Just last week Congress passed a stimulus package that President Bush signed to give most Americans a tax rebate this spring. The hope is that the funds will pour back into the economy and ward off a sharper economic downturn. The rebate will be a welcome sight for many Maine people.

In order to reach a bipartisan compromise, the package dropped some of the assistance people rely to get through tough economic times like the extension of unemployment benefits and rebates for people helped by the food stamp program and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. That is unfortunate.

Just before the stimulus package was approved, federal regulators announced that they would be making substantial rule changes and cuts in Medicaid payments to states. This means state governments around the country are scrambling to find ways to tighten their belt further and keep the very important safety net for their most vulnerable citizens. The Maine Legislature is currently working to ease the pain.

Times are tough and especially tough in Maine. The cold weather has not helped matters any and there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight. We are going to work extra hard to ensure the Maine people are safe. During the difficult budget discussions it would be very useful to hear from constituents as to the importance of programs that may be on the chopping block.

As always, I am interested in your thoughts on this issue and other state matters. Please feel free to call me at home at 892-6591, or e-mail me at RepMarkBryant@yahoo.com. Thank you and as always, it is an honor to represent House District 110, Part of Windham and Gray.

Rep. Mark Bryant

Windham