As the calendar turns to 2020 and the 129th Maine Legislature returns this week to begin its second session, it’s perhaps wise to reflect on our mission, where we have been, and where we are going.

Our task, as I see it, is to recognize challenges, remove obstacles, and to find ways to make it easier for Mainers to live their lives. With various needs competing for finite resources, we must be champions for fairness. As stewards, we must manage Maine’s natural resources for our children to enjoy. As a Democrat and career-long promoter of citizen activism, I have had special concern for those in the dawn of life, the children, those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly, and those who have special challenges navigating life, the ill and disabled.

We must be responsible financial stewards while being proactive in promoting use of government’s limited powers as a problem-solving instrument. We must do right by women to enable fulfillment of their potential. We must be welcoming to newcomers to join our small and aging population and re-energize our communities. We must prioritize spending to get the biggest return, and do so while supporting an educated workforce, essential to a strong economy, the engine of prosperity.

Despite the tumult of the LePage years, I believe much of substance was passed by the legislature, sometimes with and sometimes without the governor’s leadership and assent. However, from my perspective, important years were lost that 1.) could have helped Mainers with mental health challenges, 2.) could have promoted a renewable energy future, and 3.) could have put a better face on our great state.

I believed the governor’s assault on the legislature raised constitutional issues, as well as the creation of a much-recognized environment of toxicity that unnecessarily wasted taxpayers’ money and hobbled the efficiency of government. Hopefully a lesson learned is this: when two sides each have the ability to hinder progress and the running of government itself, good leadership requires active pursuit of principled compromise for the better good, the art of politics as it should work. Despite polarization of constituents and lobbying groups, effective leadership should demonstrate that compromise to advance the overall interests of Maine people is something to be admired, not criticized as weakness.

Speaker Gideon and President Jackson have led the 129th effectively, and with Gov. Mills, made significant accomplishments in the first session. The governor has created an inclusive cabinet and highly capable group of commissioners to lead the departments of government, and her openness and communication with legislators, and that of the commissioners speaking on her behalf, have been very positive. Mills’ personal leadership has been strong, and, at times, inspiring. Things are in a better place regarding a bipartisan working environment in Augusta.

This is not to say that speeches in the House chamber are without passion and even rancor on certain subjects such as reproductive choice, immigration, and guns. But Speaker Gideon runs a tighter ship than you see on CSPAN of the Democratic House and Republican Senate in Washington. Although speeches can be critical and pointed, civility is served because, in Maine, it is not permissible to question a fellow House member’s motivations during floor speeches, and infractions are swiftly dealt with by Speaker Gideon, who is protective of proper decorum and civil discourse in the chamber.

The 129th legislature tackled much in 2019: Healthcare progress saw put into state law that preexisting conditions must be covered by insurance and family coverage protected to age 26. Property tax relief was provided through homestead exemptions for homeowners, the property tax fairness credit for renters, and increased revenue sharing. And each of the 17 committees saw fruit from their labor, too lengthy to justly summarize in this space.

The new session beginning this week will continue important work by Democratic and Republican members. The governor will inform the legislature of her decisions on several held bills. The joint standing committees carried over 300 bills from last year that needed additional study. Two hundred new bills got through the legislative council. Reports to committees on issues relating to criminal justice for juveniles, attorney representation of the poor, PFAS contamination, and government transparency are due. A supplemental budget will be proposed and addressed.

As bonds expire, new bonds will be introduced, including for research and development, that will require matching funds and a statewide vote. Task force reports on development of Maine’s workforce and the governor’s long-term economic plan will be examined, all coming off very positive economic and revenue forecasts this fall. Yes, the 151 representatives and 35 senators, Democrats and Republicans elected by the people of Maine, have much to accomplish together in the next four months.

Like September for school kids, January provides a fresh start for legislators. Stay tuned. The results will be consequential.

Christopher W. Babbidge is serving his fifth non-consecutive term in the Maine House of Representatives. He represents District 8.

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