It’s been busy here in Augusta. We are working hard in our policy committees to review the roughly 1,500 bills that have been submitted. Part of our role as legislators is to determine which legislation would have a positive impact on Maine people.
Every two years, the governor releases a proposed budget that guides the state’s spending. The Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee is working tirelessly to review the governor’s proposal and craft a budget representative of Maine.
As members of other committees, it is part of our job to review proposals for the budget related to our policy fields. In one of the committees that I serve on, the Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee, it is our job to ensure that public lands are protected.
Among other things, our recommendations to the Appropriations Committee was that we keep the Maine Forest Protection Division whole and that we save all of the forest rangers’ jobs and enhance their safety in the field.
Our committee also voted to keep our public reserved, non-reserved and submerged lands in the Bureau of Parks and Lands, right where they belong and to cap the timber harvesting on public lands at scientifically determined, sustainable harvest levels.
Typically, the budget committee accepts most recommendations made by the other policy panels, especially when they are strong, bipartisan votes like the ones our committee has had.
My goal as your representative is not only to work hard in the Maine Legislature, but also to work with legislators in other states to learn about new ideas that will help me to better advocate for my constituents.
Recently, I had the great honor of being appointed to serve on three committees outside of the Maine Legislature that will help me do just that.
I was named chairman of the Maine Citizen Trade Policy Commission. The commission was created in 2004 to give Mainers a stronger voice in federally negotiated international trade agreements and to monitor how those agreements affect state and local laws, working conditions and the local economy.
My role will allow me to continue fighting for good-paying jobs in Aroostook County and around our state.
I have also been appointed to the Council of State Governments’ Eastern Regional Conference’s Canada-U.S. Relations Committee. I am excited to focus on the key policy issues that will promote the mutual interests of Maine and the United States and our Canadian counterparts.
I will also be serving on the National Conference of State Legislatures’ Committee on Natural Resources and Infrastructure.
The Natural Resources and Infrastructure Committee has jurisdiction over state and federal energy, environment, agriculture and transportation programs, legislation, regulations and policies.
Working on all three of these committees will help me to better serve my constituents. I will work to tackle issues that are important to Aroostook County. I look forward to learning more about the perspectives and experiences of other states and bringing the best ideas back to Maine.
As your legislator, I want to hear from you. If you ever have any questions or concerns regarding state government, please do not hesitate to contact me at saucierforpi@gmail.com.
