Legislative Affairs

by Judith Harvie, Hon. AIA Maine

The second session of the 122nd Legislature convened on January 4, 2006 as an “emergency” session, which will last about 90 days. Legislators will be reviewing carry-over bills (several tax reform proposals—two of which have reference to a sales tax on A/E services), those submitted by the Governor, state agencies, and those accepted by the Legislative Council. The session will focus on health care, tax reform and energy issues. The Legislature will also consider a citizens’ initiative for TABOR “the taxpayers bill of rights.” Assuming the Legislature does not enact it as written, TABOR will be placed on the November 2006 ballot for consideration by Maine voters. If this tax cap were to pass, it would have a chilling effect on state and local spending for school construction and public improvements

Steve Rich, AIA, will once again Co-Chair the Architects/Engineers Legislative Task Force along with John Gordon, AIA, Robert Kahn, AIA, Don Lewis, AIA and James Pelsor, AIA.

If you would like a copy of the A/E Legislative Status Chart (list of bills that AIA Maine is monitoring or taking a position on), please email me at jharvie@adelphia.net.

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