During the last week of August, Gov. Janet Mills called the Legislature back in to vote on whether to send a modest package of four bonds that would have allowed Maine to make sensible investments in needed infrastructure — like roads and bridges, broadband, working waterfronts, wastewater treatment and more — to the voters for their approval. These bonds, which typically bring in more than a dollar in matching funds for every dollar invested and were supported by, among many others, the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, also would have helped grow our economy and strengthen our workforce.
The transportation bond, which funds important road and bridge maintenance projects and contributes to good-paying jobs in the construction industry, enjoyed broad bipartisan support. I don’t need to tell you about the condition of our roads — you’ve driven on them, and you know how much work they need. I was proud to support this bond proposal, which the voters will have a chance to approve in November.
However, a minority caucus of Republican legislators denied the other three bond proposals the two-thirds majority they needed to move forward. This political stunt denies Maine voters the opportunity to have a say in our economic future, and will harm our economy.
One bond proposal would have supported the Land for Maine’s Future program, which helps protect our natural resources, and typically enjoys broad, bipartisan support. In Maine, our natural resources and our economy are inextricably linked — our great outdoors, parks system, working waterfronts and conserved lands bring in billions of dollars in revenue to small businesses in every corner of the state. This bond was supported by the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine and a number of other conservation organizations. Mainers should get to decide whether or not to support this program, but unfortunately, Republicans have denied them that opportunity.
Another bond proposal would have provided funding for career and technical education, high-speed internet access and National Guard facilities. These are critical investments for growing our economy and workforce, and something that leaders in both parties highlight as opportunities to move Maine forward. Unfortunately for us all, when given the chance to back up this talk with action, Republican legislators did not rise to the occasion. Instead, a small group of lawmakers denied Mainers the opportunity to vote on this proposal.
Another bond proposal that Republicans blocked would have helped Mainers make low-cost energy upgrades to reduce their dependence on heating oil. Maine is the most heating oil-dependent state in the country. The high, and often unpredictable, price of oil is a burden shouldered by working Mainers, families, and taxpayers, who cover the cost of programs that help folks when they can’t afford to heat their homes. The bond also would have helped communities invest in toxic sludge clean-up. This small investment from the state would have had a huge payoff. But Mainers have been denied a chance to have their say on this proposal.
This obstruction occurred under the guise of “fiscal responsibility,” but this penny-wise, pound-foolish approach is nothing of the sort. At a time when interest rates are expected to remain low, and when Maine has under-invested in critical infrastructure and economic development for years, bonding is fiscally prudent.
At the very least, giving voters a say in these bonds makes sense. It’s too bad that won’t happen.
It is an honor to serve as your state senator. If you ever have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact my office at (207) 287-1515 or email me at Linda.Sanborn@legislature.maine.gov.
Linda Sanborn is serving her first term in the Maine Senate, representing Senate District 30, which includes Gorham, part of Buxton, and part of Scarborough. She previously served four terms in the Maine House, and practiced family medicine in Gorham for 25 years. Senator Sanborn lives in Gorham with her husband, Jeff, a Gorham native. They have three adult sons and one granddaughter.
(207) 287-1515 | Linda.Sanborn@Legislature.Maine.gov