In 2009 Republican legislators stood on banks of the Kennebec River to pledge our commitment to leading Maine in a new more prosperous direction if given the chance to govern.  We promised to CREATE a state government that is:  Caring, Responsible, Efficient, Affordable, Transparent, and Effective. Last fall, we were given a historic opportunity to deliver on our promises when both the Maine House and Senate changed hands along with the governorship.

I am pleased with the results that we realized this past session, but first I want to give credit to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle. Working together in a bi-partisan fashion, we addressed Maine’s most pressing needs in these extremely difficult times.  We did so while avoiding a government shutdown and the polarizing situations that have occurred in states like Wisconsin.  Leadership made the decision early on in the session that we would insist on a 2/3rds budget and we would create a culture of inclusion, respect and consensus.  This decision has allowed us to put the state on the road to economic recovery as we are sending a message across the country that Maine is truly “Open for Business.”

In the end, members of the 125th Legislature worked together to enact several reforms:

REGULATORY REFORM – We took a first step in changing the culture at all levels of state government to one that makes good jobs and economic opportunity the mission of every department. It begins an ongoing process that will result in future job creation, job retention, and expanded opportunities for Maine people.

HEALTH INSURANCE REFORM – We passed landmark health insurance reform legislation that allows people to purchase insurance across state lines, increase competition, lower premiums and deductibles for everyone, and promote greater access to health care for the 133,000 Mainers who currently do not have health insurance.

MAINE TURNPIKE AUTHORITY— A bi-partisan review turned up questionable spending by senior officials and a lack of official oversight by the MTA board. A criminal investigation by the State Attorney General’s office is underway.  The legislature will insist on more transparency and accountability and exert more oversight over how our toll dollars are spent.

BUDGET -

• Education- The biennial budget increases state funding to local school districts by $65 million.  In contrast to other states which drastically cut higher education funding, our budget made NO cuts to higher education.

• Legislative Budget – To lead by example, Republicans cut the Legislature’s budget by $8.3 million.  This is the largest reduction from a previous year in the history of the Maine Legislature.

• Pension Reform – We ensured the solvency of the state pension system for retirees by reducing the unfunded liability by $1.7 billion.  Changes will save Maine taxpayers $338 million in pension costs.

• Tax Policy – We enacted the largest tax cut in Maine history. It provides tax relief to working families and eliminates 70,000 low-income filers from state income tax liability entirely. Our tax plan also promotes job creation and retention.

• Welfare Reform – We made structural reforms and adopted initiatives that will help people escape welfare and ensure scarce resources assist our most vulnerable people.  Changes include: the establishment of a 5-year limit on TANF benefits (consistent with federal law); an end to MaineCare benefits for all legal non-citizens; imposition of strict sanctions for people who violate TANF rules; and required mandatory drug testing for convicted drug felons who receive TANF benefits.

Governor LePage also deserves credit for challenging the legislature.  Sometimes it takes an outsider to shake things up; look at the status quo in a different way; and then, provide an outline of needed changes.  While he is far from polished, the Governor will continue to “crunch” the Legislature to make tough decisions.  In response, we  will continue to be deliberative and work together to move Maine forward while protecting our most vulnerable neighbors.

When you consider these and the numerous other accomplishments the legislature achieved this session the results are nothing short of remarkable.  Back in December many doubted we could attain anything substantive with the challenges we faced.  The fact is, Republicans and Democrats couldn’t have done it alone, but together we were able to do it.  I believe when history looks back at our work this past session, our achievements will be remembered.  We kept our promises, made the tough decisions together, and took Maine in a different direction that will be more prosperous, affordable and responsive to ALL Maine citizens.

AUGUSTA – The Maine Senate today agreed to indefinitely postpone LD 788 “An Act To Prohibit Forced Payment of Labor Union Dues or Fees by Workers” – also known as the “Right to Work” bill. The Maine House of Representatives voted yesterday in favor of indefinitely postponing the “Right to Work” bill. That means the issue will not be considered by the Maine Legislature this year.

“The right to work is an important issue. It is an issue with which many Members of the Legislature agree,” said Senate Majority Leader Jonathan Courtney (R-Sanford). “The vote to postpone LD 788 is a simple matter of setting priorities.

“Our first priorities this year include regulatory reform, health insurance reform, energy cost reform, and passage of a biennial State Budget that puts Maine on the road to fiscal responsibility and private sector job creation. Republican initiatives continue to make major strides in restoring Maine’s economy,” said Senate Majority Leader Courtney.

