September 23, 2011 Hancock County GOP Monthly Meeting
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Eric White at 7:00 at Penobscot School. There was a pot luck supper prior to the meeting. The committee gives many thanks to the Penobscot Town Republicans.
Eric had new folks introduce themselves.
Sherm Hutchins, from Penobscot, introduced speaker Richard Rosen (State Senator District 31) who gave an excellent talk on the recently passed budget.
Senator Rosen spoke for this meeting at short notice due to the fact that Steve Bowen (secretary of Education) was unable to attend. Senator Rosen started his talk with high praise for Secretary Bowen.
Senator Rosen then continued on the budget, pointing out that there needs to be a better job of letting the people of the state know the accomplishments in Augusta.
On the budget committee there are 8 GOP and 5 Dems which include 10 house and 3 senators. Every measure the committee put before the house had received a unanimous vote prior to being introduced in the legislature.
There is a striking similarity in this recession to the one in 1991 but it is worse now. For example, in 1991 there was 7.6% unemployment which took 8 years to drop to 3.3%. In 2011 unemployment reached 8.2% and is still at 7.6%. In 1991 the loss of revenue was 3.6%. In 2011 it was 9.0%.
The appropriations committee set out 4 goals for themselves.
1. Reduce burden
2. Tax Cuts
3. Welfare Reform
4. Education
They succeeded in all of these. The fiscal year began on July 1, 2011. The federal money is going away.
They have 4 new goals:
1. End the era of Budget shortfalls.
2. Build up reserve accounts
3. Achieve excellence in delivery of service
4. Redefine role of state government
The hospitals were paid up through 2010. Governor LePage did NOT borrow any money from the teacher’s retirement fund. Out of 151 legislators, less than 25 voted no on the budget.
Blue Hill Fair: There was a donations pot there. Also the governor’s photo drew a lot of attention. (Some bad but mostly very good.)
The October 21 and November 18th meetings will be at the Bryant E. Moore School in Ellsworth. Speaker Nutting will be the special guest in November.
Minutes from August: David Lind moved and Liz Walker seconded approving the minutes.
Motion carried
Treasurer’s Report: David Lind moved and Gete Thompson seconded accepting the report by Gary Mosley, treasurer.
Motion Carried
Chairman Eric White asked for a committee for the Lincoln Day Dinner. He will head it up but cannot do it alone.
We need a finance chair!
Caucuses: Gete Thompson spoke regarding the meeting on Sept 24 in the morning.
Straw vote: We are still wondering who won the straw vote at the Blue Hill Fair.
Platform Committee: Richard Deckers has gone to 2 meeting already. They have chosen a chairman (John Frary) and secretary and a format.
Adjourn: David Lind moved and Janice Eldridge seconded. Motion carried.
Respectfully Submitted
Sandra Blanchette, Secretary