Thread by @SenatorBrakey

On Wednesday, I supported and proposed many policy amendments to improve LD 3. #mepolitics (1/9)

1. A sales tax holiday, fuel vouchers, and Maine heating accounts were all submitted as ideas to extend relief to Maine people. (2/9)

2. A sunset was proposed on a grant of executive power over sulfur policy, to allow for proper legislative review. (3/9)

3. More accountability was requested over funds being appropriated for paying people to live in hotel rooms. (4/9)

All amendments were rejected, mostly along party lines.

As such, though there were many items — including increased funding for LIHEAP — that I would gladly support as stand alone items, I could not in good conscience vote for this bill as written. (5/9)

While improvements to the legislation were rejected and LD 3 ultimately passed, we succeeded in restoring some degree of transparency to law-making. (6/9)

The last four years may have made the Governor forget, but public input is not optional.

We represent the People’s House — the legislative branch of government — with constitutional duties.

We will do our jobs. (7/9)

The responsibility of law-making belongs to the House and Senate, not the Governor.

We are ready to hear and debate any legislative proposals the Chief Executive has. I promise to ensure they are both heard and debated — not rubber stamped. (8/9)

For the 131st Maine Legislature, I also have 75 bills of my own submitted.

I look forward to ensuring they are heard and debated over the next two years as well. (9/9)