Dems take Opportunity Agenda on the Road
Lawmakers to tour Maine for budget that cuts property taxes, fully funds schools and invests in communities, families and jobs
AUGUSTA — After an enthusiastic reception at a recent Town Hall meeting in Bangor, Democratic lawmakers from the House and Senate will visit at least 12 more communities in the coming weeks to talk directly with Mainers about the Opportunity Agenda.
The tour will begin Wednesday night in Scarborough, where Democratic leaders will be joined by the local State House delegation at 6 p.m. at Camp Ketcha.
Additional forums will take place throughout April and early May — including a one-day, three-city tour on Saturday, April 22, with stops in Millinocket, Old Town and Hallowell — where local representatives and senators will meet directly with constituents to discuss the Opportunity Agenda and answer questions.
The Opportunity Agenda, the Democrat’s budget proposal for fiscal years 2018 and 2019, calls for the largest property tax cut in Maine history; invests in jobs and the economy; fully funds public schools; makes college degrees more affordable and attainable; supports families, seniors, children and veterans; and provides meaningful student debt relief. And it does it all without unnecessary cuts to current services and without raising new taxes.
“We know there’s a lot of energy out there for lower property taxes, fully funded public schools, student debt relief and investments in our economy,” said Senate Democratic Leader Troy Jackson. “The budget process doesn’t just belong in stuffy rooms at the State House. That’s why we’re hitting the road to meet directly with Mainers and build support for the Opportunity Agenda. Maine’s budget should work for all Maine families, not just the wealthy few who would benefit from the governor’s budget proposal.”
“It is our commitment to be the voice of Maine people in this budget debate — that means traveling to their communities, meeting with them directly and carrying their voices back to Augusta,” said Speaker of the House Sara Gideon. “The problems we need to solve are bigger than this budget, bigger than the next two years and bigger than the current administration. By bolstering Maine’s foundation with our Opportunity Agenda, Maine’s economy can thrive. We all want good jobs, secure families, and strong communities. We look forward to hearing from Mainers about their vision for our future.”
The tour schedule may be found below. Additional stops will be announced as they are scheduled. Click the event heading to RSVP on Facebook!
