We the people are asked once again to make the call — “If it’s going to be it’s up to me,” folks were talking about our Governor’s proposed budget. In my opinion it touches all our lives one way or the other; Veterans, Elderly, Disabled and Disadvantaged.

The Governor said, “I can’t do it alone”, how true, but neither can our legislature act on their own. They need to hear from us, We The People.” Let your voices be heard and contact your local Legislators to let them know how you feel. Don’t let these changes in our tax structure go by without your input; good, bad or indifferent. Most people I’ve talked to around the state say, “it’s time for a tax change.” Adjutant General of Maine, General Campbell says, “ The Governor’s budget is the best he’s seen in recent years.” The bottom line my friends is to voice your opinions.

The past week was mostly snow, snow, and more snow. I did get to go to Augusta on Tuesday, Feb. 3, and sat through the Senate session in the morning and then attended a couple committee hearings in the afternoon. The committee on transportation heard testimony on 3 bills; LD-1, LD-55, and LD66. LD-1 dealt with naming a bridge over the Saco River in Standish and Limington THE VETERANS MEMORIAL BRIDGE. The committee voted unanimously to support this bill. LD-55 dealt with naming the Interstate 95 Rest Area in Hampden THE JOSHUA CHAMBERLAIN Rest Area. There were lots of unanswered questions on this bill. Recommendation was made to go to a work session for more information. LD-66 dealt with naming the bridges that span the Machias River in Machias THE JERIMIAH O’BRIEN Memorial Bridge. Jerimiah O’Brien was a captain in the Continental Navy during the Revolutionary War. Again, recommendation made to go to a work session for more information.

On Wednesday, Feb. 4, I went to hearing of the state and local government to hear LD-10, an act to establish Native American Heritage and Culture Day. Many Native Americans have served in the military. Not enough information available so it was recommended to go to workshop.

On Friday, Feb. 6, Gil and I attended the promotion ceremony for Col. Michael Bouchard to the rank of Brigadier General, State of Maine.

This week looks to be a very busy week in having to contend with the upcoming snow storms.

. Monday, Feb. 9, 10 a.m.: Taxation Room, 127 State House, work session for LD-11, an act to exempt the sales tax on sales of American Flags. Also on Monday at 1 p.m.: Cross Bldg, Room 202, Education and Cultural Affairs, discussions on educational bills LD-3 and LD-65. At 2 p.m. discussions on educational bills LD-59 and LD-97. Tues.,10 Feb, 10:00A.M. Senate and House sessions.

. Wednesday, Feb. 11, 1 p.m. : State and Local Government, Room 214, Cross Bldg., work session for LD-10 to establish Native American Heritage and Cultural Day.

. Thursday, Feb. 12, 1 p.m.: Transportation Committee, Room 126, State House Public Hearing LD50, an act to authorize 3 free sets of license plates for 100 percent disabled veterans.

. Thursday, Feb. 12, 1 p.m.: Education and Cultural Affairs, Cross Bldg., Room 202 for LD-56 and LD-60 -Education Bills.

On Tuesday, Feb. 3, Senate President Thibodeau, appointed Sen. Baker, (Topsham) to serve on the Maine Children’s Growth Council, as established in section 12004-J subsection 16, is created to develop, maintain and evaluate a plan for sustainable social and financial investment in healthy development of the states young children and their families.

The U. S. Congress has a commission to study the military retirement system. We will watch this commission and keep you updated on what’s going on. Paul Loveless, Resource Center VSO, has an eye on this and will keep us up to date.

A reminder to veterans 62 years old or 100 percent service connectedremember your property tax exemption. Sign up with your Town Assessor by April 1st.

At 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11, Gov. Lepage will appear at the Performing Arts, 471 Stroudwater St., Westbrook for a Town Hall Hearing on his budget.

On Sunday, Feb. 15, there will be a 8th Dist. American Legion Meeting at the Topsham Memorial Post 202 at 1 p.m. Commander Ed Morton ( Bath Post 21) urges Dist. Posts;(Topsham,

Brunswick, Bath, Harpswell and Phippsburg to attend.

Plans are underway for the Annual Law Enforcement Breakfast to be held at Post 202 in Topsham. Also, plans are underway for the re-naming of the Topsham Post 202 to honor a local Iraq veteran killed in action.

The Maine Veterans Coordinating Committee Meeting scheduled for today has been rescheduled for Feb. 16 at the Augusta Veterans Home.

My friend Marty Diller has taken a new job, so he won’t be able to edit our column for spelling and grammar errors etc. My sincere thanks to Marty for all his help. Read Rich has agreed to step-up and keep us on track. All smiles from the coffee crowd. The Pats got re-inflated and are Super Bowl Champs!!

‘Till 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.