Been talking with some of our lawmakers who say the budget might be ready by the end of May. The Appropriations Committee is working in moderation to try to sift out all the various proposals; Property Tax, Income Tax, Sales Tax, Estate Tax, the Democrat’s plan, the Republican’s plan, and the Governors proposals. Strange that no one is talking about the people who put the budget together. Where does the Commissioner of Finance come into play?

Most of us common folk are confused by all the in-fighting. Eighteen committees are negotiating parts of the budget to satisfy their needs — Education, Veterans, Agriculture, Public Safety, Energy, Environment, Health and Human Services, Fisheries and Wildlife, Financial Services, Judiciary, Labor, Marine Resources, State and Local Government and Transportation.

A lady I talked to in Topsham said, “Hey Chick that’s why we elect these people, they’re supposed to be working for our good.” Another said, “What difference does it make they’re going to do what they want anyway. The elderly I talk to are concerned that they’ll be forgotten and most are worried about they’re property taxes since living on a fixed income gets harder to make ends meet. I shared these remarks with one of the Senators on the Appropriations Committee and he assured me that our seniors would not be hurt by this budget. He stated, “tell them they can relax.” Another comment I take as the truth, “We need to satisfy 186 individual (legislators) egos.” That in itself says a lot.

“We the People” can’t let our guard down we must continue to speak out to our legislators. Let them know how you feel, let them know your situation and how this budget will affect you. How do you feel raising the sales tax, eliminating the income tax, exempting property tax at age 65? These are the things most people are talking about. Let’s not forget the Homestead Exemption — should it increase to $20,000? Most importantly from my view, our legislators must consider what this budget will do for the lower and middle class residents. Most people starting out and most seniors fall into these areas. Let your elected officials know how you feel.

I’ve been down with a cold that just hangs on; consequently, I didn’t spend a lot of time in Augusta last week. I went a couple of days though and heard a lot of talk about the budget. The Democrats proposal “Better deal for Maine” took center stage and was the talk in the halls of the State House. Then came the Republican plan to eliminate income tax by 2020.

Confusing? You bet!

Legislators on both sides of the aisle, at least the ones I talked to, said they were at a crossroads, trying to decide which road to take. Most of our legislators are trying to make an honest effort to do what’s best for their constituents, but pressure coming from the leadership makes it difficult. I think we all agree on one thing — why can’t we get along, come together as one family and do what’s right for everyone? NO ONE NEEDS TO BE LEFT OUT.

From the Taxation Committee work sessions — most of the 14 bills heard were voted as Ought Not To Pass.

LD 365, an act to provide a tax reduction for modifications to make a home more accessible to a person with a disability. This was tabled.

On Thursday, April 23, The Senate reported on a bill from transportation, LD 185, an act to prohibit the use of a mobile phone when operating a motor vehicle except in hands free mode. The House voted (ONTP) Ought Not To Pass and sent it back to the Senate. A motion to table was offered and Senator Gerzofsky (Brunswick Democrat) offered a motion to insist (passed).

The following bills became law last week:

. LD 173, an act to amend the laws governing the Gold Star Family Registration Plate.

. LD 10, an act to establish Native American Heritage and Culture Day.

. LD 43, an act to specify that theft by deception includes false claims regarding military service.

. LD 375, an act to create a Blue Alert program in Maine.

Also last week, a resolution was introduced proposing an amendment to the Constitution of Maine to eliminate the Income Tax; and also LD 1343, an act to increase access to post-secondary education for Maine’s National Guard members.

This week looks to be a very interesting week with budget talks.

This morning we met with the Governor. I will report on this meeting next time.

ALERT — Many of our Legislators are holding Town Hall formats to talk about the budget. Watch the newspapers and try to make it to these informative sessions. Let your thoughts be known. Rep. Tepler, DTopsham, is holding a session this week. Topsham residents please attend at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 28, at the Topsham Town Hall Meeting Room.

Post 20, Brunswick American Legion, conducted its meeting to discuss the Evergreen Senior Club. A committee was established to find out the logistics and the plan necessary to take over the club.

The Mid-Coast Veterans Council conducted its meeting Friday ,April 24. Some reorganization and modifications to the Bylaws were discussed with action to be continued.

I’m working with Gil on legislative issues as well as Post 20 reports.

From the Coffee Crowd — Murph took us seriously about building a fire under the Yankees. Wow! Looks like the Red Sox stumbled a little, sorry Bob and Jim. They say April showers will bring May flowers — maybe a little sun. Lets hope.

’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.