Please address comments to Melanie Baillargeon, director of communications. Information about the Maine State Chamber of Commerce may also be viewed on the Internet at: Our address is news@mainechamber.org. About the Maine State Chamber of Commerce: Since 1889, the Maine State Chamber has been fighting to lower your cost of doing business. Through our Grassroots Action Network and OneVoice program, we work with a network of approximately 5,000 companies statewide who see the value in such a service and provide the financial support that keeps our access, advocacy, and assistance efforts going strong. As Maine's Chamber, we make sure that the business environment of the state continues to thrive. The Maine State Chamber of Commerce advocates on behalf of their interests before the legislature and regulatory agencies and through conferences, seminars, and affiliated programs. 2 III Impact III 01/19/2012 For the most current information, visit

3 Public Hearings Public hearings are open to everyone. This public hearing schedule is subject to change. Questions may be directed to the Secretary of the Senate s Office at (207) For the most current schedule, please visit or contact the committee clerk. TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2012 MONDAY, JANUARY 30, 2012 Digest of New Legislation Maine Chamber staff have studied each of these recently printed bills to assess potential impact on business trends. If you have concerns regarding any bill, please communicate those concerns to a member of our governmental services staff at (207) Environment and Natural Resources 9:00 a.m., Room 216, Cross Building LD 1738 (HP 1283), An Act To Make Minor Adjustments to Laws Administered by the Department of Environmental Protection (Sponsor: Rep. HAMPER of Oxford) LD 1768 (HP 1302), An Act To Improve the Department of Environmental Protection s Annual Waste Discharge License Fee System (Sponsor: Rep. KNAPP of Gorham) Labor, Commerce, Research and Economic Development 1:00 p.m., Room 208, Cross Building LD 1437 (SP 444), An Act To Implement Recommendations on Reinventing Government (Sponsor: Sen. WOODBURY of Cumberland) WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2012 Insurance and Financial Services 10:00 a.m., Room 220, Cross Building LD 1666 (SP 565), An Act To Guarantee Basic Preventive Dental Health Services for Children in Maine (Sponsor: Sen. KATZ of Kennebec) Insurance and Financial Services 1:00 p.m., Room 220, Cross Building LD 1691 (HP 1243), An Act Related to Specialty Tiers in Prescription Medication Pricing (Sponsor: FITTS of Pittsfield) Labor, Commerce, Research and Economic Development 1:00 p.m., Room 208, Cross Building LD 1685 (HP 1237), An Act To Conform Maine Law to Federal Law Regarding Payment of Overtime to Truck Drivers and Driver s Helpers (Sponsor: Rep. O CONNOR of Berwick) FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2012 Labor, Commerce, Research and Economic Development 1:00 p.m., Room 207, Cross Building LD 1725 (SP 589), An Act To Strengthen the Unemployment Insurance Laws and Reduce Unemployment Fraud (Sponsor: Sen. REC- TOR of Knox) Criminal Justice and Public Safety 11:00 a.m., Room 436, Statehouse LD 1603 (HP 1212), An Act To Amend the Law Relating to Concealed Firearms Locked in Vehicles (Sponsor: Rep. CRAFTS of Lisbon) TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2012 Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry 1:00 p.m., Room 206, Cross Building LD 1758 (SP 606), An Act To Eliminate the Deposit Requirements for Containers of Limited and Restricted Use Pesticides (Sponsor: Sen. SAVIELLO of Franklin) Taxation 1:00 p.m., Room 127, Statehouse LD 1764 (HP 1297), An Act To Prohibit Computer Software Programs Used To Evade Sales Tax (Sponsor: Rep. BERRY of Bowdoinham) WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2012 Environment and Natural Resources 9:00 p.m., Room 216, Cross Building LD 1718 (HP 1271), An Act To Improve Maine s Capacity To Produce Low-cost Renewable Energy through Hydroelectric Power (Sponsor: Rep. JOHNSON of Greenville) Health and Human Services 9:00 a.m., Room 209, Cross Building LD 1679 (SP 578), An Act To Conform Maine s Prescription Drug Privacy