Fischer reacts to governor

    AUGUSTA – While stressing that the details of Gov. John E. Baldacci’s biennial budget had not yet been fully released, the Legislature’s Appropriations Committee Chairman Rep. Jeremy Fischer (D – Presque Isle) had a mixed reaction to the proposals contained in Baldacci’s inaugural address.
     “First and foremost, I commend Gov. Baldacci for articulating what many Mainers feel – pessimism and continuous gloom is neither accurate as to the current conditions in our state nor helpful to the debates swirling around the important issues confronting the 123rd Legislature. The governor’s overall message was positive and bullish about our state’s future prospects,” stated Fischer.
    “I also commend the governor for focusing his speech on the two most important issues confronting our state – creating jobs and expanding the educational attainment of our population. By making these issues the centerpieces of his second term, the governor is focusing on bipartisan themes that should make our work in the Appropriations Committee receive broad-based support,” continued Fischer.
    “I look forward to seeing the details of the governor’s plans to consolidate school districts and freeze property taxes for Maine residents. Both proposals will have significant impacts in rural areas of our state. The consolidation of school districts and its attendant cost savings must not harm the education of pupils in the far corners of our state. That is, and will continue to be, the yardstick by which the Legislature will measure his proposal. Further, the freezing of property taxes for Maine residents must not ignore the consequences on family farms and small businesses. As the engines of the rural Maine economy, these interests must be given due consideration,” Fischer concluded.
    For more information, contact Fischer by phone at 551-3097 or e-mail: repjeremy.fischer@legislature.maine.gov.