Senate Democrats end 127th Legislature with near-perfect voting record

AUGUSTA — Senate Democrats wrapped up the 127th Maine Legislature with near-perfect attendance and voting records.

Ten of the 15 Democrats currently serving in the Senate had perfect attendance scores over the two years of the 127th Legislature, meaning they voted on, or were excused from, every single roll call vote. The remaining five senators had attendance records higher than 99 percent.

“Attendance and voting records aren’t just about numbers,” said Assistant Senate Democratic Leader Dawn Hill of York, one of the senators with a perfect attendance record during the entire two-year session. “It’s about doing the job we were elected to do, which is ensuring our constituents’ interests are represented in decisions that affect them, such as education, taxes, environmental policy and job creation.”

Votes during the 127th Legislature included passage of a $6.7 billion budget that cut taxes for everyday Mainers by more than $135 million while investing in public education, job training, law enforcement and health care for seniors.

Lawmakers also put significant resources toward fighting the ongoing drug crisis by investing in treatment and recovery as well as additional MDEA agents. Votes were also cast to restore $38 million in funding for energy efficiency programs for homeowners and businesses, and to protect the integrity of taxpayer dollars in Maine’s welfare system.

“It’s not enough to simply be elected and call yourself a senator,” said Sen. Rebecca Millett, D-Cape Elizabeth, who also had a perfect voting record in 2016 and 2017. “You have to do the work. I’m proud of my voting record, and what it means for the people of my district.”

The 127th Legislature adjourned sine die on Friday, April 29.

###