I heard much about the overnight sessions of the Legislature but had escaped them to this point. On the final day of the most recent session we did stay past midnight and examining the process of government on that last day/night would be an interesting topic. However, as I await returning in mid-May to finish our work, it is helpful to me to look at what the past almost two years have wrought in this new administration and new majority party.

Two areas I am possibly most proud of are: 1. The new tone being set in government. Regardless of what you have read, your government is more approachable and friendlier to “the people.” I see this in so many ways. 2. I also realized today that as we discuss returning/not returning to deal with the Governor’s vetos, a main reason we are not running back to Augusta is that we are scheduled to return in mid-May anyway and so we are in a sense being careful with “your” money. I am told it costs $15,000 each day we come back. The issues in the veto affect 2013 and can be discussed in May. I believe this new respect for your money is a major change in Maine government.

The list of areas impacted in the past almost two years is long and deep. I have written a few times about the work I have been involved with in education reform. The 125th Legislature has also made significant positive change in health insurance reform, tax relief, regulatory reform, welfare reform and spending reform. We passed a series of budgets (How many years has it been since the federal government passed a budget?) in a bipartisan manner and while we as a majority strive to make decisions that align with our belief systems, we have given voice to the minority party and welcomed them to the table. This session has sought to look to support local control whenever possible.

We tackled a long-term issue with the Department of Health and Human Services (that is still an ongoing issue) and local control land-use issues. The initial tours of Maine communities by the Regulatory Reform and Fairness Committee (of which I was a member) gave us great feedback as to how government gets in the way of “normal” life. The most striking testimony I heard was in Presque Isle where we were told by a Maine citizen/small business person that he did not want anything from government but would ask that we simply not get in the way either. We learned of the process small businesses go through to permit and how often they may need many permits, all found in different locations. Work to streamline this process and to cut the red tape is ongoing and will serve to make Maine more business-friendly.

Finally, we tackled, as mentioned above, areas of the budget that seemed to be out of control. In looking at pension funding, welfare and most recently general assistance, we took hard looks at the real need and the ability to pay. I personally have worked in health care and in the streets of Portland. I know of the great need to protect our most vulnerable people. I also know that there are people who take advantage of the generosity of Mainers. The changes enacted are not cuts but initiatives to encourage people to grow. Again, the neediest people will be supported. The worker’s comp changes include new monies to educate and retrain.

What new chapter will the May budget add to this story?

God Bless you all!

Rep. Mike McClellan represents Raymond, Frye Island and parts of Standish and Poland. He can be reached at 329-6148 or mmcclell@maine.rr.com or on Facebook at “Mike McClellan Politician.”