Laws with the United States Constitution (Sponsor: Sen. McCORMICK of Kennebec) THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012 Taxation 1:00 p.m., Room 127, Statehouse LD 1730 (SP 590), An Act To Require the Review of Proposed Tax Expenditures (Sponsor: Sen. HASTINGS of Oxford) ENVIRONMENTAL LD 1758, An Act To Eliminate the Deposit Requirements for Containers of Limited and Restricted Use Pesticides. (Sen. Saviello, R- Franklin) Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry. This bill repeals the deposit requirements for containers of limited and restricted use pesticides. LD 1768, An Act To Improve the Department of Environmental Protection s Annual Waste Discharge License Fee System. (Rep. Knapp, R-Gorham) Joint Standing Committee on Environment and Natural Resources. This bill revises the Department of Environmental Protection s annual waste discharge fee system. It eliminates the base fee; the fee for quantities of pollutants actually discharged or licensed to be discharged; the annualized license renewal service fee; the initial dilution fee; and, the multiple discharge point fee. In place of these fees, it establishes for existing licensees a fee based on the average of the licensee s 2009 and 2010 bill amounts or a fee based on the licensee s 2011 bill amount, depending on the discharge group. It establishes for new licensees an annual fee based on the median fee of all licensees within the new licensee s discharge group. It establishes that, if no discharge occurs for an entire year, the fee is reduced to 25% of the annual fee. It establishes that an annual fee may be modified by a percentage that is equivalent to the percentage of any change to the licensed discharge flow. INSURANCE LD 1773, An Act Regarding Insurance Adjusters and Reporting Requirements for Insurance Companies. (Rep. Cushing, R- Hampden) Joint Standing Committee on Insurance and Financial Services. This bill provides that the performance of clerical activities associated with licensed adjuster activities for portable electronic devices does not require an adjuster s license. It requires insurance companies to notify the Superintendent of Insurance of all executive officers and directors of entities owning and individuals owning 51% or more of their outstanding voting securities. It clarifies the reporting standards for nonresident insurance companies. It adds provisions governing the licensure of a resident of Canada as an adjuster. For the most current information, visit 01/19/2012 III Impact III 3

4 Delivering Testimony... (Continued from Page 2...) otherwise unavailable to them. For this reason, testimony from personal experience, as that experience relates specifically to the impact of the legislation, is invaluable. Testimony is ineffective if the speaker is repetitive, takes too long in his presentation, or if the speaker s position is unsupported by fact and/or experience. Probably the least effective testimony involves discussions or broad political or ideological positions. Keep in mind that legislators like to base their decisions upon solid ground. If you are preparing testimony, legislators want to hear exactly why that bill would benefit you or specifically how the bill would hurt you. Questions from the committee Time permitting, questions from committee members almost inevitably follow good testimony. Sometimes these questions can be pointed and difficult. If this happens during your testimony, don t get ruffled and don t be afraid to stop and think for a moment in order to answer the question properly. Second, never guess at the answer. If you don t know the answer, say so. A frank admission that you don t have information requested by a legislator will go much farther in raising your credibility before the committee than an answer that is only half right, or that is totally wrong. Besides, you can provide followup information to the legislators at a later date and do so as soon as possible. Third, and this is very important, do not concede your case unintentionally. Some committee members will ask questions that take the form of a statement, followed by don t you agree with that? or some other leading phrase which could be contradictory