Folks don’t be left out. If you have questions about the governor’s proposed budget, make it a point to ask your local legislators.

Those who use the computer can visit the website and click on the Tax Reform and Relief Publication, “Moving Maine from Poverty to Prosperity.” You may see it at www.maine.gov/governor.

Residents in the Brunswick and Harpswell area have a chance to meet with their legislators at a scheduled community forum on Wednesday March 18, at 7 p.m. in the Town Council chambers at the Brunswick Town Hall.

The LePage tax cut plan is a bold new initiative to make Maine a more attractive home for young retirees to launch a second career and for seniors to retire in comfort. To quote the governor, “I want prosperity — not poverty — for all Maine people. An income tax cut puts money back in your pockets. It is a pay increase for all workers in Maine.”

In my opinion, this is a complicated plan, but most needed. What we have now isn’t working. The average citizen has a hard time figuring out how this plan will help. Sure, it sounds great when you hear you’re going to get to keep more of your money, but you need to know “how come” — ask the question.

You know “We The People” elected our governor and our legislators. We expect them to do the work legislatively for the people. The governor nominated a finance commissioner who was approved by a unanimous vote by both the House and Senate. The governor and the commissioner, along with the budget writing team, sat down and came up with a proposed budget to be presented to the people.

Well, here we are — every piece of this budget has to go before the Appropriations Committee in a public hearing after everyone has their say about why the budget will hurt or help their cause. It will then go before the House and Senate for a vote; then, it will go back to the Appropriations Committee for the final say.

So, here we are at the end of a long drawn out process asking 13 of our elected legislators, 6 Republicans and 7 Democrats (the Appropriation Committee), to decide on the financial status for our state. How do you feel about the proposed budget? Do you know what’s in it? How does it affect you? That’s why it’s important to ask questions: What is the Estate Tax, Homestead Exemption, Death Tax Exemption, Property Tax Fairness, Sales Tax Fairness, Exemption on Pensions, Corporate Income Tax, and Revenue Sharing.

Again, in my opinion, this budget plan will help Maine move forward, but it’s up to “We The People.”

Last week I was down with a cold. I did however get to spend two days in Augusta. I had a chance to speak to some of our legislators. Rep. Tepler (Topsham) has been working on a resolution to thank our National Guard and their families for their service to Maine residents. The Revisors Office told us the resolution should be out shortly.

Rep. Mick Devin (Newcastle) has his veterans agenda moving. Sen. Gerzofsky (Brunswick) is working behind the scenes supporting veterans issues.

We did attend a few public hearings:

• Monday, March 9, Taxation.

— LD497: an act to provide a sales tax rebate for certain organizations providing services to disabled veterans. David Patch, Mid-Coast Veterans Council, provided testimony in support of this bill.

— LD245: An Act to Rename the B Stream in Houlton the Captain Ambrose Bear Stream. I did testify in favor of this bill.

This week we start out with:

• Monday, March 16, 9 a.m., The Appropriations Committee.

— LD443: An Act to Stabilize Homeless Shelters in Maine.

— LD182: An Act to Eliminate Term Limits for Legislators.

• Tuesday, March 17, House and Senate sessions.

• Wednesday, March 18, LD492: An Act to Expand Eligibility for Lobster and Crab Fishing Licenses for Veterans.

• Thursday, March 19,

— LD380: Resolve to Establish a Working Group to Aid with the End of Student Hunger.

— LD643: an act to protect veterans returning from active duty from losing their homes.

• Friday, March 20, LD544: An Act to Assist Maine Veterans and Service Members.

Coming events

• Take heed, Veterans Property Tax Exemption deadline for filing is April1 at the Assessors Office. This is for veterans 62 and older or 100 percent service disabled veterans.

• March 17, “Wearing of the Green.” Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

• Post 202 Topsham: Regular membership meeting, Post Home, 6 p.m.

• March, 19, VFW regular membership meeting, at Post 202, Topsham, 6 p.m.

From the Coffee Crowd:

Happy Birthday to Gil, who is 85 years old, and Conrad in Topsham, 88.

See you all Wednesday at the community forum. Bring your questions.

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