SENATOR GERZOFSKY TO HOST BUDGET FORUM WITH REPUBLICAN CHAIR OF THE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE

Posted: May 10, 2011 | Appropriations and Financial Affairs, News Items, Senator Gerzofsky

The open public forum is an opportunity for any interested resident, elected official, and town staff to learn more about the state budget and share thoughts about the proposed two-year financial plan

BRUNSWICK – Senator Stan Gerzofsky invites the residents of Senate District 10 – Brunswick, Freeport, Harpswell, and Pownal – to join him for an open forum on the state budget on Saturday, May 21, 2011 from 10 a.m. to noon. in the Kresge Auditorium of the Visual Arts Center at Bowdoin College.

In a bipartisan manner, Senator Gerzofsky (Democrat) will be joined by Senator Richard Rosen (Republican), Chairman of the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee.

“It doesn’t matter if we are Democrat, Republican, or Independent when we deal with the state budget,” said Senator Gerzofsky. “Our work and focus is for the people of Maine.”

The Governor put forth his recommendations for the biennial budget and it is the Legislature that will ultimately craft a two year plan. The Legislature’s Appropriations Committee is responsible for dealing with the state’s budget and finances and they will be finalizing a budget bill to the full Legislature. Due to the Maine Constitution, the Legislature is required to enact a balanced state budget, unlike the federal government.

“I have found that the people of Maine want to know what is happening in the Legislature,” said Senator Gerzofsky. “This is an opportunity for me to bring the business of Augusta to the people of the Brunswick region.”

This forum, which has become a tradition for Senator Gerzofsky to host, is a chance to have an open dialogue between legislative officials that are responsible for the budget and interested citizens. It is also very important for elected and town officials who are dealing with their municipal budget. A question and discussion period will follow Senator Rosen’s presentation.

Senator Gerzofsky added, “I always value the feedback from the people I am elected to represent. The Legislature has some tough decisions to make and their input is important to me.”

More information about the state budget and related documents can be found online at: www.maine.gov/legis/ofpr.