While supporting smart spending measures that will reduce FY09 expenditures below FY08, I also supported research & development funding for Maine businesses, helped to boost funding for the repair of outdated bridges & Maine roads thereby creating thousands of new jobs and supported alternative transit options in Maine, including the Down Easter rail service. This was done without raising costs to dedicated funds from existing accounts.  

I supported cuts to the operation and size of the Legislature, tax credits for small businesses and helped reduced county property taxes with the newly created jail & prison unification bill, which fell directly under my Committee's jurisdiction. I also co-sponsored a tax credit package for seniors in Maine that if approved by their municipality can enable senior citizens the ability to volunteer time for credit against their local property tax.