7928-R5_NewGloucester_2020-2021_AnnualReport_Web

H OUSE OF R EPRESENTATIVES 2 S TATE H OUSE S TATION A UGUSTA , M AINE 04333-0002 (207) 287-1440 TTY: (207) 287-4469 H OUSE OF R EPRESENTATIVES 2 S TATE H OUSE S TATION A UGUSTA , M AINE 04333-0002 (207) 287-1440 TTY: (207) 287-4469

Amy B. Arata P.O. Box 2 Amy B. Arata P.O. Box 2 New Gloucester, ME 04260 Cell Phone: (207) 333-1817 Amy.Arata@legislature.maine.gov New Gloucester, ME 04260 Cell Phone: (207) 333-1817 Amy.Arata@legislature.maine.gov

Feb. 24, 2022 January 2021

Dear Friends & Neighbors, Dear Friends & Neighbors,

I want to once again thank the good people of New Gloucester for allowing me the opportunity to serve them at the State House. Challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic still make daily headlines, while many policymakers at all levels of government work to restore some sense of normalcy. Maine’s economy appears to be weathering the pandemic well, as State revenue forecasters project Maine will collect $822 million more than initially expected during the current two-year budget cycle ending in mid-2023 - an increase of nearly 10 percent! However, this is not necessarily a windfall, as we consider the effect of record-high inflation. The Second Regular Session of the 130 th Maine Legislature began January 5, 2022, and statutory adjournment is set for April 20, 2022. The work we must do is substantial. Legislators must finalize the various bills carried over from the First Regular and First Special Sessions. We are also considering new legislation, budgetary matters, proposals from the Governor, initiatives submitted pursuant to statute, legislation submitted pursuant to authorized studies, and more. As I negotiate and vote on various bills, I consider their Constitutionality and if they are in the best interest of you and the State of Maine, rather than what is politically expedient. I appreciate your input as I make difficult decisions. All levels of government are busy right now. The New Gloucester Charter Commission is partway through the laborious process of drafting a charter that will benefit our town for years to come. I applaud their willingness to reach consensus and appreciate their hard work. Whether you decide to vote for or against their proposal in November, you should be very proud of them. They have set a good example that we in Augusta should follow! I publish a regular e-newsletter to keep people up to date on government programs and actions. I try to keep this factual and non- partisan, so it doesn’t contain the drama that you may see in other news sources. If you want to be on my distribution list, please email me. These are truly unprecedented times for our state and nation. Our patience and character are continually being tested during this period of social unrest. Accordingly, I am honored by the opportunity to serve as your representative in the Maine Legislature, and I welcome your thoughts as we continue to weather this pandemic together. The coming months of State governance will unfold unlike any other period in our 200-year history. Now, more than ever before, is the moment for leaders to pull together in the best interests of those we serve. For the 130 th Legislature, I have again been assigned to the Joint Standing Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs (AFA), along with the bipartisan Government Oversight Committee (GOC). The AFA panel oversees General Fund appropriations and general fiscal policy; federal funds allocations, special revenue and block grant allocations when part of a biennial or supplemental budget; the Budget Stabilization Fund; general obligation bond issues; collective bargaining funding; review of financial orders; and financial evaluation of State agencies. The GOC seeks to ensure that public funds are expended for intended purposes, and that programs and activities are effectively, efficiently, and economically managed. As much of our work will likely be done virtually, I encourage you to monitor proceedings via the new YouTube channel, which can be found at https://www.youtube.com/c/MaineStateLegislature/channels. Undoubtedly, the biggest agenda item for lawmakers during the First Regular Session is the biennial budget. The $8.394 billion two-year financial plan will be heavily scrutinized over the weeks and months ahead. I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues to make certain every dollar sent to Augusta by you, the taxpayer, is used as efficiently as possible. Thank you for the opportunity to serve the good people of District 65. If you have an interest in receiving my regular e-newsletter, please send along your email address so that it can be added to my distribution list.

Best wishes,

Again, thank you for the privilege of being your voice at the Maine capitol. It is a responsibility I am honored to have and do not take lightly.

Sincerely, Amy B. Arata State Representative

Amy B. Arata State Representative

District 65 District 65

New Gloucester and Poland (part) New Gloucester and Poland (part)

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