08/10/2026
My opponent recently raised the issue of my voting against LD 2226. I had my reasons for my vote and would still vote no today. I agree with my colleague, Representative Barbara Bagshaw and I hope she doesn't mind my including her summary in this post.
I voted against LD 2226—not because the EPS formula doesn’t need reform, but because the process was rushed, the bill was not ready, and it contains troubling provisions. The held harmless clause guarantees funding levels through 2031 regardless of continued enrollment declines. The new formula also fails to connect funding to student outcomes. Additionally, the bill carries a massive unfunded fiscal note. We should have waited for the full MEPRI report, done our due diligence, and developed a responsible formula that improves academic excellence without pricing families out of their homes. Our students deserve better.
Representative Barbara Bagshaw
While the current Democratic Majority campaigns on "Affordability" it is important to note, while seniors and working class Mainers are being taxed out of their homes, the Democrats introduced 32 new taxes on Mainers. From streaming services to paint. LD 2226 was an unfunded mandate and then added in the budget furthering the tax burden of an already struggling resident base.
As your State Representative, it is my duty to minimize the tax burden on my constituents. As a four year member of the Joint Standing Committee on Taxation, we work tirelessly against this reckless spending majority.
Maine LD 2226 carries an estimated General Fund cost increase of $70.7 million annually beginning in fiscal year 2027–28.
How much more will be spent? How many bills will be book marks until the waning hours of typical and reasonable debate, then rushed through by the current majority? How much more are you willing to pay simply to watch Maine schools score in the bottom 3 of the nation? Neither the School District nor the government generate revenue, it is all born from your property tax bill.... you have a say in this, your vote matters. I will give my opponent the benefit of the doubt, she wasn't there. She mentions her disappointment in my vote. I have been disappointed by the current majority for four years now. We have a spending problem.... most people don't spend what they don't have, why does this Democrat majority continue to slam Mainers while proclaiming "Affordability" in their campaigns. Vote for change, vote Republican.