to your testimony. Should that happen, don t be afraid to disagree with legislators. You are there to give your opinion frankly and honestly. Everyone should respect that. Fourth, try not to take aggressive questions personally. Legislators have an obligation to probe all sides of the issue. Your balanced response may help turn a doubter into a supporter. Finally, attempt to keep your testimony consistent with other people who are on your side. Committees appreciate having your comments in writing as well (20 copies will be enough for each committee member and their staff). Next steps One good follow-up idea for anyone who testifies at a public hearing is to talk to legislators immediately after the hearing, or in the next few days, to reinforce the points made in testimony. Telephone calls and letters are also good ways to bring home the main points of your testimony. Once the public hearing has concluded, the committee will schedule a work session to discuss the legislation among committee members. These are open to the public, but differ substantially in how one may participate. Help? The Maine Chamber works with many of its members on a regular basis to coordinate and formulate testimony. If you have concerns about specific pieces of legislation and would like to testify at a public hearing but haven t testified in Augusta recently or at all you may want to seek advice and assistance from Maine Chamber staff. Feel free to call us at (207) or fax us at (207) In conjunction with your LOCAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, this event is presented by the Please feel free to invite guests. Complimentary hors d'oeuvres served. Cash bar available. Wednesday, February 15, 2012 w 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. w Senator Inn & Spa, Western Avenue, Augusta FREE! Registration information and venue directions are available online at The Maine State Chamber invites you to its annual Legislative Strictly Social networking reception. Our annual Legislative Strictly Social is an ideal way for you, the Maine business leader, to interact with legislators, business associates, new and prospective Maine State Chamber members, and government representatives in a relaxed setting. SERIES SPONSORS: Altria Client Services, Inc.; Burns & McDonnell; Casella Waste Systems, Eastern Region; IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.; MaineHealth; Poland Spring Water Company; Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc.; Verizon Wireless; Volk Packaging Corporation PREMIER SPONSOR: AT&T Wireless PRESENTING SPONSORS: Bangor Hydro-Electric Company; Maine Manufacturing Extension Partnership SPOTLIGHT SPONSORS: GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc.; The Jackson Laboratory OFFICIAL SPONSORS: Backyard Farms, LLC; Maine Technology Institute; Plum Creek Timber Company; Telecommunications Association of Maine; Unitil Corp. If you are interested in sponsoring this event, please contact Melody Rousseau for more information by calling (207) , ext. 102, or by ing melodyr@mainechamber.org. 4 III Impact III 01/19/2012 For the most current information, visit

5 Please clip and save this list in order to contact committee members during the legislative session. Joint Standing and Select Committees of the 125th Legislature *Ranking Democratic Member CONTACT YOUR REPRESENTATIVE: 2 State House Station, Augusta, ME (207) or (800) CONTACT YOUR SENATOR: 3 State House Station, Augusta, ME (207) or (800) CONTACT THE COMMITTEE: c/o Legislative Information 100 State House Station, Augusta, ME AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY Room 206, Cross Building; (207) Roger L. Sherman, Chair (R-Aroostook) Michael D. Thibodeau (R-Waldo) Elizabeth M. Schneider (D-Penobscot) Peter E. Edgecomb, Chair (R-Caribou) Dean A. Cray (R-Palmyra) Jeffery Allen Gifford (R-Lincoln) Russell J. Black (R-Wilton) Karen D. Foster (R-Augusta) Jeffrey L. Timberlake (R-Turner) Jeff M. McCabe (D-Skowhegan)* Andrew R. O Brien (D-Lincolnville) Peter S. Kent (D-Woolwich) James F. Dill (D-Old Town) APPROPRIATIONS AND FINANCIAL AFFAIRS Room 228, Statehouse; (207) Richard W. Rosen, Chair (R-Hancock) Roger J. Katz (R-Kennebec) Dawn