Dem Weekly Radio Address: Dutremble says, “We need a better budget deal for Maine.”

Good Morning. This is State Senator David Dutremble from Biddeford.

When I’m not up in Augusta serving in the Legislature, I’m a Lieutenant firefighter at the Biddeford Fire Department. As you’d expect, the shifts are long and the work is, at times, rigorous. The best part about working as a firefighter is knowing you’re helping people.

Sen. David Dutremble of Biddeford

But as those of us who work in public safety know, we are expected to do our job regardless of circumstance. What do I mean by that? Well, we don’t get snow days. Our “office” is open 24-7. And, we certainly don’t close early for a long weekend.

Year after year, we’re asked to do more with less. Fire trucks get older and aren’t replaced as fast. New technology and equipment emerge faster than budgets are passed. And, this is certainly not unique to fire departments. Schools, libraries, police departments, and public works are all participating in this delicate, under-funded budget dance.

Investments in these things like our schools and public safety strengthen our communities and are key to a prosperous Maine. Without critical funding, our roads are riddled with potholes and our sidewalks crumble; our schools can’t offer competitive learning environments, and our police departments are understaffed.

These are the very scenarios being discussed at the Legislature as it reviews Governor LePage’s two year budget. While the governor’s budget is a serious proposal with some ideas worthy of consideration, his budget takes us in the wrong direction.

Rather than putting more money in the pockets of working Mainers, his plan gives a tax break to Mainers who earn the most–individuals making more than $175,000 per year.

Rather than working with towns and cities, his budget slashes revenue sharing–the state’s promise to help municipalities fund education, public safety and public works. Without this money, communities will have to cut services or raise property taxes–or, do both!

Speaking of property taxes, Governor LePage’s budget eliminates the Homestead Exemption for everyone except those over the age of 65. During the public hearing, dozens of senior citizens showed up and protested this change–saying they don’t need the tax break as much as their children or grandchildren do. How else can we expect young families to realize the American Dream of homeownership?

And, rather than strengthening our community partners like our non-profits, Gov. LePage makes an unprecedented move by proposing to tax them. In my hometown, that means taxing organizations like Southern Maine Health Care–one of the area’s largest employers.

We need a better deal for Maine.

We need a budget that that invests in our schools; in our communities like the important services that keep our towns running–road maintenance and police and fire protection.

And, we need to invest in the future of our state.

We need a budget that lowers taxes for working and middle class Mainers and ensures the wealthy and corporations pay their fair share.

We need a budget that is paid for; fiscally responsible; and, will help grow our economy.

We need a budget that leaves nonprofits alone and saves jobs at some of the state’s largest employers.

Maine’s economy is still lagging. Mainers are still struggling and feel unsure about their economic future.

We need to do something about that.

We all know even with our own personal finances that we use a multi-pronged approach: Our paychecks bring in money; we pay our bills. Plan for the future. And, invest in the things that enhance our lives.

Seems like a reasonable approach for state government too.

Let’s earn money for our state by making sure everybody and every corporation pays its fair share.

Let’s pay our bills–like to our towns with revenue sharing.

And, let’s invest in the things that matter, like schools.

I look forward to the work lawmakers can do together to tap in to Maine’s economic prosperity and maximize our potential.

Thank you for listening. This is State Senator David Dutremble of Biddeford. Wishing folks a Happy Passover and Happy Easter weekend.

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