Augusta – The Maine State Senate joined Governor LePage and the Maine House of Representatives in celebrating Maine’s Franco-American heritage on Wednesday, March 16, 2011.In a bilingual ceremony, the Senate opened the session with an invocation by Reverend Lionel Chouinard of the Holy Trinity Parish. The Franco-American War Veterans, Post 31, of Lewiston presented the colors as Rachel Boucher Ellis of Augusta sang the national anthems of the United States, Canada, and France.

The Senate passed a Joint Resolution declaring Franco-American Day at the capitol and honored six new inductees to the Franco-American Hall of Fame – Terry Ouellette of St. Agatha, Patrick Paradis of Augusta, and Claire and Gilles Auger of Sanford. Dr. Edward Martin of Rumford and Sister Solange Bernier of Lewiston were inducted posthumously.

In a noontime ceremony in the Hall of Flags, Senator Jon Courtney paid tribute to his constituents and friends Claire and Gilles Auger of Sanford.

“The Augers have spent a lifetime sharing their love and commitment to family, community, and heritage with everyone around them in Sanford and Springvale,” said Sen. Courtney.  “It really is an honor to stand here today and honor them and their induction into the Franco-American Hall of Fame.”

“It is also an honor for me to represent a community that the Augers have given so much of their lives to,” concluded Courtney.

Augusta – Senator Jon Courtney testified before the Joint Standing Committee on Veterans and Legal Affairs today in an effort to secure funding for positions at the Southern Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Springvale.If approved by the committee and passed by the legislature, LD 299, “An Act Regarding the Southern Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery” will authorize $104,026 in the fiscal year 2011-2012 and $198,971 in fiscal year 2012-2013 from the General Fund to fund three new positions and to convert one seasonal position to fulltime.

Sen. Courtney said in his testimony, “this bill is a logical continuation of a ten year old dream to secure a final resting place for those who served and sacrificed to protect our freedom here at home and abroad.  Through the efforts of the Southern Maine Veterans’ Memorial Committee, the Town of Sanford, and countless others, the Southern Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery was dedicated last August, and opened last fall.

“The Springvale location is important. One-third of Maine’s veterans reside in York and Cumberland Counties.  That translates into approximately 53,000 of our roughly 150,000 veterans.  The Bureau of Veterans’ Services tells me that each year, an average of 3,900 of our veterans pass away.  When fully completed, the cemetery will hold the final remains of 20,000 veterans and family members.

“This bill furthers the efforts of so many on behalf of our veterans and their families because it will remove one of the last barriers to interment of those who offered themselves in service to us and our great nation.  The issue now facing the Southern Maine Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery is not one of commitment, location, or space.  It is whether or not there is enough staff support to perform burials.”

Henrietta D. Goodall Hospital estimated to receive more than $5 million in state and federal funds

AUGUSTA, Maine – State Senator Jon Courtney (R-York) voted Tuesday, February 8, 2011 for a Supplemental State Budget which includes repaying an approximate $1.6 million debt Maine government owes Henrietta D. Goodall Hospital.

“Goodall Hospital is a vital part of the greater-Sanford community and Senate District 3,” said Senator Courtney. “We take for granted that our community medical center will always be there, ready to care for our families and loved ones any time of the day or night. But, when Maine government owes hospitals statewide around $400 million dating as far back as 2006, it puts an unacceptable burden on the hospitals and on those of us relying on them.”

“The Supplemental Budget, which I supported, and which the Governor signed yesterday into law, includes a $247.4 million repayment to Maine hospitals using State money and matching federal dollars,” continued Senator Courtney. “That includes approximately $5.8 million of state and federal funds for Goodall Hospital.”

The FY11 Supplemental Budget also:

• Provides money to offset shortfalls in MaineCare, a health insurance program run by the Department of Health and Human Services. The shortfalls are attributed to higher MaineCare enrollment, and also, lapsing one-time federal Stimulus funding available to MaineCare;

• Gives tax relief by having Maine conform to federal income tax changes; and

• Adds an unanticipated $1.1 million to municipal revenue sharing.

The FY 2011 State Supplemental Budget concerns the current Maine State Budget. On Thursday, February 11, 2011, at 11:00 a.m., Maine’s Governor will provide a first glimpse of his proposed State Budget for the next two years during the Governor’s traditional Budget Address.

A summary of the Supplemental FY11 Budget is available for downloading here: http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/