Maine’s hard-working families deserve more
U.S. Congressman Bruce Poliquin
(R-Maine)
Born and raised in central Maine, I understand how tough our winters can be, and how expensive it is to heat our homes. As a boy, on some nights, I wore my coat to bed because it was so frigid outside. Our family, like the neighbors, couldn’t afford to turn up the furnace.
I worry about our families staying warm and safe during the long Maine winters, especially in The County. My grandmother Helen Bouchard and her 10 brothers and sisters grew up on a farm in Frenchville. I remember her stories of being snow-bound with only the wood stove to keep the family warm. The kids bundled up 2-3 to a bed to get through the nights.
This winter, we’re seeing how falling heating oil, gasoline, and diesel prices are helping our families. Mainers are saving, on average, $1,000 on the cost to heat their homes with oil vs. last year. That buys almost two months of groceries for a family of four!
At the pump, Mainers are saving about $20 with every weekly fillup of their vehicles compared to last summer. That $1,000 annual savings buys another two months of groceries!
Our hard-working families deserve a more effective federal government that encourages the increased production and transportation of all types of domestic energy. Increase the supply, drive down the price, and give American families more financial independence and peace of mind.
Last year, paper mills in Millinocket, Old Town and Bucksport closed in great part because of the high cost of electricity to operate their machinery. Nearly 1,000 families no longer receive those paychecks to buy winter boots or pay the mortgage.
Recently, Madison Paper announced that it will cease production for an estimated 2-3 weeks beginning in late January. Again, extremely expensive electricity is a primary reason. My heart goes out to another 215 fellow Maine families who will not draw a paycheck during the shutdown.
For a healthy economy and to keep our jobs, we must solve the problem of unaffordable electricity in Maine. That’s why, in Congress, I’m co-sponsoring the Natural Gas Pipeline Permitting Reform Act. This law will expedite the construction of new natural gas pipelines throughout America, especially in the Northeast. More natural gas flowing into Maine will lower the cost of electricity which is produced by burning this clean, abundant source of American energy. I’m grateful that Sen. Susan Collins supported similar action last year.
Next week from the House floor, I plan to publicly urge other Republican and Democratic members of Congress to vote, together, for this common sense fast-track permitting. Privately, I’ve already started rounding up bipartisan support for the new legislation.
To further expand our energy infrastructure and grow a healthy economy, 10 days ago, I cast Maine’s 2nd District Congressional vote to, finally, approve the construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline. Once completed, with all environmental safeguards in place, more American and Canadian oil will be produced and safely transported to refineries in Texas. This will help increase the supply and hold down the price of heating oil and gasoline/diesel. Our hard working taxpayers will keep more of their own money, and more jobs will be created. I’m pleased that Sen. Collins and I are both working for this common sense pro-jobs legislation.
Aroostook County is one of the most special places in America. Blanketed with sparkling snow, the expansive potato fields reminder me of the beautiful white blossoms of spring.
I’m proud to have deep roots in The County. That’s one reason I’m committed to bringing a more accountable Washington to our honest, hard-working families.
All Maine families deserve a more efficient government that works for them. One that helps build a healthy economy with more jobs, more opportunities, and more freedom — all the while protecting our pristine natural environment.
Thank you for the trust you’ve placed in me. I’m honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve.
