What should Maine legislators focus on for the duration of the spring session?

Submitted by Susan Young on Mon, 03/31/2008 - 20:15.

The Maine Legislature appears, at least as of late Monday, to be on the verge of adopting a supplemental budget. Now that this critical work is done, what should legislators focus on for the duration of the spring session? Further refining school and jail consolidation? Rethinking the state's social service philosophy? Downsizing the number of state employees?

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Legislature

Submitted by MHMontvile on Wed, 04/02/2008 - 02:02.

It is my hope that the legislature will take this time to seriously examine the multitude of state agencies, looking to find those which,1.,no longer serve a vital purpose,or,2. those with complementary functions which can be combined for cost savings. A writer recently suggested that inertia governs the longevity of many agencies which have outlived their usefulness, but have developed a support system which serves to keep them funded. As new needs are identified, new agencies are created without ever considering which ones could be eliminated. Is there any hope that this situation can be remedied?

Downsizing and Re-Evaluation of the State's Spending.

Submitted by motyqesaw on Tue, 05/13/2008 - 06:26.

I think downsizing the employees and re-evaluating the state of Maine's spending of the state employees and offices would be a start.
I think rather then plunging into social services and education to fix a budget in Maine, the State needs to look into their own expenses and figure out what is going where.
That is my opinion.
I think some over spending is being done on the state level with State offices and employees.
And this should be considered and re-evaluated.

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