A quote from the Governor when visiting Brunswick April 2, “Anyone who tells you we can’t afford to get rid of the income tax is lying to you. I’ll tell you why: Too much money allows you not to use your brain.”

Last week was a long week in Augusta’s Senate — House sessions and committee hearings, workshops. My opinion is that political in-fighting is beginning. Who’s right? Who’s wrong on the budget? Who’s in? Who’s out?

Following the news, most legislators are trying to level with the people. Budget forums are being held all over the state. Problem — special interest people dominate these meetings: Town managers, mayors, school administrators, campground owners, etc., but not very many grassroots citizens. The people I talk to don’t understand what it all means. It’s my opinion that this budget offers something for everyone. It doesn’t leave anyone out. Another thing to remember is that this is a two-year budget. I would like to see our lawmakers take a more objective look at this budget. This is not a Republican or Democrat issue, this is a people of Maine issue. Most people I talk to are hoping our political leaders will show a little civility and think for the good of our state.

What the people are saying about the biennual budget and supplemental budgets for the current year have shifted to work sessions. Most of what the committees heard in public hearings was “no,” “no” and “hell no!” Changes to the sales tax? “Hate em.” Repeal of state revenue sharing? “No way.” Expanding the sales tax base? “Not on my watch.” Can you guess whose replying this way?

At a town hall event in Presque Isle Jon Frederick, town manager of Mapleton, Castle Hill and Chapman (Aroostock County) asked “While the tradeoff for individual taxpayers may be positive, what benefits will communities like mine that are already consolidating see? What will we get back?”

LePage said he asked the legislature to put $5 million in two pots to help schools and communities that consolidate.

“If you tell me how you’ll consolidate we’ll pick up the cost” said LePage.

Sen. Linda Valentino, D-Saco, has sponsored a bill LD 594; an act to assess a local sales tax up to 1 percent. Large items such as cars and household appliances would be exempt, and the tax could be seasonal.

Bangor City Councilor Ben Sprague also supports local option taxes. He plans to share a resolution supporting a local option sales tax with the city’s Finance Committee next month. Sounds to me like something that would work. How do you feel about this proposal?

Rep. Wayne Parry (ArundeI) asked, “If you have the choice, do you trust your town government more or less than you trust state government with your money”?

Sen. Patrick (Rumford) and Rep. Peterson (Rumford) said at their forum, “Budget proposals leave rural Maine behind.”

Sen. Johnson (Lincoln County) and Rep. Devin (Newcastle) held a public forum in Wiscasset. Revenue sharing property taxes, education funding and affordable housing were the topics of discussion.

Rep. Tepler (Topsham) who serves on the Taxation Committee stated, “As the committee digs into the details, we are asking lots of questions from Maine Revenue Service — the Tax Incidence Report and a distributional analysis of the Governor’s proposed tax plan. Both may help answer some of the questions raised by this budget proposal.”

Legislators are busy talking to their constituents trying to find the best way to please all citizens of Maine. Without question, this is a complicated, confusing and frustrating time for our lawmakers.

What about Maine’s veterans benefits programs? Many eligible veterans and their survivors don’t even know these programs exist, and fewer know how apply. Concerned? call Paul Loveless, Mid-Coast Veterans Resource Ctr. at 406-4103.

Good news, Read Rich, center director, got a call from a Harpswell veteran offering to volunteer. We need more help. If you have a couple of hours to spare call Read at 406- 4103.

On the state level things are starting to pick up. Many of the Legislative Documents (LDs) are coming before the House and Senate for a vote. We’ll try to keep you up to date. We need you to call your local legislators for support. This week looks to be another busy week at the State House — budget talks will take center stage. The Taxation Committee will be one to watch.

“Think Spring” — The Veterans Garden Project: If you are interested call the Resource Center at 406-4103 for further information.

Upcoming events include:

. Today, April 6 — at 7 p.m., the Maine Veterans Coordinating Committee will meet at the Veterans Home on Cony Road in Augusta

. Tuesday, April 7 — at 6:30 p.m., Chapter 15 of the DAV will meet at the Elks Lodge in Brunswick

. Saturday, April 11 — at 8 a.m., the annual law enforcement breakfast will take place at the Corey E. Garver American Legion Post 202 in Topsham

. Sunday, April 12 — at 1 p.m., the District 8 American Legion meeting will take place at the Veterans Resource Center in Brunswick

From the Coffee Crowd: Gil is coming along, had a visit with him and got some advice on legislative matters, Bob has gone to North Carolina for a little golf, so it looks like Jim and Murph are left to mind the store.

Til next time, keep the faith.

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Chick Ciciotte is the legislative chairperson for the Mid Coast Veterans Council.