Hill (D-York) Patrick S. A. Flood, Chair (R-Winthrop) Tom J. Winsor (R-Norway) Kathleen D. Chase (R-Wells) Tyler Clark (R-Easton) Kenneth Wade Fredette (R-Newport) Dennis L. Keschl (R-Belgrade) Margaret R. Rotundo (D-Lewiston)* John L. Martin (D-Eagle Lake) David C. Webster (D-Freeport) Sara R. Stevens (D-Bangor) CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY Room 436, Statehouse; (207) Garrett Paul Mason, Chair (R-Androscoggin) Rodney L. Whittemore (R-Somerset) Stan Gerzofsky (D-Cumberland) Gary E. Plummer, Chair (R-Windham) David C. Burns (R-Whiting) Ricky D. Long (R-Sherman) Susan E. Morissette (R-Winslow) Deborah J. Sanderson (R-Chelsea) Anne M. Haskell (D-Portland)* Stephen P. Hanley (D-Gardiner) Michel A. Lajoie (D-Lewiston) Anna D. Blodgett (D-Augusta) Michael H. Clarke (D-Bath) EDUCATION AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS Room 202, Cross Building; (207) Brian D. Langley, Chair (R-Hancock) Garrett Paul Mason (R-Androscoggin) Justin L. Alfond (D-Cumberland) David E. Richardson, Chair (R-Carmel) Peter E. Edgecomb (R-Caribou) Howard E. McFadden (R-Dennysville) Peter B. Johnson (R-Greenville) Joyce A. Maker (R-Calais) Michael D. McClellan (R-Raymond) Richard V. Wagner (D-Lewiston)* Mary Pennell Nelson (D-Falmouth) Stephen D. Lovejoy (D-Portland) Helen Rankin (D-Hiram) Madonna M. Soctomah (Passamaquoddy Tribe) ENERGY, UTILITIES AND TECHNOLOGY Room 211, Cross Building; (207) Michael D. Thibodeau, Chair (R-Waldo) Christopher W. Rector (R-Knox) Philip L. Bartlett II (D-Cumberland) Stacey Allen Fitts, Chair (R-Pittsfield) James M. Hamper (R-Oxford) Dean A. Cray (R-Palmyra) Larry C. Dunphy (R-Embden) Aaron F. Libby (R-Waterboro) Jon Hinck (D-Portland)* Alexander Cornell du Houx (D-Brunswick) Roberta B. Beavers (D-South Berwick) Mark N. Dion (D-Portland) Louis J. Luchini (D-Ellsworth) ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES Room 216, Cross Building; (207) Thomas B. Saviello, Chair (R-Franklin) Roger L. Sherman (R-Aroostook) Seth A. Goodall (D-Sagadahoc) James M. Hamper, Chair (R-Oxford) Bernard L. A. Ayotte (R-Caswell) Jane S. Knapp (R-Gorham) Joan M. Nass (R-Acton) Ricky D. Long (R-Sherman) James W. Parker (R-Veazie) Robert S. Duchesne (D-Hudson)* Melissa Walsh Innes (D-Yarmouth) Joan W. Welsh (D-Rockport) Denise Patricia Harlow (D-Portland) HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Room 209, Cross Building; (207) Earle L. McCormick, Chair (R-Kennebec) Nichi S. Farnham (R-Penobscot) Margaret M. Craven (D-Androscoggin) Meredith N. Strang Burgess, Chair (R-Cumberland) Leslie T. Fossel (R-Alna) Richard S. Malaby (R-Hancock) Beth A. O Connor (R-Berwick) Deborah J. Sanderson (R-Chelsea) Heather W. Sirocki (R-Scarborough) Mark W. Eves (D-North Berwick)* Matthew J. Peterson (D-Rumford) Linda F. Sanborn (D-Gorham) Peter C. Stuckey (D-Portland) INLAND FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE Room 206, Cross Building; (207) Thomas H. Martin, Jr., Chair (R-Kennebec) Thomas B. Saviello (R-Franklin) John L. Patrick (D-Oxford) Paul T. Davis, Sr., Chair (R-Sangerville) Ralph W. Sarty, Jr. (R-Denmark) Dale J. Crafts (R-Lisbon) Eleanor M. Espling (R-New Gloucester) Stacey K. Guerin (R-Glenburn) Continued on Page 6... For the most current information, visit 01/19/2012 III Impact III 5

6 Legislative Committees... (Continued from Page 5...) Stephen J. Wood (R-Sabattus) Herbert E. Clark (D-Millinocket)* Jane E. Eberle (D-South Portland) Sheryl J. Briggs (D-Mexico) Michael A. Shaw (D-Standish) INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES Room 220, Cross Building; (207) Rodney L. Whittemore, Chair (R-Somerset) Lois A. Snowe-Mello (R-Androscoggin) Joseph C. Brannigan (D-Cumberland) Wesley E. Richardson, Chair (R-Warren) Jonathan B. McKane (R-Newcastle) Joyce A. Fitzpatrick (R-Houlton) Susan E. Morissette (R-Winslow) John J. Picchiotti (R-Fairfield) Sharon Anglin Treat (D-Hallowell)* Adam A. Goode (D-Bangor) Henry E. M. Beck (D-Waterville) Terry K. Morrison (D-South Portland) Paulette G. Beaudoin (D-Biddeford) JUDICIARY Room 438, Statehouse; (207) David R. Hastings III, Chair (R-Oxford) Cynthia A. Dill (D-Cumberland) Richard G. Woodbury (U-Cumberland) JOINT SELECT COMMITTEE ON REGULATORY