Core Maine principles

I have lived in Maine for 26 years and worked on public policy issues for most of that time, beginning with the equal rights campaign of 1982 through my current service in the Maine Senate. In all this time I have learned many things about Maine and Maine people, and the lessons have not changed since I assumed the role of Maine Senate president. I am as convinced now as I have been throughout my career that there are fundamental principles on which we base our identity as a state and from which we plan for the future. I believe these to be basic and essential Maine principles:

1. Providing a quality education to all Maine children is a fundamental obligation

2. Assisting the sick, the disabled and the elderly is a moral imperative

3. A responsible government has a positive role to play in adhering

to these values

Over the last few weeks there has been a great deal of discussion about various aspects of the state budget we are about to vote on next week. Debate is always expected when it comes to such a major piece of legislation that includes so many proposals – and I welcome all comments, from legislators, citizens and editorial boards alike. Numerous improvements have been made since the original proposal in January and there are still elements that cause concern for some. But it is crucial for the

people of Maine to understand why this budget should be supported.

The reason is very simple. We have crafted a budget full of difficult choices – but in every instance we have chosen to defend, support

or improve a core principle.

Here’s how:

. In the next two years, the state of Maine is making the largest commitment to public education in two decades.

. We have preserved essential health services for children, elderly and the disabled.

. This budget fulfills the promise of LD 1 – delivering needed property tax relief to everyone in Maine.

. We maintain fiscal responsibility by cutting $425 million in current service costs, as well as making larger payments to the state retirement system.

This is a balanced budget that accomplishes all of the above without raising broad-based taxes. We have kept our commitment to Maine people and Maine business.

There are parts of this budget that we would prefer to avoid. Increasing some fees and engaging in borrowing are options we have taken, but would rather not. However, and here is the key point, we weighed each of these decisions against our commitment to core principles. In each case, we chose a satisfactory alternative to departing from something contrary to Maine values – and I hope this is the test every Mainer uses to

evaluate our work.

Finally, since this proposal emerged many have labeled it a “majority” budget, meaning that it is a document assembled by the majority and is to be passed with votes from the majority party only. I disagree with this characterization. The budget we are about to vote on is the only budget proposal before us – and no one else, not the press, the Republicans or the policy experts have come up with an alternate concrete plan that

balances the budget.

I believe that many legislators share these principles and I will remain positive about earning a large amount of support. I am hopeful that as the debate moves forward that both legislators and the public will recognize the value I see in this budget – we keep our commitment to core principles and to the people of Maine.

Beth Edmonds is the president of the Maine Senate.