Maine: Hearing Scheduled for Critical Bipartisan Election Reform Bill

Keep out-of-state interests out of the process, urge members of VLA to support LD 176!

Next Wednesday, February 25, at 10:00 A.M., the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee will hear numerous election reform bills including bipartisan sponsored Legislative Document 176, An Act To Amend the Law Governing the Gathering of Signatures for Direct Initiatives and People’s Veto Referenda, in State House Room 437.

Sponsored by Representative Stanley Short (D-106), this critical piece of legislation would prevent non-Maine residents from collecting signatures or handling petitions in any manner, limiting the influence of out-of-state special interests from using their deep pockets to restrict or limit the rights of Mainers.

People’s veto referendums and direct initiatives were designed for the people of Maine to be able to directly influence the laws that govern them if they do not agree with them or want to see a change.  This special privilege is somewhat unique to Maine and should not be abused by outside money and power.  The process needs to be reserved for issues that are pressing to the citizens of Maine.

Please use the contact information provided below to contact members of the Veterans and Legal Affairs committee today and let them know that the political agenda in Maine should reflect issues near and dear to its citizens, not driven by outside forces and money.

Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee:

Senator Scott Cyrway (R-16), Senate Chair
Phone: 207-287-1310
Email: [email protected]       

Representative Louis Luchini (D-132), House Chair
Phone: 207-287-1310
Email: [email protected]        

Senator Ronald Collins (R-34)
Phone: 207-985-2495
Email: [email protected]      

Senator John Patrick (D-18)
Phone: 207-364-7666
Email: [email protected]         

Representative Henry Bear (Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians)
Phone: 207-694-4190
Email: [email protected]           

Representative Kathleen Dillingham (R-72)
Phone: 207-744-2153
Email: [email protected]         

Representative Jared Golden (D-60)
Phone: 207-402-4410
Email: [email protected]       

Representative Sheldon Hanington (R-142)
Phone: 207-403-3579
Email: [email protected]           

Representative Jonathan Kinney (R-22)
Phone: 207-637-2366
Email: [email protected]

Representative Thomas Longstaff (D-109)
Phone: 207-872-6617
Email: [email protected]              

Representative Kimberly Monaghan (D-30)
Phone: 207-749-9443
Email: [email protected]         

Representative Robert Saucier (D-147)
Phone: 207-227-1160
Email: [email protected]          

Representative John Schneck (D-126)
Phone: 207-942-7886
Email: [email protected]      

Representative Beth Turner (R-141)
Phone: 207-732-4625
Email: [email protected]