Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee welcomes constituent input for the 129th Maine Legislature
AUGUSTA — Sen. Cathy Breen, D-Falmouth, and Rep. Drew Gattine, D-Westbrook, have been appointed by Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, and House Speaker Sara Gideon, D-Freeport, to co-chair the Joint Standing Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs (AFA) for the 129th Legislature. The AFA Committee has jurisdiction over general fund spending, including the state budget and bonding.
“The Chair of the Appropriations Committee has an enormous responsibility to see that Mainers’ hard-earned tax dollars are spent wisely and responsibly,” said Sen. Breen. “I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to make sure we are paying our bills, taking care of the most vulnerable among us and saving money for a rainy day. It may be the most important function of the Legislature and I take it very seriously.”
“I look forward to collaborating with the new administration and members of the legislature to craft a budget that effectively responds to the challenges that face our state,” said Rep. Gattine. “This legislative session provides us with a tremendous opportunity to chart a course that will lead to greater prosperity and opportunity for all Mainers.”
Before public hearings on the biennial budget begin in February, Sen. Breen and Rep. Gattine will schedule office hours and welcome the public and interested parties to share their budgetary priorities with them. To make an appointment, please contact Sen. Breen’s legislative aide, Patrick Rankin, at (207) 287-1532 or patrick.rankin@legislature.maine.gov. Meetings will be held in half-hour increments at the top of the hour and 30 minutes past the hour.
“I am eager to hear what folks in the community have to say about how their money is spent,” said Sen. Breen. “The more feedback we get from the citizens, the better job we can do representing them. I encourage folks to come talk to Rep. Gattine and me to discuss their priorities as we start the budget process.”
“We strive to make the appropriations process as transparent and accessible as possible,” said Rep. Gattine. “It is important for the committee to hear from Maine people about their budget priorities and areas of interest.”
Where: State House, Room 228, Augusta
When: Monday, Jan. 14, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 16, 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 23, 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Monday, Jan. 28, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 30, 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Sen. Breen served as the Senate Democrat on the AFA Committee in the 128th Legislature and served on the Environment and Natural Resources Committee in the 127th.
Rep. Gattine served as the House Chair of the AFA Committee in the 128th Legislature. He previously served as a member of the Health and Human Services Committee in the 126th and chaired that committee in the 127th.
Lawmakers are assigned to committees by the presiding officers based on their interests, experience and professional background. Joint standing committees are composed of three senators and ten representatives. The Legislature is set to reconvene Jan. 2.
