What is one new policy that the state should embrace to make housing easier to build and afford?
Building of affordable housing should focus on a different formula, mainly situated on population and population density, not just on median income. To make housing more affordable I would suggest considering how renters can build equity while new homes are being built to make the first home purchase more obtainable.
Transmission lines, solar incentives and offshore wind development have been controversial over the past several years. What steps should Maine take to meet growing demand for electricity?
Look into tax incentives for those who decide to embark on solar and wind options for their own home or municipality, similar to how incentives were provided for heat pumps. While controversy is important to take note of, it shouldn’t limit considering options for renewable resources if it works for the municipality, the community, and is the right location for such a venture.
Should the state make changes to its tax laws? If so, outline your priorities.
Depends on what area of tax law. Some of the tax incentives may need to be improved. We may need to increase taxes surrounding gas and other fossil fuels if we want to push folks towards renewable options. We, however, can’t overtax our communities so considering new taxes has to be offset by tax breaks that are fully funded. The Stabilization efforts in the past legislature were not fully funded and it has now caused considerable issues in affording this year’s tax bills. The State should do more in advertising current tax credits that folks can take advantage of, and better funding the Homestead Exemption, both in its formula and consideration and raising the percentage of the Homestead Exemption.
We are closing in on the one-year anniversary of the Lewiston mass shooting. Are further legislative responses required around guns, mental health, supporting victims and families or other policy areas?
Removing assault style weapons or weapons of mass casualty from being purchased in an open market; these are for military personnel. Improving assistance and resources for those dealing with mental health, especially those who are veterans or have had previous military service and are suffering from issues that aren’t being supported financially or with case workers. Better work on closing loopholes by granting more authority and collaboration to family members and law enforcement, so a person deemed a threat, can have limited access to weapons. Finally, there needs to be improved assistance with Social and Emotional Learning within schools to aid in helping people at every stage of development handle traumatic issues and process how to deal with those instead of using a weapon.
Describe a unique attribute or area of focus that you will bring to the Legislature.
Facilitation. I am a facilitator at heart and would bring this to help bridge gaps in issues where both parties are not hearing one another.