FAIRNESS AND REFORM c/o Office of Policy and Legal Analysis 13 State House Station, Augusta, ME (207) Jonathan T. E. Courtney, Chair (R-York) Christopher W. Rector (R-Knox) Thomas B. Saviello (R-Franklin) Justin L. Alfond (D-Cumberland) Seth A. Goodall (D-Sagadahoc) Jonathan B. McKane, Chair (R-Newcastle) Stacey Allen Fitts (R-Pittsfield) Dianne C. Tilton (R-Harrington) Dana L. Dow (R-Waldoboro) Michael D. McClellan (R-Raymond) James W. Parker (R-Veazie) Robert S. Duchesne (D-Hudson)* Sharon Anglin Treat (D-Hallowell) Michael E. Carey (D-Lewiston) Linda M. Valentino (D-Saco) Joan M. Nass, Chair (R-Acton) G. Paul Waterhouse (R-Bridgton) Michael G. Beaulieu (R-Auburn) Ralph W. Sarty, Jr. (R-Denmark) Bradley S. Moulton (R-York) Karen D. Foster (R-Augusta) Charles R. Priest (D-Brunswick)* Maeghan Maloney (D-Augusta) Kimberly J. Monaghan-Derrig (D-Cape Elizabeth) Megan M. Rochelo (D-Biddeford) Wayne T. Mitchell (Penobscot Nation) LABOR, COMMERCE, RESEARCH AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Room 208, Cross Building; (207) Christopher W. Rector, Chair (R-Knox) Thomas H. Martin, Jr. (R-Kennebec) Troy Dale Jackson (D-Aroostook) Kerri L. Prescott, Chair (R-Topsham) Dana L. Dow (R-Waldoboro) Melvin Newendyke (R-Litchfield) Amy Fern Volk (R-Scarborough) John L. Tuttle, Jr. (D-Sanford)* Timothy E. Driscoll (D-Westbrook) Paul E. Gilbert (D-Jay) Robert B. Hunt (D-Buxton) Erin D. Herbig (D-Belfast) Raymond A. Wallace (R-Dexter) David Slagger (Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians) MARINE RESOURCES Room 214, Cross Building; (207) Lois A. Snowe-Mello, Chair (R-Androscoggin) Brian D. Langley (R-Hancock) Nancy B. Sullivan (D-York) Windol C. Weaver, Chair (R-York) Dianne C. Tilton (R-Harrington) Jane S. Knapp (R-Gorham) Kimberly N. Olsen (R-Phippsburg) Wayne R. Parry (R-Arundel) W. Bruce MacDonald (D-Boothbay)* Charles B. Kruger (D-Thomaston) Devin M. Beliveau (D-Kittery) Ralph Chapman (D-Brooksville) Walter A. Kumiega III (D-Deer Isle) STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT Room 214, Cross Building; (207) Douglas A. Thomas, Chair (R-Somerset) Ronald F. Collins (R-York) Nancy B. Sullivan (D-York) H. David Cotta, Chair (R-China) Lance Evans Harvell (R-Farmington) Bradley S. Moulton (R-York) Michael Celli (R-Brewer) Beth P. Turner (R-Burlington) Andrea M. Boland (D-Sanford)* Bryan T. Kaenrath (D-South Portland) Brian D. Bolduc (D-Auburn) Alan M. Casavant (D-Biddeford) Anne P. Graham (D-North Yarmouth) TAXATION Room 127, Statehouse; (207) Jonathan T. E. Courtney (R-York), Chair David R. Hastings III (R-Oxford) Richard G. Woodbury (U-Cumberland) L. Gary Knight, Chair (R-Livermore Falls) G. Paul Waterhouse (R-Bridgton) Bruce A. Bickford (R-Auburn) Paul Edward Bennett (R-Kennebunk) David R. Burns (R-Alfred) R. Ryan Harmon (R-Palermo) Seth A. Berry (D-Bowdoinham)* Donald E. Pilon (D-Saco) Mark E. Bryant (D-Windham) Elspeth M. Flemings (D-Bar Harbor) TRANSPORTATION Room 126, Statehouse; (207) Ronald F. Collins, Chair (R-York) Douglas A. Thomas (R-Somerset) Bill Diamond (D-Cumberland) Richard M. Cebra, Chair (R-Naples) Kimberley C. Rosen (R-Bucksport) James S. Gillway (R-Searsport) Wayne R. Parry (R-Arundel) Peter B. Rioux (R-Winterport) Alexander Reginald Willette (R-Mapleton) Edward J. Mazurek (D-Rockland)* George Hogan (D-Old Orchard Beach) Ann E. Peoples (D-Westbrook) Charles Kenneth Theriault (D-Madawaska) VETERANS AND LEGAL AFFAIRS Room 437, Statehouse; (207) Nichi S. Farnham, Chair (R-Penobscot) Debra D. Plowman (R-Penobscot) John L. Patrick (D-Oxford) Michael G. Beaulieu, Chair (R-Auburn) Jarrod S. Crockett (R-Bethel) Michael J. Willette (R-Presque Isle) Douglas K. Damon (R-Bangor) David D. Johnson (R-Eddington) Michael E. Carey (D-Lewiston)* Linda M. Valentino (D-Saco) Diane Russell (D-Portland) Thomas R. W. Longstaff (D-Waterville) Benjamin M. Chipman (U-Portland) Wayne T. Mitchell (Penobscot Nation) 6 III Impact III 01/19/2012 For the most current information, visit

