Sen. Jeff Timberlake looks forward to bipartisan success
Hello. I am Senate Republican Leader Jeff Timberlake.
It’s quite a humbling honor to serve the people of Maine and I suspect you all are just as anxious as I am to see us get started on this new legislative session.
The 130th Legislature will face unprecedented, historical challenges never before seen in this state; however, I am optimistic about our future after hearing encouraging words from Senate President Troy Jackson.
Many of us have listened to him recently say that he wants to work collaboratively with his Republican colleagues and how it would be great if we can put partisanship aside.
I could not agree with him more. It is my hope that the lines of communication will open up and the 130th Legislature’s leadership team will be remembered as one that could put the partisan divide aside to do what’s best for the citizens of this beautiful state.
The Legislature needs to play a key role in the discussion on where Maine is headed. We must be the voice of the people at the Statehouse.
All of our constituents want – or should I say need us to find common ground. We certainly do not have to look far to see what our neighbors are up against – layoffs, unemployment, business closures, remote schooling, isolation, sickness and even death.
Senators, Representatives and the Chief Executive need to sit at the same table to achieve – or retrieve – any sense of balance in our lives that we had nine months ago. Our neighbors, families, and friends across the state want us to work together.
They need us to work for them.
Our economy can rebound. We are Mainers, for goodness sakes.
Working hard is in our blood. None of us are afraid to get our hands dirty. Let’s dig deep.
The pain and suffering endured by our small business owners, workers, and customers – the backbone of our state’s economy – has been heartbreaking; and we need to make them our focus.
Among our first and largest concerns is the state budget which has a big hole in it, including the budget year we are currently in the middle of.
Occasionally, I hear from people who do not want us to work together. But I know from experience that in order to plead your case, you have to have a seat at the table.
From this side of the proverbial aisle, I look forward to this session with a spirit of bipartisanship and service to all of the people of Maine.
Again, I am Senate Republican Leader Jeff Timberlake.
Thank you, and have a safe and healthy weekend.
Maine Senate Republicans 