Went to Augusta five days last week for lots of public hearings, workshops, lobbying and more.

It’s hard to tell if our legislators are listening to their constituents. There’s really not a lot of activity voting on bills and very few roll call votes. Something I’ve noticed from my observing and listening is that many of our lawmakers are following their leaders. Republicans accuse Democrats of holding up the process. Democrats are accusing Republicans of being heavy handed. What strikes me as strange is how their party acted when they were in control. The budget, although confusing at times, could be worked out if only our legislators would take a common sense approach and compromise when needed. There don’t have to be winners and losers. Remember, it’s a two-year budget.

Last week was a busy week — on Monday, April 13, we went to six public hearings. They included:

. LD 997 — an act to streamline licensing requirements for and payments from veterans organizations. Referred to Workshop.

. LD 1111- an act to provide funding to municipalities to assist with the maintenance of veterans graves. Referred to Workshop.

. LD 625 — an act to increase tax exemptions for pensions. Referred to Workshop.

. LD 750 — an act to increase the deduction for pension income. Referred to Workshop.

. LD 836 — an act to exempt the American Legion and VFW from the sales tax. Tabled till later.

. LD 1070 — an act to retain more retirees in Maine. Referred to Workshop.

. LD 1062 — an act to support housing for homeless veterans. Referred to Workshop.

On Tuesday, April 14, we went to hearings on:

. LD 1071 — an act to increase penalties for vandalizing cemeteries. Referred to Workshop.

. LD 1007 — resolve to study the tax exemption provided to nonprofit entities. Referred to Workshop.

. LD 1219 — an act to allow active members and veterans of the Armed Forces who are at least 18 years of age and under 21 years of age to consume alcohol at eligible veterans organizations Posts an American Legion Halls. Ought Not to Pass.

And on Thursday, April 16, we attended a hearing on LD 594 — an act to allow the creation of a local option sales tax by referendum. Referred to Workshop.

Last Saturday, at the Corey Edwin Garver Post 202, American Legion in Topsham, the annual Law Enforcement Breakfast took place. The event, which was started in 1972 by Legionnaire Gil Ormsby, was a huge success. Members of Post 202 are to be commended for putting on a great event. Many of our local law enforcement people, firefighters and EMTs were recognized for their achievements. Many of those receiving awards at this event will be submitted to the American Legion State Convention for recognition. Boy Scout Troop 202 did an outstanding job preparing the breakfast. Post 202 officers, Cdr. Nick Hamlin and Legionnaire Adele Cifelli deserve much of credit for a well organized event.

The Mid-Coast Veterans Resource Center has established many interesting activities — the acupuncture class seems to be a very popular activity. A volunteer is offering a gardening class with hands-on training. If interested call the Center at 406-4103. We’re still hearing form survivors who have lost out on their benefits because they weren’t aware of the benefits available. To find out if you are being left out call Paul Loveless at 406-4103. We’re still looking for volunteers. Call Read Rich at 406-4103.

ALERT! Take Defense out of Sequestration

In an attempt to cut costs, the Obama Administration proposed FY 2016 budget. The request includes a complex plan to merge Tricare Prime, Standard and Extra into one program for all military retirees under the age of 65. The proposed changes would increase Tricare fees for Tricare Standard beneficiaries as well as reduce benefits and increase co-pays for Tricare Prime beneficiaries. It would be a good idea to let your Congressional people know how you feel.

On the home front we’re keeping an eye on the exempting income tax on military retired pay.

Upcoming events

There will be a Fleet Reserve meeting at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, May 14, at the Post 202 home in Topsha,.

The Coffee Crowd is starting to liven up. Red Sox and Yankees — Murph’s gotta set a fire under those Yankees! Bob and Jim have smiles on their faces for the Red Sox off to a great start! Gil is doing much better and will probably return to action shortly.

’Til next time, keep the faith.

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