7 Participate in democracy... Maine s Path of Legislation Source: State of Maine s web site IDEA DEVELOPED: A legislator decides to sponsor a bill, sometimes at the suggestion of a constituent, interest group, public official, or the governor. The legislator may ask other legislators in either chamber to join as co-sponsors. BILL INTRODUCED: The legislator gives the bill to the Clerk of the House or Secretary of the Senate. The bill is numbered, a suggested committee recommendation is made and the bill is printed. The bill is placed on the respective body's calendar. REPORTING BILLS FROM COMMITTEE: Committee reports shall include one of the following recommendations: Ÿ Ought to Pass; Ÿ Ought to Pass as Amended; Ÿ Ought to Pass in New Draft; Ÿ Ought Not to Pass; Ÿ Refer to Another Committee; or, Ÿ Unanimous Ought Not to Pass. With the exception of Unanimous Ought Not to Pass, a plurality of the committee may vote to make one of the other recommendations. When this occurs, a minority report or reports are required. BILL DRAFTED: At the legislator's direction, the Revisor's Office, Office of Policy and Legal Analysis, and Office of Fiscal and Program Review staff provides research and drafting assistance and prepares the bill in proper technical form. GENERAL ORDER: When the bill is reported to the floor it receives its first reading and any committee amendments are adopted at this time. The committee reports the bill to the originating body as is, with amendment, with a divided report, or with a unanimous recommendation of Ought Not to Pass. COMMITTEE ACTION: When scheduled by the chairs, the committee conducts a public hearing where it accepts testimony supporting and opposing the proposed legislation from any interested party. Notices of public hearings are printed in newspapers with statewide distribution. SECOND READING: The next legislative day the bill is given its second reading and floor amendments may be offered. When one chamber has passed the bill to be engrossed, it is sent to the other body for its consideration. The House has a consent calendar for unanimous Ought to Pass or Ought to Pass as Amended bills which takes the place of First and Second readings. COMMITTEE REFERENCE: The bill is referred to one of the Joint Standing or Joint Select committees in the originating branch and then sent to the other body for concurrence. SECOND CHAMBER: The bill goes through a similar process. If the second chamber amends the bill, it is returned to the first chamber for a vote on the changes. It may then be sent to a conference committee to work out a compromise agreeable to both chambers. A bill receives final legislative approval when it passes both chambers in identical form. LAW: A bill becomes law 90 days after the end of the legislative session in which it was passed. A bill can become law immediately if the Legislature, by a two-thirds vote of each chamber, declares that an emergency exists. An emergency law takes effect on the date the governor signs it unless otherwise specified in its text. If a bill is vetoed, it will become law if the Legislature overrides the veto by a two-thirds vote of those members present and voting of both chambers. For the most current information, visit GOVERNOR: After final passage (enactment) the bill is sent to the governor. The governor has 10 days in which to sign or veto the bill. If the governor does not sign the bill and the legislature is still in session, the bill after 10 days becomes law as if the governor signed it. If the legislature has adjourned for the year the bill does not become law. This is called a pocket veto. If the legislature comes back into special session, the governor on the fourth day must deliver a veto message to the chamber of origin or the bill becomes law. 01/19/2012 III Impact III 7

8 Periodicals Postage Paid Lisbon, ME 125 Community Drive, Suite 101 Augusta, Maine Wed., March 28 w 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. w Statehouse Hall of Flags The Maine State Chamber of Commerceis hosting its third annual Business Day at the Statehouse on Wed., March 28, 2012, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the Hall of Flags (Statehouse, Second Floor). For more information or to RSVP, please contact Linda Caprara, director of grassroots advocacy, by calling (207) , ext. 106, or by ing lcaprara@mainechamber.org. With your participation, the Voice of Maine Business will resonate throughout Augusta!