Hello, this is Senator David Haggan of Penobscot County. I’m glad to join you for this week’s Republican Radio Address now that the 133rd Maine Legislature is soon to get underway.
Every election cycle brings change. That is the nature of politics. Sometimes the results are what you were hoping for and other times they are not. Either way, we must respect the will of the voters and get to work on their behalf. That responsibility goes hand in hand with standing firm on the principles we were elected to uphold.
Maine people expect us to listen to their concerns, find common ground where we can and be honest about where we disagree. As we begin a new legislative session, that is the commitment Republicans bring to Augusta.
The end of a campaign does not mean the challenges facing Maine families have gone away. There are still bills to pay, homes to heat and tough decisions to make around the kitchen table. For someone wondering how to afford groceries or whether they can keep up with their property taxes, what matters is whether the work we do makes a difference.
For Republicans, making Maine more affordable begins with respecting the people who pay for state government. Every dollar we spend comes from someone who worked for it. That carries a responsibility to spend carefully, set clear priorities and recognize that taxpayers have limits.
Legislative Republicans continue to believe that Maine should not pass new taxes. Families cannot simply reach into someone else’s pocket when their expenses exceed their income. They have to make choices, and state government must be willing to do the same.
A proposal may sound worthwhile. That does not mean taxpayers can afford it. Every new commitment has to be weighed against existing responsibilities and the burden it places on the people paying the bill. We should be willing to say no when the numbers do not add up.
Working across the aisle does not require us to abandon those principles. We are ready to work with anyone on a responsible budget, but cooperation must include a willingness to control spending. Asking Mainers to support another tax increase while government avoids difficult spending decisions is not a balanced approach.
We should bring that same practical outlook to energy costs, housing and the challenges facing small businesses. We want young people to see a future here, employers to have room to grow and older Mainers to be able to stay in the communities they helped build.
There will be disagreements in the months ahead. Some will be strongly felt, and we should be honest about them. We can treat one another with respect while drawing clear lines on what we believe is right. For Republicans, protecting Maine taxpayers, working families and seniors will remain a priority regardless of the outcome of any election.
As our next Legislature gets started, I encourage you to stay involved. Contact your legislators, ask questions and share your concerns. Your voice matters throughout the legislative session, and we have a responsibility to listen.
We look forward to getting to work.
Sen. David Haggan was elected Tuesday to his second term representing Senate District 10, which includes nine communities in Penobscot County and three communities in Hancock County. He has been elected assistant Senate Republican leader for the incoming 133rd Maine Legislature. Sen. Haggan previously served four terms in the Maine House of Representatives.
