What a week — winding down, winding up — no one seems to know. Looks to me like the power struggle between the Republicans and Democrats are more important than passing legislation. You’d think our legislators would be thinking more about fixing the problems facing the people of Maine: Taxes, housing, welfare, hungry kids, homelessness, nursing homes, assistance for the elderly and disabled and, yes, our veterans — those suffering from the ravages of wounds, disease and want — also the discrimination among our veterans when applying for jobs or housing. Let’s not forget the education of our children. What about the people?

On a more humorous note: We did celebrate an Italian reunion last week. We had lots of “Vetos” around — looks like they’re going to be around for awhile, with more “Vetos” on the way. Our legislators seem to be handling the situation pretty good — sending most vetos back to where they came from deported? override?

On Monday, June 8, as our Republican House members emerged from their daily caucus, they were wearing a badge “We R the 68” and pledged to stay together and fight for their agenda. What about the people? I haven’t seen any badges on the Democrats, but they are also sticking to their ideals. Again, “What about the people?”

Where are we with the budget? Will we have a shut down? No one really knows. Talking to people on the Appropriations Committee who, by the way, are truly hard working, dedicated people who are honestly trying to do their job. Do what’s best and fair for the people of Maine — but again Democrat and Republican politics. Party leadership are trying to get their agendas in place. I believe if our people on Appropriations were left alone to do their job, we would all be better off — of course, these are all my opinions. I do sit in the Senate Chamber every day during the Senate session. I watch and listen. The power surge sprinkled with a lot of ego is very obvious. Most votes on roll-calls are along party lines, Republican controlled, 20 Republican Senators, 15 Democratic Senators. Once in a while you’ll see a break in party politics and people will cross over.

When last week started, we still had an estimated 550 bills to be acted on — 300 of those came out of committee with amendments. By Thursday (last week) we were down to an estimated 400 bills to be heard — 208 of which came out of committee with amendments. As of Friday, June 12, there were still 320 bills to be heard — 150 of which were out of committee with amendments. Wednesday, June 17, is when they are supposed to be finished. Doesn’t look like it is going to happen!

Starting Monday, June 8, there were 53 bills on the Special Appropriations Table and 5 on the Special Highway Table. When I left Friday there were 76 bills on the Special Appropriations Table and still 5 on the Special Highway Table. Will we have a budget passed by the deadline? You be the judge.

The hot topic in Augusta for veteran racing fans, Off Track Betting Parlors, Fair Association, Horse Owners and those associated with the Harness Racing Industry is LD 1280 — an act to authorize a Resort Casino, with hotel and restaurants in southern Maine. As I stated last week, this is Maine made. Funds will be available to rescue our harness racing industry, our Fairs, our Off Track Betting Parlors and our veterans.

These are things that are important to a lot of us. If you get a chance, call your legislators and ask them to support LD 1280. Thanks.

The Summer Food Service Program is a national program that provides free meals to children during the summer months. It is sponsored locally by the Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program, in partnership with the Maine Department of Education. There will be more than 100 sites throughout the state this summer and, beginning June 1st, you’ll be able to get the list at www.211maine.org or by calling 211. There are 11 sites in our area. These site will service anyone age 2-18. For further information, contact Savannah MacLean at [email protected].

American Legion Post 20 Brunswick is finalizing it’s contract with the Evergreen Senior Center. The Legion is planning on a dedication ceremony on Saturday, August 1. American Legion National Commander Michael D Holm will be on hand for the ceremony — much more to come about this event.

American Legion State of Maine Annual Convention will take place from Friday, June 19, to Sunday, June 21. Post 20 Brunswick along with Legion Posts in the Mid-coast area will join together in Bangor. Many awards will be handed out including Legislator of the Year Awards to 14 House members and five members of the Senate. Locally, Sen. Gerzofsky (Brunswick) and Rep. Tepler (Topsham) will be honored. Sgt. Jonathan O’Connor, from the Brunswick Police Department has been selected as this year’s American Legion, Department of Maine Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. He will be honored at the Convention on Saturday June 20. Congratulations! Post 20 Americanism Officer, Gil Ormsby nominated Officer O’Connor for the prestigious award.

Chapter 15 Brunswick Disabled Veterans Commander George McConnan is calling to revitalize the chapter’s membership attendance. Chapter members are urged to call 725-8543 for more information.

The National Legislative Branch of the American Veterans (AMVETS) reports that since 9/11 many reservists have reported difficulty finding and obtaining jobs. Studies have shown that inclusion of military service on the resume will receive less interest from employers than one excluding service. Veterans need to speak out. Discrimination against veterans is a no — no! Call your Congressional people, Sen Collins, Sen King, Rep. Poloquin, Rep. Pingree, and ask them to take action.

The Coffee Crowd seems to be dwindling down. I’ve been in Augusta, so I don’t know a lot about what’s going on. I do know though that Murph is sitting on top (Yankees) and Jim, Bob and Cliff (Red Sox) are looking ahead. Of course, Dante just keeps smiling.

’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.