Legislative activity will primarily be limited to
organizational meetings of committees.
However, the Appropriations Committee will begin work Tuesday and
Wednesday on the proposed 2016-2017 State Budget.
SESSION
Senate & House Sessions – 10 a.m. Tuesday and Wednesday
BUDGET
Proposed 2016-2017 State General Fund & Highway Fund Budgets
– The budget documents were issued late last Friday afternoon. Significant tax changes (elimination of the
estate tax, lower individual and corporate income tax rates, higher sales tax
rate, expanded sales tax to numerous services, and changes in various other
taxes including meals, lodging, liquor, and short-term vehicle rental are among
key provisions of the proposed budget).
NFIB Maine is digesting these proposals and will be asking NFIB members
for their views.
·
Budget documents www.maine.gov/budget
·
Appropriations Committee briefings
o
Tue.,
12:00 p.m. (Overview & assumptions)
o
Wed., 1:00 p.m. (State Retirement System;
Revenue Report; Proposed Tax Changes)
www.maine.gov/legis/ofpr/appropriations_committee/schedule_agendas/index.htm
LEGISLATION
A list of proposed legislation by legislators is expected to
be released sometime this week. The list
will contain titles and possibly a brief description. (A list of proposed legislation by state departments
and agencies was published in December.)
http://legislature.maine.gov/lio/
COMMITTEES
Committee membership was announced late last month. Senate Republicans hold two seats and Senate
Democrats one seat on joint committees.
Seats held by House Democrats and Republicans vary by committee.
http://legislature.maine.gov/house/jtcomlst.htm
KEY WEBSITES
Governor – www.maine.gov/governor
Legislature – http://legislature.maine.gov