The Republicans and the Democrats have come to a compromise and agreed to pass a two year budget. But — wait a minute the Governor is not satisfied, so maybe the status quo will continue with veto’s everywhere!

House and Senate Legislators have been dealing with them and lots of them are being sent back to where they came from. Back to the budget, as I have said in the past, the members of the Appropriations Committee deserve a lot of credit. They stood their ground and did what’s right for most of the people. Give credit also to the leadership on both sides for finally agreeing that it was time to compromise.

Last week, I reported we had 76 bills sitting on the Special Appropriations table and also 5 on the Highway Appropriations table. On Tuesday, June 16, the list grew to 86 on the Special Appropriations table and no change on the Highway Appropriations table. All these bills contain a fiscal note which means action has to be taken on these when we have a budget. Then, they can be taken off the table and added to the budget, killed, or put on hold. What’s going on, you tell me. Many of these bills deal with property taxes, pensions etc. Bottom line, let’s wait and see.

Bills are still being brought before the House and Senate. Wednesday I saw many bills dealing with marijuana mixed in with liquor bills and maybe a gambling bill. The Northern Casino for Native Americans was brought up.

On Thursday, June 18, all talks about veto, Line Item Veto. How will our legislators handle it? Many bills still to be dealt with. Amendments still coming from the committees. Lots of bills tabled till later. The question in Augusta is how long will our legislators be in session?

Got word Wednesday night that LD 1280, a bill dealing with a Casino in Southern Maine finally came out of committee. I can’t report on it because I’m headed to our American Legion State Convention. We have worked hard on the bill. As I’ve said, this is a Maine made bill. Funding for Veterans, the Fairs, Harness Racing Industry, Off Track Betting Parlors (Winners in Brunswick). There is opposition to this bill from legislators. When asked to support this bill many answer “Oh no, I’m against gambling.” Time to let these people know they’re not there to vote on their personal convictions. Time to remind them they’re there to represent their constituents. Many have received phone calls from their constituents but still vote their personal beliefs.

Last week I reported on American Legion Legislator of the Year Awards. Joyce McCreight, (Harpswell) was also selected.

Folks, when I left the State House today people were talking about the budget our governor, our leaders, what’s going to happen? A quote from one of our legislators: “What can we do to make the people happy? We work hard to do what we think is good for our constituents.”

Talking to Jeff Pierce (Dresden), he said, “I don’t care what people think of me, I’m here to represent my constituents. As long as they’re happy, doesn’t matter what the others think.”

Hooray for you Jeff, others should follow your lead.

Sen. Stan Gerzofsky, deserves a lot of thanks from our Mid-coast veterans, also from veterans across the State, he constantly works for the good of issues affecting veterans. Thanks, Stan. Sen. Patrick (Rumford) is another staunch supporter of the veterans. He recently stated, “Veterans should be our number one priority.” Many more of our legislators are on the side of the veterans. As veterans we should take the time to find out more about our legislators and thank them for their help.

Within the budget passed is the governor’s request for Income Tax Exemption for military retirees. Let’s hope it stands. I also heard that legislation for our National Guard to receive free tuition at our universities passed. So far, we did get many of the things we were looking for. Frosting on the cake will be passage of LD 1280, a Casino in Southern Maine, which will give veterans in Maine financial independence.

American Legion Post 20 in Brunswick has come to an agreement with the Evergreens Senior Center. We will assume ownership as soon as we get our contract signed. Post 20 has plans for a dedication ceremony at 1 p.m. Aug. 1. The National Commander, Michael Helm, will be on hand for the ceremony. Gov. LePage and the First Lady Ann have been invited. Invitations will be sent to our Congressional Delegates. We expect a good crowd of dignitaries as well as many legionnaires and their families. We hope to have as many as 200 in attendance. More on this event to follow.

Remember the museum, at Brunswick Landing, is open two days a week, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays and 1-4 p.m. Sundays. Donations and volunteers are really needed to support this facility. Further information can be obtained from the webpage.

Acupuncture, will take place at 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 24, at the Veterans Resource Center at Brunswick Landing.

Teams, donations, and volunteers are needed for the Annual Veterans Golf Tournament. A meeting will take place at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 25, at the Resource Center. This is the one fundraiser to support the Resource Center and is essential to keeping the facility open.

Coffee Crowd: Thanks to Jim for the generous donation for baseball, also Gil for his donations. The Yankees have fallen from first place, but the Red Sox have fallen deeper into the cellar.

‘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.