Presiding Officers Statement in Response to Governor's Bond Letter
AUGUSTA — The Maine Senate President and Speaker of the House released the following statement in response to the Governor’s letter dated August 7 urging the Legislature to reconvene in August to take up his bond proposal.
In July, legislative leaders agreed to reconvene both the Maine House and Senate in September to take up bond proposals once the Governor released the $104 million in bonds he has been holding up. Lawmakers will take up the bonds at the same time the Senate returns to confirm political appointments.
“We look forward to working with the Governor to pass a plan for job-creating bonds in September,” said House Speaker Mark Eves, D-North Berwick. “Democrats are ready to send the voters of Maine a thoughtful and strategic plan to jump start our economy, fix our roads and bridges, and invest in our future.”
Maine’s economy has lagged behind its neighbors in New England and the rest of the country when it comes to job creation and the economic recovery.
“We are pleased that the Governor is finally ready to make these critical investments.” said Senate President Justin Alfond, D-Portland.” We are looking forward to working with the Governor and Republicans on a jobs stimulus plan, with a strong emphasis on transportation projects, research and development, and investments in higher education.”
The Commissioner of the Department of Transportation assured lawmakers in July that the department’s work plan for the 2014-2015 construction season could move forward as long as bonds were sent to voters for approval on or before the June 2014 ballot.
Democrats have been urging the Governor to release critical job creating bonds that his administration has held up for more than 600 days.
The Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee will meet on Aug. 13 to begin discussions on bonds for September.
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