“My vision for Maine is to create prosperity through a lower overall tax burden for the residents and businesses; a smaller, more efficient government that we can afford; and a manageable welfare system that is a safety net for the truly needy — not a free for all.”

— GOV. PAUL R. LEPAGE

In my opinion, the Governor is being true to the people. He truly has “We The People” in his plan.

I read with interest Gordon Weil’s column, on Friday, March 6. He says “at the state level every tax cut or spending increase must be immediately balanced by other measures that keep the budget form falling into a deficit.” Gordon and I had a very comfortable conversation. I thank him for sharing his thoughts on the Governor’s budget with me.

“We The People” must get involved. We can’t let our legislators do this on their own. Remember, they are no different than you or I. We were the ones who sent them to Augusta to legislate for the good of the people. Call them, write them, let them know your feelings. Let the voice of “We The People” be heard.

We spent four days in Augusta this week. Most legislators are not talking about the budget — at least not openly. The Appropriations Committee is holding hearings daily. Most organizations have highly paid lawyers representing them. Some of our veterans don’t have the money to have these people represent us. We did have a busy week testifying at committee hearings:

. Monday, March 2 — LD-378: An act to facilitate the issuance of gravestones for a deceased veteran with no next of kin.

. Tuesday, March 3 — attended the Governor’s news conference. Note: 70-plus veterans filled the Governor’s Ward Room. The Governor talked about his proposals to exempt income tax for military retirees and survivors. Deo Lauria, State Service Officer for the American Legion introduced the Governor for his remarks, followed by David Patch, Mid-Coast Veterans Council, who presented testimony in favor of LD-280.

. Wednesday, March 4 — public hearing on LD-280: An act to exempt military pensions and survivors benefits from Maine Income Tax. Paul Loveless, VSO for Brunswick Veterans Resource Center , presented testimony in favor of LD-280. Also Matt Jabout, of Post 202 in Topsham, presented testimony in favor of LD-280 — 20 or so veterans attended the hearings.

. Wednesday, March 4 — LD-208: An act to provide funding for maintaining cemeteries within the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery System. Sen. Gerzofsky, Brunswick, sponsored this legislation.

. Thursday, March 5 — attended the regular session of the Senate, listened and observed.

. Thursday, March 5 — attended the Veterans Caucus. Rep. Mick Devlin conducted a well attended meeting. Mick briefed veterans who serve as legislators on upcoming legislation for the week of March 9-13.

That includes:

. Today, March 9 — LD-245: An act to rename B Stream in Houlton as The Captain Ambrose Bear Stream.

. Today, March 9 — LD-497: An act to provide a sales tax rebate for certain organizations providing services to disabled veterans. (Embrace a Vet)

. Today, March 9 — LD-516: An act regarding gaming.

. Tuesday, March 10 — Regular Senate session.

. Wednesday, March 11 — Regular Senate session.

. Thursday, March 12 — Regular Senate session.

. LD-272: An act to amend the law regarding juvenile provisional licenses to foster military service.

. LD-333: An act to help veterans receive benefits.

ALERT: Take heed! We need to let Maine’s Congressional Delegation know we want them to remove Defense for Sequestration.

Maine Property Tax Exception — veterans and survivors there is an April 1 deadline: If you are 62 years old and have 100 percent service connected disability — visit your town assessor.

Need help with a financial matter? Call Resource Center at 406- 4103.

Upcoming events include:

. Post 20, Brunswick — 96th Birthday of the American Legion. Meet & Greet: Veterans Resource Center, Sun. March 15, 1 p.m. Members urged to attend.

. Post 202, Topsham — Regular membership meeting 3rd Tues. 6 p.m., Post home Foreside Rd., Topsham.

. Fleet Reserve Assn.- Potluck and Meeting 2nd Thurs. 12p.m. Open to Navy, Coast Guard and Marine Corp.

. Veterans of Foreign Wars — Regular meeting 3rd Thurs. 6p.m., Topsham Post 202.

From the coffee crowd — Lots of talk about the Governor’s budget. Gil Ormsby is out and about, still recovering though. Dan Boland slowly healing; Ted Bombardier got that get up and go. Enjoy the extra hour of daylight.

‘Til next time, keep the faith.

———

Chick Ciciotte is the legislative chairperson for the Mid Coast Veterans Council. He lives in Topsham.