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The Maine Legislature is in full swing, and ABC Maine has been working hard fighting for the merit shop in Augusta. Here are a few updates from the hill!
BUDGET STALEMATE
Lawmakers remain at an impasse over the $121 million supplemental budget, causing a potential delay in funding for healthcare and public assistance programs. The budget, which includes $118 million for MaineCare and additional funding for forest protection, passed both chambers but failed to secure the two-thirds majority needed for immediate enactment.
Republicans oppose the one-time funding approach, advocating for long-term reforms to transition individuals to private insurance. They are also seeking stricter fiscal controls, citing concerns over unchecked spending.
Democrats will have to negotiate with Republicans if they want payments to providers to go out on time. The vote will require a two-thirds majority to meet payment deadlines. Democrats have successfully bypassed the need for any Republican support for spending measures for four years.
With the Legislature adjourned until February 25, negotiations are expected to continue. The outcome of upcoming discussions will be critical in determining not only the supplementals fate but the entire two year budget which will come up for votes soon.
RIGHT-TO-WORK LEGISLATION HEARD IN LABOR COMMITTEE
Right-to-Work legislation was introduced in the Labor Committee by Rep. Josh Morris (R-Turner). LD 187 would eliminate the ability of labor unions to require non-union employees to pay service fees for collective bargaining representation. Under current law, employees who choose not to join a union are still required to pay fees that cover collective bargaining expenses. This bill removes that requirement, ensuring that employees cannot be compelled to financially support a union they do not wish to join.
ABC Maine offered testimony in support of LD 187 as a critical step toward worker freedom. A core tenant of the merit shop philosophy is that union membership and financial support should be a voluntary choice, not a condition of employment. The testimony highlighted the Janus v. AFSCME Supreme Court decision, which established this principle for public-sector employees, arguing that it should be extended to all workers.
ABC Maine also emphasized that Right to Work policies promote economic growth, attract investment, and create job opportunities. The testimony further pointed out that unions maintain exclusive representation rights by choice, making it unfair to force non-members to pay fees.
TRANSPORTATION BOND INTRODUCED BY SEN. BRAD FARRIN (R-SOMERSET)
LD 367 proposes a $100 million bond issue for infrastructure improvements, allocating $85 million for roads and bridges and $15 million for nonhighway transportation projects. The bond will be subject to voter approval should it pass the legislature. The bill is sponsored by Sen. Brad Farrin (R-Somerset), a strong advocate for Maine’s construction industry, and has the full support of Maine’s construction industry.
ABC Maine strongly backs this measure to modernize and maintain critical transportation networks and appreciates Sen. Farrin’s leadership on this issue.