4-12-10 Maine Statehouse Update

Governor's Budget & Legislative Overview

The 124th Maine State Legislature should be done with the second half of the session today.  The only remaining issue is whether or not to send a package of bonds to the voters in June and November.  Unlike the bipartisan budget package, the bond issues are proving to be more partisan, with the Republican leadership urging members to vote against any more borrowing, while the Democrats say the bonds will create more jobs.  At this writing (2:41 pm) the House has one more vote, then the Senate will finish soon after.

The June 8, 2010 elections include primaries for Governor, legislators, and some local positions.  It will also include several ballot initiatives and other bond issues.  I will provide information closer to voting day, but in the meantime, you can find out what's on the ballot here.

Priority Areas  

Lung Cancer

Tobacco tax: Despite a well funded and well run campaign, we were not able to pass a tobacco tax this year.  The good news is that we did get overwhelming support for a tax increase next year.  We and our partners will be doing a lot of education work over the summer and after the November election.

Congress:  Health Care Reform

National health care reform is now law, but that doesn't mean we are done.  There are several committees and groups, public / state and private / nonprofit working on next steps and implementation.  We will be involved in as many as are appropriate, ensuring cancer patients' needs are met - through prevention, screening / detection, treatment, and end-of-life.  If you would like to learn more or be involved, let me know!

Congress:  November Elections

As we did two years ago, ACS CAN and ACS are going to partner on some electoral activities.  We are not sure exactly what this will look like at this point, but we have been talking with partners (AARP, Maine Medical Association, others) about a Gubernatorial Forum, and will probably at least be able to produce voter guides.  We'll keep you informed as we learn more.

This is the last of weekly Statehouse Updates, but I will write more as interesting and appropriate issues come to light.