We are now headed into the busiest times in the 127th Legislative Session with more than 1,500 bills to be heard before June.

I serve on two committees: Judiciary, where the committee hears bills related to a broad range of critical issues such as the public’s right to know and civil rights, and Marine Resources, where we are considering bills about lobstering, clamming, worming and aquaculture, to name a few. We are hearing from those concerned about challenges to these critical parts of Maine’s economy, lifestyle and heritage such as management of invasive species and ocean acidification.

The state budget for the next two years is on everyone’s mind, and the process of working through it is under way. The Appropriations Committee, which holds public hearings on each section of the budget, is hard at work.

Many of you have been emailing me your feedback about the budget, and I just want to thank you all for reaching out to me. What I have heard so far is that many constituents foresee some very negative changes in their lives if certain parts of the governor’s budget make it into law.

Specifically, people have written to me opposing the end of revenue sharing because they know it will cause property taxes to go up. They have said that taxing non-profits will do more harm than good. And they fear eliminating programs that help seniors on fixed incomes afford life-saving medicines.

My colleagues and I are working toward a responsible budget compromise that is fair to everyone. I want to make sure we pass something that makes life in Maine better — not worse.

Please note that legislative sessions and committee proceedings on all topics are open to the public, and I invite you to visit. As I was told the first time I visited the State House as a member of the public: “It’s your House.” Everyone is welcome!

There are websites to help you stay informed. You can even follow the budget negotiations online by reading the daily updates on the Appropriations Committee blog at https://mainebudget2013.wordpress.com, and you can follow specific bills of interest at http://legislature.maine.gov/ LawMakerWeb/search.asp.

Another good site to check is the State Treasurer’s list of unclaimed property. A lot of people have money that belongs to them go missing when they move, when contact information is wrong, or if there are problems with an inheritance. That money ends up in the State Treasurer’s Office until it is claimed by its rightful owner. I definitely recommend doing a search to see if you (or someone you know) are on the list: www.maine.gov/upsearch.

I’d love to see you in Augusta, but you can also contact me at jay.mccreight@ legislature.maine.gov. Let me know what’s on your mind.

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Rep. Joyce “Jay” McCreight, D-Harpswell, is serving her first term in the Legislature. She represents Harpswell, West Bath and northeastern Brunswick.